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The Global Parks
Cedar Fair Completes Refinancing of Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced that it has successfully completed the refinancing of its existing senior secured credit faciltities with new senior secured credit facilities (the “2010 Senior Secured Credit Facilities”), consisting of a $260 million revolving credit facility and a $1,175 million term loan.
“By successfully refinancing our debt, we accomplished two priorities: greater certainty within our capital structure and significantly enhanced financial flexibility,” said Dick Kinzel, Cedar Fair’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The fact that we were able to complete a transaction like this in an uncertain economic environment is a testament to the enthusiasm our lending partners have for our business model, growth potential and value creation. We truly appreciate the strong support of our relationship banks and the debt capital markets.”
The refinancing significantly extends the maturities of the Company’s debt, with the revolving credit facility maturing in July 2015 and the senior secured term loan maturing in December 2016. “This financing provides us with long-term stability in our capital structure as our earliest debt maturity, the revolving credit facility, is five years out,” added Peter Crage, Cedar Fair’s corporate vice president of finance and chief financial officer. “In addition, we believe the new covenants offer us the necessary flexibility we need to successfully pursue our strategy, which includes continued re-investment in our parks, debt reduction, as well as distributions at an appropriate time in the future.”
Valleyfair plans big expansion
A substantial expansion is coming to Valleyfair for the start of the 2011 season.
Officials for the 34-year-old amusement park in Shakopee will reveal the details on Aug. 6.
The expansion will be of "pretty significant proportions," said Valleyfair spokesman Tom Memmen, declining to give away the specifics. He did say it's something that park operators "hope will encourage families to continue to come out."
Faulty cable blamed for Ferris wheel malfunction
State inspectors have determined the stoppage of a Ferris wheel at York's Wild Kingdom Zoo & Amusement Park was caused by a malfunctioning cable.
The ride's drive cable lost tension, the cable became bound and "the ride did exactly what it should have done — it stopped," said Rich McCarthy, senior plans examiner for the Maine fire marshal's office in Augusta.
The Ferris wheel at the popular tourist attraction remained closed Thursday, and the park is working with the manufacturer of the ride to secure parts to fix it.
‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended at Walt Disney World
Just as scores of you had hoped – we’re leaving the lights on and extending Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” at Walt Disney World. By popular demand, the parade at Magic Kingdom Park will continue an open-ended run when “Summer Nightastic!” ends on August 14.
It’s probably no surprise to hear that the parade has been one of our highest rated entertainment experiences at Magic Kingdom Park since returning in early June. It’s been an “overwhelming success,” according to Park Vice President Phil Holmes. And now, you’ll be able to continue cheering and humming “Baroque Hoedown.”
Coaster lovers take marathon ride for good cause
Mike Albrycht of West Carrollton rode the Racer so many times on Thursday, July 29, that by 2 p.m. not being on a roller coaster felt unusual to him.
“I feel motion sick when we’re not moving,” Albrycht said as he took a quick water break between ride 72 and 73 on the Racer’s red car. “This is how life should be.”
Albrycht and a group of 30 other ambitious riders whose love of roller coasters were matched only by the size of their hearts rode the Racer roller coaster for 10 hours Thursday to raise money for ailing children.
OC Roller Coaster Remains Closed After Accident
The Tidal Wave roller coaster in the Trimper’s Amusement Park at the foot of the Boardwalk remained dark this week, as state and private sector inspectors continued to sort out what caused an accident that injured three children last Thursday.
Around 9:30 p.m. last Thursday, Ocean City Police and Fire Department units were dispatched to the area of Trimper’s Rides on the south end of the Boardwalk for what was initially reported as a structure fire. However, when police and fire crews arrived, they learned there was not a fire but, instead, an amusement park ride accident involving the Tidal Wave roller coaster.
Police and fire crews determined the Tidal Wave had malfunctioned causing a steel cable to break, which, in turn, created sparks and smoke that initially led them to believe a fire had occurred. As a result of the ride malfunction, three children, between the ages of 10 and 15 years old, sustained injuries and were transported by Ocean City paramedics to area hospitals with undisclosed injuries, none of which appeared to be life threatening.
Attendance rebounds at First Coast amusement parks
At Adventure Landing, the Eye of the Storm sends riders down curving chutes before they slide onto a big plastic bowl that sends them spinning around until they drop with a free-fall into a tank of water.
Hank Woodburn, president of Adventure Landing, points to Eye of the Storm and says its twists and turns resemble what it's been like to run a theme park in the recession.
Adventure Landing Holdings, which owns the Jacksonville Beach water park plus nine smaller locations in four states, experienced a 5 percent drop in revenue in 2009.
Wizarding World: Falling under Harry Potter's spell
Having long hair has some curious fringe benefits. When I’m hanging upside down at 70 miles an hour, thanks to the hair I can barely see that I’m about to collide with another roller coaster.
Thankfully, the carriage slows down and the scariest 145 seconds of my life are over. And despite the fact there’s a little bit of sick in my mouth and tears in my eyes, the first words I utter while wobbling towards the exit are: ‘That was brilliant. Let’s do it again.’
The Dragon Challenge is the first roller coaster I’ve been on since I was 19. As you get older, the appeal of theme parks wears off and they become the domain of thrill-seeking families, adrenalin-addicted ten-year-olds and lusty teenagers in search of a legal high. My desire to ‘scream to go faster’ disappeared along with my acne, so it’s strange that nearly two decades later I find myself in the theme park capital of the world, Orlando.
Cedar Point: At least 100 jobs still available, interviews Sunday
Cedar Point will hold open interviews from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday for more than 100 positions that will be available for the remainder of the park's 2010 operating season.
The interviews will be held in the Ballroom of the Castaway Bay indoor waterpark resort, 2001 Cleveland Road, in Sandusky.
A variety of positions will be available through the end of the season. All applicants need to complete an online application prior to attending the open interviews.
Snoopy Turns 60! Cedar Fair Amusement Parks celebrate historic event on August 8, 2010
Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the lovable PEANUTS characters have brought smiles and laughter to people of all ages for decades. In fact, this summer the group will be celebrating their 60th anniversary. In honor of that historic milestone, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company's 11 amusement parks will host a variety of celebrations on Sunday, August 8.
>From family-friendly scavenger hunts and mask decorating to special events and giveaways, the Cedar Fair parks are preparing for a celebration like no other. Additionally, several parks will offer guests a discount on their admission ticket when they bring in a donation for animal-friendly charities and organizations.
"The PEANUTS characters have been a wonderful addition to our parks because they're loved by people of all ages," said Dick Kinzel, Cedar Fair's chairman, president and CEO. "Children are just as excited to meet Snoopy as their parents are. It really makes a trip to one of our parks extra special for families."
Looking for a 'Jolly' good time?
Offering more than 25 rides, Jolly Roger Amusement Park aims to be one of the most enjoyable family destinations in Ocean City.
Located on Coastal Highway, the 36-acre attraction features the original amusement park built in the 1960s, Splash Mountain Water Park, Speedworld and two miniature golf courses.
Steve Pastusak, the park’s general manager, said the key to having more than 40 successful years is always striving to offer the best in family entertainment.
2011 Walt Disney World Marathon Medal Design Revealed!
Over 50,000 votes were cast & Disney is now revealing the official 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon medal design. This is the first medal design chosen by racers, who voted on the official Walt Disney World Marathon website.
Registration for the event is still open, with a variety of activities to choose from. The 26.2 mile Walt Disney World Marathon takes you through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks starting at Epcot, continuing on to the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For those wishing to participate, but don’t want the full 26 mile experience, have the option of registering for a 13 mile “Half Marathon” event, or the “Family Fun Run 5K.” All events will take place between January 6th & the 9th, 2011.
Wet set: Wing it with just water rides
When the heat is on, one sure-fire way to cool off is with theme park water rides. A good drenching or light spritzing is effective against the Florida sun this time of year.
The down side is the aftermath: wet clothes, squishy shoes, damp socks and the related misery. You might be cooler for the rest of the day, but you also will be waterlogged.
One solution? Dress for excess water and then go home. Some friends and I do that a couple of times a year. The agenda is simple: Hit the three big splashes of Islands of Adventure and we're out of there without spending the whole day in soggy swimwear.
Weekday Record Attendance Set at 2010 California State Fair
Over 73,000 fairgoers took advantage of the spring-like weather and numerous State Fair discounts on Tuesday. The special deals included Kids’ Day where children 12 and under got in for FREE, and the Recession Special where any current unemployed Californian (with the required documentation) was allowed into the Fair without having to pay for admission. Additionally, fairgoers took advantage of the dollar rides for the Magnificent Midway, the unlimited ride wristbands that were offered as a pre-Fair discount and the 25% reduced food prices over last year.
“The California State Fair is pleased to see families taking advantage of the special discounts that we have been offering as well as the incredible weather we have been experiencing here in Sacramento,” said Norb Bartosik, General Manager and CEO of the California State Fair.
What happens to your insides when you ride a roller coaster
You know that feelingwhen you're on a roller coaster and the car takes that first big plunge?
Your insides are crawling or you're losing feeling in your legs, and you think it's just nerves. But NASA scientist and trained astronaut Patricia Cowings says, no, it's real.
"Your stomach and all of your guts are really floating up under your rib cage," Cowings said. "And almost all fluids in your body move toward your head." You're experiencing for a split second what it's like to be an astronaut in space.
Las Vegas Sands names Wing Chao as a director
Casino developer and operator Las Vegas Sands Corp. said on Thursday that it has named Wing Chao as a director.
Chao retired from Disney in 2009, where he had been vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering.
He oversaw master planning, architecture, and development of Disney's land holdings.
Cabela's Inc. Announces Plans for Store in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Cabela's Incorporated announced today plans to bring the Cabela's retail experience to loyal customers in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and the surrounding area.
Cabela's expects to open the Edmonton store in fall of 2011. The 70,000-square-foot building will be located in the new Currents of Windermere shopping development on Windermere Boulevard, between Terwillegar Drive and Anthony Henday Drive. This store will be the second Cabela's location in Canada, joining the Winnipeg store, which was converted from the S.I.R. Warehouse Sports Store in May 2008.
Cabela's purchased S.I.R. in 2007 as a launching pad for the company's planned expansion into Canada. The S.I.R. facilities acquired through the purchase became the headquarters for Cabela's Canadian operations.
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Amusement Parks & Arcades" report to their offering.
The US amusement parks and arcades industry includes about 3,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $13 billion. Major theme park companies include Walt Disney, Six Flags, Cedar Fair, SeaWorld, and Universal Parks & Resorts; major arcade operators include Namco Cybertainment, Dave & Buster's, and Chuck E Cheese's (owned by CEC Entertainment). The industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 85 percent of revenue.
Transit workers take final pricey trip to Great Adventure
Thousands of transit workers and their families will head to Great Adventure on Saturday, the last of three trips to the amusement park that former officials of the cash-strapped union negotiated for a hefty $2 million.
As amNewYork reported in January, prior Transport Workers Union Local 100 leaders agreed in 2008 to shell out the $2 million to cover one blowout “Family Day” at the park, but it was expanded to three trips after attendance was spotty.
The current union leadership defended their decision to go to the New Jersey park this weekend, saying that the trip was already paid for and there was no way they could get their money back. Officials also said that while the current festivities are popular, the union will probably opt for something more subdued in the future for their family outings.
Hawaii Tourism Set to Soar as Disney Moves In
In their first major announcement regarding Hawaii's newest attraction, Walt Disney Co. have released information on their latest resort. Due to be completed next year, the beachside resort is set to increase tourist numbers to the popular holiday destination.
Whilst not being affiliated with a theme park, Disney's 'Aulani' resort will have the branding and services needed to attract holidaymakers from across the world. A new undertaking by the company who have, until now, only built hotel resorts around their theme parks, Walt Disney's chairman of Parks and Resorts, Tom Staggs, revealed "This is a very special project for us. It's unlike anything that Disney has done before; at the same time, it's very like many of the things we do."
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe moving forward with water park
By the end of October, the last of the building that was the Soaring Eagle Inn and Conference Center and also the site of the former Holiday Inn will be gone.
The Tribal Council for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has decided to move forward on the Soaring Eagle Inn and Water Park which will begin construction in the spring of 2011.
"There had been many discussions over the past several months whether or not to relocate the water park closer to the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort," said Frank Cloutier, spokesman for the Tribe in a press release. "After much deliberation, it was decided that the current location of the Inn creates the best opportunity for everyone involved."
Victoria’s Incredible Pizza Company To Relocate
Victoria’s Incredible Pizza Company announced today it has set its final day of operation to August 8th, 2010. The Springfield, Missouri based family entertainment center chain will be moving the Victoria stores furnishings, fixtures and equipment to Memphis, TN where it will open a second location.
Rick Barsness, CEO of America’s Incredible Pizza Company and former Victoria, TX resident said, “We are sad to announce the final day of operations for our Victoria location. We enjoyed many good years in the community and are grateful for all the wonderful customers and friends who created many fun memories with us over the years.” The company announced several Victoria employees who were offered positions in the new location will be transferring their employment to the new Hickory Ridge Mall location in Memphis, TN.
Wisconsin State Fair kicks off Aug. 5
The 2010 Wisconsin State Fair, which will be held Aug. 5-15 at Wisconsin State Fair Park, showcases some of the best this state has to offer — whether it be agriculture, horticulture, culinary creations or entertainment.
Indeed, a lot has changed since the first Wisconsin State Fair in 1851, but one thing remains a constant — a tradition a fun.
The first Wisconsin State Fair was held in Janesville in 1851 on a six-acre plot along the banks of the Rock River and was sponsored by the State Agricultural Society. That fair was held for two days in October, admission was only 10 cents and attendance was between 13,000 and 18,000 (compared with nearly 900,000 last year).
Rock-N-Ride kicks off State Fair tonight; David Boone headlines
Dance to the music and enjoy the Mighty Thomas Carnival rides from 6 p.m. to midnight tonight at the Rock-N-Ride at the Montana State Fair.
Wristbands, which cost $20, are good for unlimited rides tonight.
Several other attractions will entertain fairgoers as well.
City seeks Aquarium debt money from Redevelopment Agency
For the second year in a row, the city is asking its Redevelopment Agency for a bailout of the Aquarium of the Pacific's construction debt.
With city deficits expected at least through 2014, Long Beach's extended hand may become an annual occurrence until the remaining debt of almost $117.8 million is repaid in 2030.
At the same time, the Aquarium is planning a $50 million expansion over the next five years.
Tea Partiers Freak Over Six Flags "Muslim Day"
Tea partiers and other anti-Islam activists are freaking out about a Muslim Family Day planned for several Six Flags parks around the country on Sept. 12, the day after the World Trade Center attacks. The event, sponsored by the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), offers Muslim families a chance to hang at the amusement park and be catered to by modestly dressed employees and halal food vendors.
While Six Flags has been holding these events since 2000 for the 42-year-old Muslim nonprofit, apparently this year, it's getting more attention, both because it falls on the weekend of Sept. 11 and also because of the ongoing controversy about the Muslim center planned a few blocks away from Ground Zero in New York.
Large northern Ind. farmers market to shut down
A large farmers market that aimed at highlighting northern Indiana's agricultural roots will be shutting down less than four years after it opened.
American Countryside Farmers Market officials announced Wednesday that it would close on Sept. 4.
"The economy definitely had a huge impact," said LeRoy Troyer, an investor and a member of the market's Board of Managers.
Museum of Natural History launches iPhone nav app
Paper museum maps are so B.C. The Museum of Natural History today launched a "pioneering" navigation app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch that makes getting lost a thing of the past.
The free Explorer app guides visitors through the Upper West Side museum’s expansive halls using "indoor GPS" — or WiFi signals that show users’ exactly where they are.
"Our app is the first app ever to provide users with indoor, real-time location awareness," said Linda Perry-Lube, the museum’s chief digital officer.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Reliance, Universal eye theme park in India
India's Reliance ADA Group is in talks with Universal Studios to build a $1.5 billion, 400 acre theme park and resort in India, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday citing a person familiar with the matter.
Reliance's Big Entertainment unit and Universal, a unit of General Electric Co's NBC Universal could reach a deal this year, although one person familiar with the matter warned the talks were at an early stage and could break down, the newspaper reported.
Reliance ADA is controlled by billionaire Anil Ambani.
Disney calls review of £8m resorts account
The pitch for the £8m account will be a closed contest between Carat, which handles the £3m account for the Walt Disney World resort in Florida, and ZenithOptimedia, which is responsible for the £5m Disneyland Paris media account.
Disney's decision to consolidate the UK resorts business follows a pan-European pitch process for the wider Disney account in 2008, which resulted in Carat landing the £100m Disney Studios and Home Entertainment account, while ZenithOptimedia won the £20m pan-European account for Disneyland Paris.
Since then, Disney has run a number of UK campaigns promoting the Florida and Paris theme parks.
Theme park deals satisfy thrill-seekers and purse-keepers
The summer holidays are here and parents are scratching their heads over how to entertain their children at minimal cost.
Alas, children are rarely fobbed off with a football, Frisbee and packed lunch. Instead, the rather costlier option of theme parks will feature highly on many entertainment wish lists.
Whereas off-peak bargains are relatively easy to come by, peak season promotions are more difficult. But you can make savings of up to 50% by shopping around. Below are deals for five of the UK's top attractions; please add your own local attractions with special offers so we can build a profile of price-busting summer entertainment.
Drayton Manor Theme Park unveils brand new website
Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, has unveiled its new website, which is one of many developments taking place as part of its 60th anniversary year celebrations.
The new and improved site can be seen at www.draytonmanor.co.uk With an easy to navigate layout, the site is packed full of information you’ll need to plan a day out at the award-winning attraction, including photos, videos, events and money saving offers.
With individual tabs to separate the main theme park, Thomas Land™, zoo, events, school, group and ticketing information pages, the site is clear to understand and user-friendly, and allows visitors to navigate directly to the pages relevant to them.
Reduced Entry to Drayton Manor Park this Summer
Celebrating their 60th anniversary, Drayton Manor are offering an additional discount on advanced tickets purchased to enter the park this summer.
Starting this week, all pre-booked, individual adult and child tickets will be on sale at a new reduced price. Originally £22.00 each, adult ticket prices will be just £20.95 and child tickets only £18.95.
Shanghai Expo Attracts 32 Million Visitors In Three Months
According to official statistics, the Shanghai World Expo has attracted 32 million visitors during the period from its opening on May 1 to July 25, 2010.
The organizers say that the number of visitors passed the 30 million mark on July 21, 2010.
Official figures also show that the daily attendance figure averages more than 400,000. The highest number was recorded on July 17, 2010 when 557,200 people visited the Expo park.
Fantawild Dream Kingdom Theme Park to Test Run in August
Fantawild Dream Kingdom, a large theme park led by investor Shenzhen Huaqiang Group, owner of Fanta Adventure Theme Park, is going to have a test run in August.
Fantawild Dream Kingdom, with a total investment of 1.8 billion yuan, covers an area of 700,000 square kilometers and is expected to have 2.5 million visitors annually.
Fantawild Dream Kingdom has 10 self-developed fun endeavors, including Future World, Genesis, Cave of Silken Web, Terra Cotta Warriors, Monkey King and Chinese Zodiac. The construction began on December 30, 2008 and is now near completion with a current focus on equipment installation, road pavement and interior decoration.
Natalie Chapman live at Gold Reef City
In celebration of National Women's Day, singer-songwriter, Natalie Chapman will be entertaining visitors at Gold Reef City Theme Park on 9 August.
She will perform her warm, catchy brand of pop-rock music alongside her band at 1pm and 2pm at the Town Square; the show is included in the standard entrance fee for the Theme Park.
Natalie started her career in musical theatre, before focusing on writing and recording her own material. Her 2006 debut album Between the Lines yielded a number of smash hits that received heavy rotation on 94.7 Highveld Stereo, Algoa FM and Jacaranda FM as well as on numerous community radio stations nationwide. Tracks from the debut album included Are You Coming Home?, A New Life, and With You & Me.
Let’s make a splash with water park
Members of a community fundraising group tasked with bringing a paddling park to a Swindon estate are appealing for volunteers to help turn their dream into a reality.
Lorna Breslin, a member of the Sevenfields Splash Park Steering Group, said she planned to replace a former water attraction in Penhill which was gutted by fire nearly two decades ago.
She has said that more people are needed to raise cash towards the estimate cost of £750,000 for the new structure.
£20m for Trowbridge water park
A £20 million water park and leisure complex is set to be built in the centre of Trowbridge.
Plans for the centre, which would include a leisure pool with a flume, eight-lane competition pool and a dual purpose learner/diving pool, were revealed on Tuesday as Wiltshire Council outlined its scheme to change the face of leisure in the county.
Cllr Stuart Wheeler, cabinet member for leisure, said: “With a £20m investment Trowbridge will have the biggest, most modern facility in Wiltshire. It will be genuinely exciting for Trowbridge and hopefully lead the way to bring other people into the town.”
Royal attractions boost British tourism
Tourist attractions linked to Britain's royal family generate over £500 million (600 million euros, 780 million dollars) a year in spending by overseas tourists, officials said on Thursday.
The Tower of London was the most popular royal attraction with 2.39 million visitors last year, followed by the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, southeast London on 2.38 million and the Victoria and Albert Museum, also in the capital, on 2.27 million.
Buckingham Palace, which only opens for two months a year every summer, received 402,000 visitors.
Abu Dhabi's Aldar posts $129.4m Q2 net loss
Aldar Properties reported its third consecutive quarterly loss as the biggest real-estate developer in Abu Dhabi suffered from lower sales.
Second-quarter loss was AED475.3m ($129.4m), according to Bloomberg calculations based on half-yearly data provided by the company on Thursday. The average estimate of seven analysts was for a loss of AED210m for the quarter, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
The company said first-half loss was AED789.5m after a profit of AED1.14bn a year earlier.
Parks, Fairs and other news
Great Wolf CEO becomes an 'undercover boss'
Great Wolf Resorts chief executive officer Kim Schaefer went behind the scenes of the Madison indoor waterpark resort company for the sake of network television.
Schaefer will be featured on "Undercover Boss," a CBS reality program that shows top executives of companies doing jobs of ordinary employees to get a taste of what goes on behind the scenes and how people feel about their jobs.
"What a great experience. It was fun; it was eye-opening," said Schaefer, who spent a week under the eye of the TV cameras.
Victim’s parents sue Dixie Landing
The parents of a 21-year-old Lafayette woman who fell to her death July 11 from a roller coaster at the Dixie Landing amusement park in Baton Rouge have sued the park.
George and Karen Zeno claim Dixie Landing failed to properly inspect and maintain the Xtreme roller coaster and failed to secure the locking mechanism necessary to hold Lindsay Zeno in her seat.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in state district court in Baton Rouge, also contends the park’s equipment was defective, causing the locking mechanism in her seat to fail.
Killer Klownz Attack Halloween Horror Nights
We just got word from Universal that their Hollywood Theme Park's annual Halloween Horror Nights is gearing up for another frightening fall with the addition of Killer Klownz to its lineup.
According to the offical press release, "Murder and mayhem will reign when the ultra-violent gang of killer Klownz takes over a Scare Zone at Universal Studios Hollywood! These psycho circus rejects are armed to the teeth and hell bent on YOUR destruction."
12 rescued from Ferris wheel at York's Wild Kingdom
Twelve people were rescued from a Ferris wheel at York’s Wild Kingdom & Amusement Park Wednesday night after the ride stopped working, fire officials said.
Around 5 p.m., the Ferris Wheel located at the Route 1 park began to malfunction and stopped while in motion, according to York Beach Fire Chief David Bridges.
A mixture of adults and children were on the ride at the time. Bridges said firefighters used their aerial ladder truck to climb as high as 30 feet to rescue some of the people stuck on the ride.
Disney World plans small monorail expansion
Walt Disney World is preparing to expand its iconic monorail system — at least a little bit.
Disney said Tuesday it will build a 62-foot maintenance spur off of the system’s Epcot line to serve as a permanent staging area for one of the work tractors used by the resort to tow broken-down trains and inspect and repair track.
The extension will be built next to an existing track switch that is used to transfer trains between the Epcot line and a separate spur leading to one of the system’s two Magic Kingdom loops. Disney currently keeps all of its work tractors in a maintenance bay behind the Magic Kingdom.
A great idea heading to Enchanted Forest
The storybook heroes and fantasy villains living at Enchanted Forest will be joined by a different crowd than the usual six-year olds on August 6th, when the amusement park becomes an indie music fantasyland.
"People are excited. They love the idea of returning to a place that has been special to the kids who have grown up in the area and see the music that they love," said Derek Boaz, media relations director of The Great Idea music festival.
Renowned bands and solo singer/songwriters will entertain from noon to 8 p.m. The first part of the show will feature acoustic acts all throughout the park followed by electric acts on three different stages after 5 p.m.
Splash Down Dunes has new owner
Splash Down Dunes Water Park has a new owner: Its old one.
Fred Pearson was the sole bidder on the property at a Porter County sheriff's sale Wednesday. Pearson had formerly co-owned the water park with Paul Childress but allowed Childress to buy him out several years ago. Childress fell behind on payments to Pearson, though, and Pearson filed a suit against him last December.
He eventually won in May a foreclosure order for $2.3 million against Childress, which meant the property at 150 E. U.S. 20 became part of the sheriff's sale.
No longer resigned to handouts from Ghost Town, Maggie searches for its own identity
No one is more intimate with the highs and lows of amusement park Ghost Town in the Sky than the people of Maggie Valley.
In its heyday, the mountaintop theme park routinely drew 400,000 visitors a year to the small town. Families on vacation could be counted on to pack into Maggie’s motels and restaurants each summer.
Throughout the years, the park’s Western theme and rides grew outdated. The amusement park fell into disrepair and ultimately succumbed to bankruptcy.
Behind Disney's Digital Shopping Spree
Four years ago, Bob Iger, the chief executive officer of Walt Disney (DIS), tried to build a cell-phone business. Disney created a family-oriented mobile service that included a global positioning system so parents could track their kids. Too few consumers signed up, and the company killed the operation after 15 months. Disney Interactive, the division that ran the ill-fated cell service, is still unprofitable. It lost $55 million last quarter.
Iger retains his enthusiasm for digital business and has switched strategies to buying rather than building. He wants to acquire social games and other online services that come with established customers and talented creators—and can help sell Disney's famous brands. "You don't get the kind of growth we want by building from the inside," he says.
Since paying $350 million for the kids' social network Club Penguin three years ago, Disney has purchased Wideload Games, whose founder helped create Microsoft's (MSFT) hit Halo franchise. Early last month, the entertainment giant acquired Tapulous, a publisher of music-related games for Apple's (AAPL) iPhone. On July 27, Disney made its biggest video game bet yet, agreeing to pay $563 million for privately held Playdom, the Mountain View (Calif.) maker of Sorority Life and Mobsters, which are played on Facebook, MySpace, and mobile phones. If Playdom meets performance targets over time, its founders and investors may receive an additional $200 million.
8 counterfeit bills used at Myrtle Beach amusement park
Myrtle Beach police are investigating the use of eight counterfeit $100 bills being used at Family Kingdom Amusement Park, according to a police report.
Officers were called to the park after an employee conducting a night audit discovered the fake money, police said. The money was used at several locations throughout the park.
The officer wrote in his report the money appeared to have been $5 bills that were washed and copied, according to the report.
Kingdom Bound Christian Music Festival returns to Darien
The four-day long Kingdom Bound Christian Music Festival begins Sunday and runs through Aug. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, 9993 Allegheny Road, Darien Center. It's one of the largest contemporary Christian music events in the country and features three stages and more than 40 concerts, including performances by the Newsboys, Matt Redman, Skillet, MercyMe and Tobymac. In addition, the festival also features theatrical presentations, extreme sports demonstrations, worship services, workshops and motivational speakers.
Satisfy Your Inner Child at the CA State Fair
Approaching age 40 has made me increasingly nostalgic, so it was normal to have a few early-eighties flashbacks when I passed through the golden bears into the California State Fair last weekend in Sacramento.
Some of my best times were spent with my family at the fair, on the giant slide, the long-gone log ride and ski lift-style people mover that once dangled jubilant fair-goers – by a single cable and wheel – high in the air above the concessions and midway.
Holiday Inn returns to Downtown Disney, better than ever
After five and a half long years, the Downtown Disney Resort Area hotels have returned to their full complement of seven resorts with the reopening of the Holiday Inn.
When Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne blew through Walt Disney World in a span of two months back in 2004, they blew the doors closed on two hotels which needed major repairs and renovation. While the adjacent Hotel Royal Plaza completed its renovations and reopened in early 2006, the Holiday Inn almost reopened in 2005 before a decision was made that the hotel really needed a complete overhaul. Following an ownership change, a corporate makeover campaign and lots of hard work, the Holiday Inn finally reopened earlier this year, having been completely redone from the concrete out.
Raging Rivers Makes a Splash in the Lives of Make-A-Wish Foundation Families
For the second year in a row, Raging Rivers WaterPark is aiming to make a splash in the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions by giving them the opportunity to slip and slide their way to fun. Thanks to Raging Rivers’ generous donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Make-A-Wish children and family members from the Missouri and Illinois chapters will be able to visit the park and enjoy a full day of wet and wild water rides for free on either Saturday, August 7th or Sunday, August 8th. In addition to donating the all-day passes, the park will provide free parking for the families, which brings the value of Raging Rivers’ donation to more than $20,000.
“A trip to Raging Rivers is lots of fun for any child, but it is particularly exciting for our Wish Kids,” said Missouri chapter CEO LuAnn Bott. “Due to their critical illnesses, the children we serve often miss out on normal activities. A day at Raging Rivers is a time for them to forget about their medical challenges and simply enjoy themselves. We want to thank the staff at Raging Rivers for making this day possible.”
South Carolina officials investigate drowning at water park
State officials will investigate the drowning of a 4-year-old girl at a South Carolina YMCA water park.
Department of Health and Environmental Control spokesman Adam Myrick told The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg that the agency will investigate the Orangeburg facility and talk to emergency workers and the coroner's office.
Myrick says DHEC is trying to determine if the drowning was a tragic accident or if more safety measures are needed.
Time to apply for state fair jobs
It's time to apply for the hundreds of temporary jobs available at the Kentucky State Fair.
The Kentucky State Fair Board announced Wednesday that it is hiring people to fill about 450 positions, including maintenance staff, housekeeping, admission gate workers, tour guides and tram drivers. There are also job openings for after the fair.
The fair board said in a news release that most of the jobs start at $7.25 an hour.
Ohio State Fair Launches 'Foodfinder' App
There is a new way to track down your favorite flavors of the fair. For 54 years Tracey's has been serving up the fan-favorite coney hotdogs, 10TV's Andy Hirsch reported on Wednesday. The booth sometimes goes through more than 1,000 coney dogs each day, Hirsch reported.
"I think food means everything to the fair," Dave Tracey said. "It's the one chance, they give up their diet, they give up their sensible eating and they come out here to eat great food."
With so many vendors it can be easy to miss the treats you crave. This year the Ohio State Fair has launched a mobile phone application called Foodfinder, which lets users search for their favorite foo
The York Fair: American's first, America's oldest fair
That's how organizer's describe this 246-year tradition held in the first capital of the United States: York, Pa. Early on, the fair was intertwined with many historic events.
Wells Fargo covers zoo admission for kids
Thanks to support from Wells Fargo bank, Fresno Chaffee Zoo admission will be free for children between the ages of two and 11 on the first Wednesday of every month beginning Aug. 4.
Representatives from the zoo and Wells Fargo will kick off the partnership that day at Fresno Chaffee Zoo's Giraffe Vista beginning at 9 a.m. The event will feature special activities such as craft booths, prize drawings and snow cones.
"It's a great honor to deliver Wells Fargo's support tot this extraordinary facility," said David Galasso, regional president for Wells Fargo's Central California region. "Chaffee Zoo's education programs align with Wells Fargo's vision and commitment to supporting education and programs that contribute to improvements in our communities."
National Aquarium In Baltimore Replacing Neon Wave
The blue lights on the National Aquarium in Baltimore's Inner Harbor are going green. Jessica Kartalija explains.
Domino Sugar, the Bromo Selzer tower and the blue waves of the National Aquarium are symbols that illuminate Charm City's skies.
"The neon has been here for 30 years and it's a real fixture on the Baltimore skyline. It's one of the two most iconic signs here," said Tim Pula.
Feeling the heat: Bronx Zoo reports drop in attendance due to heat, so it slashes admission prices
The city's zoos can't take the heat anymore. Record temps are keeping visitors away, and the biggest attraction is slashing some ticket prices to bring them back.
The Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo is projecting 275,000 visitors for July, a 31% drop from last year's attendance of more than 400,000.
Attendance is also down significantly at the Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo. The New York Aquarium in Coney Island is about the same, probably because it's near the beach.
Thieves steal candy, snacks and drinks from Sun Splash park in Cape Coral
The footprints in the sand were the first sign something was wrong.
When employees for Sun Splash Family Waterpark showed up for work Monday morning, they said they saw three sets of footprints in the sand, which had been smoothed the night before.
They said the footprints led to the concession area where they discovered that burglars stole $428 in drinks, snacks and candy, plus a radio, a table and a computer battery.
Walking the midway of a fair or carnival is meant to be a fun family event, but nutritionally speaking, it's more of a haunted house. When the menu options include things like deep-fried candy bars, cheese-on-a-stick and cotton candy, it shouldn't come as a surprise that a day at the fair can quickly turn into a healthy eater's nightmare.
Unless you're the patron saint of balanced eating, it seems unlikely that you'll spend a day at the state fair and consume nary a corn dog. It's just what you do when you go to these types of events, right? Fine, enjoy a corn dog if you must (only 210 calories, according to FitSugar!).
The California Science Center Extends Mummies of the World Summer Hours Due to Popular Demand
Extended weekend hours have been put in place to accommodate large crowds of visitors wishing to see the Mummies of the World exhibit for the remainder of the summer. Starting Saturday, July 31, Mummies of the World will be open two additional hours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 5, it was announced today by Jeff Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center and Marc Corwin, CEO of American Exhibitions, Inc. The exhibition will remain open until 7 p.m. PDT on weekends with the last ticket sold at 5:30 p.m. PDT. The daily exhibition hours for Monday through Thursday will continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT.
As one of the most popular traveling exhibition openings ever at the California Science Center, Mummies of the World is bringing significantly higher crowds through the Science Center turnstiles every day – and has drawn sell-out crowds the last three consecutive weekends. The Science Center added the additional six hours per weekend in an effort to satisfy popular demand to attend the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, which made its world premiere on July 1.
Elvis birthplace names architect for expansion
The Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation said Tuesday it has picked a Memphis-based architecture company to design new attractions at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.
Haizlip Studio, dually based in Memphis and Asheville, N.C., has designed the Memphis Botanic Garden's My Big Backyard, the University Center Multi-purpose Theater at the University of Memphis and additions to the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum in Baton Rouge.
The $5.5 million birthplace expansion project includes a theater with a cafe, reception area and an amphitheater. About $2.8 million of the funding is from a $400 million bond package signed earlier this year by Gov. Haley Barbour.
Museum expansion could begin in August, board chairman says
Work on the expansion of the Niagara Falls History Museum could begin in early August after Niagara Falls council hired a Cambridge construction company to build what's expected to be the city's lasting centrepiece to commemorate the War of 1812 bicentennial, museums board chairman Gord West says.
City council voted last week to accept the bid from CSL Collaborative Structures to build the museum's Legacy Project for $7.6-million.
Municipal works director Geoff Holman said the bid was "very favourable" to the city.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Terra Mítica is rented out to Aqualandia
It's hoped the new managers can turn around the fortunes of the Benidorm park
The Generalitat has announced the rental of Terra Mítica to Aqualandia, with the option to buy. The regional councillor for Tourism, Belén Juste, made the announcement on Tuesday night ending what has been a long period of rumours about the future of the Benidorm attractions park.
The decision on the future came the same night that a fiesta was held in Terra Mítica to celebrate its ten year anniversary, and the initial rental period will be for the next ten years.
Merry day for 6 old-time contraptions
A 100-year-old merry-go-round, the world's first automatic train ticket checker and four other machines have been certified as objects of Mechanical Engineering Heritage as selected by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Carousel El Dorado, which resides at Toshimaen amusement park in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, is one of the oldest working amusement park rides in the world. Made by a German engineer in 1907, the merry-go-round was decorated with beautiful Art Nouveau ornamentation early last century. First used in Europe and the United States, El Dorado came to Japan in 1971.
The world's first automatic ticket checker was developed by Tateishi Electric Co. (now Omron Corp.) and other companies. In 1967, it was installed in Kita-Senri Station in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, on the Senri Line of the then Keihanshin Kyuko Railway (now Hankyu Railway).
Ride the Weather at Gold Reef City
The best deal this season is back! This winter, the lower the temperatures in Jozi drop, the less you pay to enter Gold Reef City Theme Park.
>From July to 23 September 2010 you could pay as little as R80 per adult and free access for children under 1,2m with Gold Reef City Theme Park's Ride the Weather promotion. You'll have even more reason to brave the morning cold and get an early start for your fun-filled day at the Theme Park for the duration of this promotion.
HC orders status quo at Mangrove Theme Park
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday ordered to maintain status quo at the Pappinissery Mangrove Theme Park.
The mangrove park was closed recently following an order of the Union Ministry of Environment. A Division Bench comprising Justice J Chelameswar and Justice P N Ravindran issued the order while considering a public interest litigation filed by Ansari Kannoth of Kannur seeking issuance of a directive to close down the Mangrove Theme Park.
The petitioner contended that the park was set up by the Eco Tourism Society to commercially exploit the mangrove area under the pretext of promoting eco-tourism.
A theme park has banned sex in some of its hotel rooms after guests complained romping couples were disturbing their kids.
Bosses at the Alton Towers resort in Staffordshire took action after a string of families moaned to staff that they were kept awake by noises from neighbouring rooms.
One guest complained the noises coming from the next door room were "louder than the screams from the theme park rides".
BMC approves proposal to set up textile museum in Mumbai
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's Improvement Committee has approved a proposal to set up a textile museum, that would showcase the history of the city's textile mills, in central Mumbai.
The committee, in its meeting yesterday, gave its nod for the museum which is likely to come up on the premises of the defunct India United Mills in Lower Parel in the next two years.
According to the proposal, the museum would spread across 61,000 sq metres, and will have a gallery showcasing traditional textiles and fabrics worn in erstwhile Bombay from the British era.
Parks around the world–todays news
Delaware parks: Selling off the ups and downs
Pssst. Want to buy a used roller coaster? You can pick one up -- the only ride like it in Delaware -- for $225,000 on eBay. But hurry. People in South Africa and Germany have expressed interest in the coaster, which for four years whipped and dropped thrill-seekers at Blue Diamond Park near New Castle.
Contractor Nick Ferrara Jr. of Greggo & Ferrara construction would not be too surprised if someone from overseas bought his prized amusement park ride. It would be in keeping with the international theme that has been part of the liquidation sale at the park, which closed down two years ago after four years of operation.
Two buyers in Australia have bought rides from Ferrara in recent months, including the bumper cars and a water flume. Other rides were shipped out to parks in Pakistan, Mexico and Albania. Earlier this summer, Blue Diamond's Drop Tower ride was packed up and shipped to Russia for $160,000.
Great gut-churning attractions
Crazy. Insane. Terrifying. Generally speaking, these are not terms of appreciation.
Unless, that is, you’re a fan of extreme roller coasters, wild water slides and other gut-churning attractions. “It’s the whole ‘face your fears’ thing,” says Robb Alvey, owner/creator of ThemeParkReview.com. “You know that whatever’s going to happen is not really going to harm you but, holy crap, it’s going to be terrifying.”
If that sounds appealing, here are 10 attractions that are bound to get your heart racing and put your stomach in places it doesn’t normally go.
Disney to buy Playdom for at least $563.2 mil
The Walt Disney Co. has struck a deal to acquire social gaming firm Playdom Inc. for $563.2 million, plus a potential added performance-dependent earn-out of up to $200 million, and further strengthen its burgeoning gaming business.
Disney already is one of the investors in privately-held Playdom, which is the third-largest player in the red-hot social gaming space. It makes casual games that consumers play on such social networks as Facebook and MySpace.
"We see strong growth potential in bringing together Playdom's talented team and capabilities with our great creative properties, people and world-renowned brands like Disney, ABC, ESPN and Marvel," said Disney president and CEO Robert Iger. "This acquisition furthers our strategy of allocating capital to high-growth businesses that can benefit from our many characters, stories and brands, delivering them in a creatively compelling way to a new generation of fans on the platforms they prefer."
“5 Stars” for the Action at Caribbean Water Adventure
Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure are Illinois favorite family fun park and home to water slides, batting cages, a fifty tee driving range, bumper boats, the classic Big Wheel, a giant wave pool, and much more. The Knight family has owned and operated the popular amusement complex for over 81 years in Springfield, Illinois, and has always believed to be successful in business you have maintain a high standard of employees and guest service.
Caribbean Water Adventure is proud to announce that its lifeguards have been honored with a Five Star Award from Starfish Aquatics. “This is the highest honor that can be given to lifeguards during the summer season,” stated Doug Knight of Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure. Starfish Aquatics is one of the largest lifeguarding corporations in the United States, and is a leader in innovation in the practice of lifeguarding. Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure were awarded Five Stars in the area of water safety, lifeguarding skills, and facility management. “We are proud to be working hand in hand with Starfish Aquatics to keep our guests safe while still allowing for family fun,” added Knight.
Morey's Wheels Out Lofty Breakfast Idea
The amusement park family that’s always looking for a new way to entertain its guests has come up with a unique spin on breakfast.
Morey’s Piers is now offering breakfast service on its Giant Ferris Wheel, allowing diners to enjoy their eggs and juice 156 feet above Mariner’s Landing pier.
“It’s an idea we tried out last year when IAAPA toured the East Coast parks last year,” said Janice Morey, wife of Morey’s Piers president Will Morey, explaining that IAAPA stood for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. “It really went off well for the group so we decided to try it for the public this summer.”
British roller coaster club makes 'the Voyage' to Holiday World
“Aiiiiee” and “yikes” are cries you typically hear from roller coaster riders at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.
But “oggy-oggy-oggy, oi-oi-oi!” was more like it Tuesday as 88 members of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain “crossed the pond” (the Atlantic) and visited the Spencer County attraction as part of a tour of six Midwest theme parks.
“We host a lot of coaster enthusiast clubs each year,” said park general manager Matt Eckert, “but none is more fun than this group. It’s like having Monty Python in the park all day!”
Camelbeach water park in Tannersville adds Zip line rides
Two high-speed harness line rides will open Sunday near Camelbeach water park.
The Zip line rides are located at CBK Mountain Adventures, which is adjacent to the Camelback ski area and the water park. CBK Mountain Adventures also has bungee jumping, wall climbing, mountain Segway tours, disc golf and other activities.
The Zip course drops 1,000 feet and hoists riders eight stories high at one point, Camelback officials said.
Lake Winnie begins youth talent search Aug. 1
Dancers, singers, magicians, comedians and guests of all talents are encouraged to step into the spotlight at Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park. The 2010 Lake Winnie Youth Talent Search is the chance for guests — under 18 years of age — to take the Jukebox Junction stage and showcase their performing arts talent.
The contest consists of three preliminary rounds Aug. 1, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22 at 5 p.m., and a final round Sunday, Aug. 29 at 5 p.m.
“All of the performing arts are welcome,” said Talley Green of Lake Winnepesaukah. “We want our younger guests to have a chance to perform, either as a solo act or as part of a group, for our live audience and present their talent at its finest.”
Concord Waterworld Ride Has History Of Accidents
Many families on a budget are skipping out-of-town vacations this summer and heading to local amusement parks instead. It's fun in the sun, closer to home. But amusement park rides can be dangerous, especially water rides.
Jenny Kwon went to Waterworld in Concord with friends in September 2008, to enjoy the sun, and the water rides. One of those rides is called the Typhoon, where guests sit on inflatable rafts and ride the water through winding enclosed tunnels.
But as Kwon and her boyfriend rode down the Typhoon she recalled, "It just started gaining speed and losing control." Then their raft flipped. "I fell and just crashed the left side of my head into the side wall," she said.
Theme Parks Enjoy Never-Ending Golden Age
The United States is known for its amazing theme parks and breathtaking attractions. US specialists designed and built many entertainment systems that now operate to many people's enjoyment all over the world. The USA is the homeland to world-famous Disneyland parks. In 1990, there were about 2,000 theme parks in the United States. Nowadays, this business brings billions of dollars of profit.
The era of modern-day theme parks began at the Columbian Exhibition in Chicago in 1893. The show demonstrated such scientific miracles as electric power and new entertainment systems. The world-known observation wheel, or the Ferris wheel, was unveiled to the general public for the first time at the show too. The wheel was designed by US engineer George Ferris.
The wheel, as well as the whole park of attractions, stunned many people who visited the show. The first-ever observation wheel was an eye-opener indeed. It was 75 meters in diameter, and it weighed 2,000 tons. The wheel was powered by two steam engines, 1,000 h.p. each. Each of the 36 booths on the wheel were the size of a bus: 20 seats and 40 standing rooms. The wheel could house 2,160 people in total.
Residents speak against Long Meadow annexation
City residents told members of the Hagerstown City Council on Tuesday they don’t want the former Long Meadow Bowling Alley in the city limits if any part of it could become a night club again.
The council held a public hearing Tuesday night on a proposed annexation of the approximately 2-acre site owned by Aristodemos Capital Group LLC. The building at 19330 Leitersburg Pike was once home to Eclipse Nite Club and Long Meadow Bowling Alley, among other businesses.
Aristodemos plans to open a family entertainment center on the site as early as March, managing partner Ash Azadi previously told the Herald-Mail.
Wave Country sees decline in attendance
On a hot summer day, there's no better place to cool off than at a pool.
Nashville's Wave Country has always been a popular spot when it's hot, but this year attendance is down 5% to 6%. Tommy Lynch, director of Metro's Parks and Recreation Department, blames the May flood.
"There are three factors," he explained. "First off, the Pennington Bend area was one of the worst places in Nashville that flooded. A lot of the people that come here on a daily basis actually live in the Donelson area so we have lost several families who would have been here on a daily basis."
Another reason for the drop in attendance, according to Lynch, is that Opry Mills Mall is closed because of flood damage. Usually, the mall increases the traffic on Briley Parkway.
Residents Question Possible Water Park Purchase
A larger than normal crowd is expected at the Pleasant Hill city council meeting Tuesday night as the council discusses a proposal to buy the old White Water University water park.
The meeting has been moved to the Southeast Polk High School Auditorium.
City leaders said an aquatic center is a great addition, but some residents want more information. They delivered a petition with more than a 1,000 signatures to city hall.
Florida residents awash in water-park ticket options
This blistering weather has me thinking about water parks. Trying to figure out which one is the best deal got me a little hot under the collar though. There are many variations in the ticketing, from annual passes to weekday deals to half-day/half-price discounts. Here are the numbers, prime for the crunching. I’m concentrating on what Florida residents would pay right now. See links to explore each water park’s pricing structure. C’mon in, the water’s fine.
Water park adds inflatable bubbles to its array of fun
Breakers Water Park, the north Marana attraction, has added six six-foot inflatable spheres to its array of water fun.
The park, which added the 35-foot Rip Tide double slide a year ago, now offers "Surfari Bubbles," into which young people actually climb.
"You can walk, jump, run, crawl or just float across the water," said Steve Miklosi, general manager. "They are large enough to hold one adult."
People beating the summer heat in droves at nearby water parks
While the intense heat this summer has been an inconvenience for some who have to be outdoors, not everyone has been complaining.
Public pools and water park facilities in Downers Grove, Westmont and Woodridge have reported big increases in the amount of people that have been using their facilities to cool of this summer.
And if the hot summer continues into August, those numbers may continue to climb.
Council votes to add outdoor pool at water park
The Paragould City Council voted at its regular meeting Monday night to add a 5-foot deep outdoor pool that can hold 215 people to the water park at the community center. Construction will start after the water park closes for the season and is estimated to be completed by next summer. Mayor Mike Gaskill said the current aquatic center has enjoyed greater success than officials had originally anticipated and the new pool will only add to that success.
“This year we had people camping out under the awning of the community center to be there in the morning to book pool parties,” Gaskill said.
The pool will be funded by the $300,00-$350,000 the city will gain in July 2011 when the 2001 bond issue that funded the community center is paid off. The bond was originally taken out for 20 years, but is being paid off in 10.
A mixed martial arts competition, diving show and snake show are some of the things that are new for the 157th Ohio State Fair.
The fair opening Wednesday in Columbus also features the usual rides, concerts, fried foods and butter sculptures.
This year, the traditional butter cow and calf are joined by a giant football and the likenesses of Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns and Chinedum Ndukwe (CHIN'-uh-doom ehn-DOOK'-way) of the Cincinnati Bengals, also made of butter.
Aviary at Zoo in Need of Renovations
City Council met with members of the zoo community and the zoo board of directors, at the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park, for their Monday meeting to discuss the avairy exhibit that is need of renovations.
The meeting was held outside around the aviary so that the council and zoo board members could view the structure and its needed revamping.
Both the zoo board and council members agreed that upkeep at the zoo is vital to the community and visitors to Watertown.
PGAV Destinations Creates a First-of-Its-Kind Exhibit for the Saint Louis Zoo
PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, is pleased to announce the ground-breaking Sea Lion Sound exhibit that will be created for the first time in North America for the Saint Louis Zoo.
In honor of the world-renowned institution’s centennial year, the zoo has embarked on a $120 million seven-year campaign entitled “The Living Promise.” As they plan for the future, the zoo aims to create new habitats that reflect their promise to be the very best stewards of their animals as well as provide a most memorable experience for guests.
To kick off the zoo’s campaign, PGAV Destinations and the Saint Louis Zoo staff designed an innovative exhibit for the especially popular sea lions. Coming in 2012, guests will have an exceptional opportunity to experience their beloved sea lions in an imaginative and resourceful way created by the design team of PGAV Destinations and Zoo staff: the first-time in North America that an underwater viewing tube allows visitors to observe the sea lions swimming overhead and next to them while walking through an acrylic tunnel.
It's official, after years of planning, design and construction, San Jose's Park and Zoo has gone gold. The $72 million renovation project of Happy Hollow Park & Zoo has been awarded LEED gold by the U.S. Green Building Council and is the first Amusement Park & Zoo in the country to be certified LEED gold. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. Points were earned across six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process.
The project included renovation of the existing ride areas as well as a four-acre expansion that houses the new Zoo on the Hill, an Education complex, Entry Plaza complex, two more rides, 11 more exhibits and new play areas totaling 12,800 sq. feet.
"The renovation of Happy Hollow is another example of San Jose's leadership in green buildings and architecture," said Mayor Chuck Reed. "The park's innovative green features will show how it's possible to reduce operating costs while promoting sustainability."
2 charged with passing bogus $100 bills at Jackson theme park
Two men were arrested and charged Saturday with passing counterfeit $100 bills at Six Flags Great Adventure, police said.
Hector Gonzalez, 41, of Analomink, Pa., and Rene Galloza Jr., 37, of East Orange, are accused of paying for inexpensive items at two different concession stands at the amusement park with phony bills, according to Jackson Police Capt. David Newman.
The first purchase was made at the Hardy Corn stand around 2:50 p.m. Saturday, and a few minutes later the second purchase was made at The Liberty Pub, Newman said. It was not known Tuesday what the two men purchased with the fake currency.
Four teens cited for damage at Island Oasis water park
One teen was arrested and three more were cited for trespassing into the Island Oasis water park and throwing chairs and plants into the pool.
Miguel A. Frerichs, 18, of 308 E. Third, was charged in Hall County Court Tuesday with felony criminal mischief, misdemeanor trespassing and misdemeanor obstructing a police officer.
According to online Hall County Jail records, Frerichs was arrested at Island Oasis. He was released on his own recognizance. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15.
New museum exhibit focuses on mummies
The largest-ever mummy exhibition will make its Midwest premier at the Milwaukee Public Museum on Dec. 17, according to a news release issued Tuesday.
The exhibition, produced by American Exhibitions Inc., will run through May 30, 2011. It features one of the oldest mummy infants ever discovered, a mummified family, a German nobleman discovered in a family crypt and Egyptian animal mummies.
“Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, featuring an astounding collection of 150 real human and animal mummies and objects from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt,” the release said. “Showcasing state-of-the-art science tools and techniques, this ground-breaking exhibition bridges the gap between past and present, showing how science can shed light on the historical and cultural record around the world."
Music Hall of Fame to reopen on Sundays and Mondays
Starting Sunday, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame will reopen its doors to a seven-days-a-week schedule.
Museum director Lisa Love said Monday that cost savings by closing the hall on Sundays and Mondays were minimal, and that increased traffic should make up the difference.
“The costs (of opening for a full week) are minimal, but the benefits are huge,” Love said. “Not only is it a revenue generator, but it also serves the public and promotes access. The cost in savings was minimal, and there was no significant savings (shutting down two days) because energy costs have risen.”
AROUND THE GLOBE
Spongebob rides into Blackpool
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is to get a new £10million theme park featuring cartoon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants.
Bosses unveiled plans to redevelop a six-acre part of the site after striking a deal with US cable TV giant Nickelodeon.
Work will start in the autumn on the project which will create more than 200 jobs when it opens next April.
Martin Audio in Plopsaland attraction
A popular Belgian theme park has crossed the boarder, opening Plopsa Indoor Coevorden in the Netherlands. Ampco Belgium supplied a single integrated audio system that handled BGM, attraction sound reinforcement, speech and voice evacuation procedures.
After more than ten years’ experience in Belgium, Plopsaland theme park operators Studio 100 decided to export the concept, which includes Plopsa De Panne on the Belgian coast and Plopso Indoors in Hasselt.
The latest construction in the city of Coevorden took less then nine months to complete and spans more than 10,000m².
Prices slashed at overpriced theme park
The Qatar Tourism Authority has ordered that prices of rides at the Doha Summer Fun Park be slashed in its first week due to feedback from the public.
A committee headed by Ahmed Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) visited the Summer Fun Park, which opened in Doha last week and found the rides to be overpriced.
Al Nuami said: “To ensure the summer continues to be fun and exciting for everyone who visits, we have organised a committee to visit the Fun Park and assess the rides and entertainment. As the result of our assessment and survey of visitors, we have decided to drop the prices of some of the rides, offering more of an opportunity for families to enjoy their time together at a reasonable price.”
Looking for Tokyo’s Best Theme Parks
No one does pastime quite like the Japanese. The most artistic ways to get away can be found in Tokyo. This is a city where stresses, and finding ways to shake it off, are a part of daily life. The theme parks in and around Tokyo are prime examples of Japan’s excellent diversions, mostly erected during Japan’s 1980s economic bubble.
There are 20 theme parks remaining in the vicinity of Tokyo today; the indoor ocean and ski-field, alas, both closed for business. One of these though — Tokyo Disneyland — is the third most-attended theme park in the world. According to the 2009 Theme Index, a report on global attractions and their attendance where over 13 million people visited Tokyo Disneyland in 2009 and 4 percent decrease from the previous year. But that decrease will do little to damage the profits of the Disney Empire. Instead it’s the smaller, more strange theme parks that are threatened by the current financial crisis.
The park will open in Sindibad 2013
It takes an average budget of 150 DH for a day at the park. It's official, Sindibad by Walibi Park will be operational in December 2013. The development agreement included the area Sindibad and operate the theme park was signed on Monday 12 July 2010 Headquarters Wilaya of Greater Casablanca between public and private partners of the project. Requiring a total investment of 2.286.624.000 DH, the future amusement park will be completed by the consortium Alliances, Somed, Palm Development, Devpark and Compagnie des Alpes.
This, undertakes to develop, equip and operate the theme park which will be installed on the grounds of the High Commissioner for Forestry 25 years. To do, the group will invest 350 MDH during the first two years, then 70 MDH in 4th year 70 MDH during the eighth year of operation.
"Our goal is to give Casablanca a theme park while providing stable resources that will ensure the sustainability of the park with affordable rates to all Moroccan families", said Mohamed Halab, Wali of Casablanca. on 32 has, unconstructible, The company specializes in alpine parks and ski areas promises to provide Casablanca "an international park Sindibad new worlds" with multiple attractions that reflect the adventurous side and discoverer of this mythical. To spend a day in the world of discovery and entertainment, It takes on almost 150 DH per person.
Walter Scott home picks up £5m lottery funding for visitor centre
The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded nearly £5 million to the Scottish home of poet and novelist Walter Scott, to build a visitor centre and carry out restoration work.
As well as a learning suite, the Rob Roy writer’s residence at Abbotsford, near Melrose in the Borders, will see the Hope-Scott wing turned into self-catering accommodation to provide additional income.
Also in line for lottery cash are Newbridge Memorial Hall in Caerphilly, which is picking up £2.9 million; a Tudor dwelling house in Cullompton, Devon, receiving £1.7 million; and the 18th century Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, which has been awarded £1.1 million.
Israel Museum in Jerusalem Reopens After $100 Million Renovation
After three years of renovation, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem reopened to the public on July 26, firmly reestablishing itself as Israel’s national museum and the most important repository of Jewish culture in the world.
Even during the museum’s closure, 500,000 people came each year to see the few spaces that remained open during the renovation: the Dead Sea Scrolls, displayed inside the white Shrine of the Book; the one-acre scale model of the Second Temple; and the Youth Wing.
The $100 million renovation, which required 400 workers from seven countries, revitalizes a campus that opened in 1965 on a hill opposite the Knesset. Originally designed by Alfred Mansfeld, an immigrant and Bauhaus-trained architect, the museum has, with this renovation, doubled its gallery space to 200,000 square feet, while preserving the external features of Mansfeld’s original modernist design. The interior meanwhile, has been completely redesigned.
At the Parks
Kennywood's 'Sky Rocket' Guidelines Adjusted For Taller Riders
For about a month, thrill seekers have been clamoring to ride Kennywood's new roller coaster, Sky Rocket, and it hasn't shown any signs of losing popularity.
“The line is long every morning when we open, but luckily we're able to get people through pretty quickly,” said public relations manager Jeff Filicko. If you've been on the Sky Rocket, you've probably seen the sign informing taller people to stay off certain rows.
Filicko said the ride is fun and safe, but it's not always comfortable for taller riders because they simply don't have enough leg room, and that's why park managers decided to make the fourth row off-limits to anyone over six feet tall.
Knoebels refurbishes old roller coaster for coal mining-themed horror ride to to open in 2011
Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, has a reputation as a family-friendly park.
But beneath the smiles and laughter beats a Gothic heart, centered around its Haunted Mansion ride.
Come 2011, the mansion will have a companion in the Black Diamond. Workers are in the process of building a three-story structure that will house the "dark ride" - one part roller coaster and one part horror attraction.
Universal Quiet About Potter Ride Problem
Officials at Universal Orlando wouldn't disclose on Monday exactly what caused its Harry Potter ride to stop Friday night while it was loaded with passengers.
Authorities said everyone got off safely, but some guests who paid to see the new attraction weren't pleased.
Officials with the Orlando Fire Department said a capacity crowd of 132 parkgoers were aboard the ride when it malfunctioned on Friday. Whether it was a computer glitch or some other type of problem, representatives from Universal Orlando would only say it was a stoppage they consider rare and harmless.
Are You Dense MusicFest 2010 coming to Quassy
Get your dancing shoes on because you won’t be able to resist the funk and soul sound of NYC’s hottest band Soul Be It headliners for this year’s Are You Dense MusicFest 2010 on Saturday, August 28, 2010 2:30–9:00 pm at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury www.quassy.com. Soul Be It is a twelve piece horn band that covers and interprets the music of Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power and other funk/soul bands. Mallorie Leogrand, a former Waterbury resident, now of New York City, is the female vocalist whose powerhouse, sultry vocals and look blow audiences away.
After the MusicFest’s successful inaugural year last year, Are You Dense, Inc. founder and six year breast cancer survivor Nancy Cappello, Ph.D. of Woodbury and her husband Joe, who produced the MusicFest, decided to continue the event which has become the organization's principle financial support to spread the word about the Best-Kept Secret, a woman’s breast density.
Roller coaster cable snaps and injures bystanders
None of the three people injured in an Ocean City roller coaster accident late Thursday were actually on the ride, but instead were bystanders injured by loose debris.
That's the preliminary result of an investigation Friday by state amusement park ride safety inspectors of the Tidal Wave ride at Trimper's Rides & Amusements. An accident late Thursday led to three girls being hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries.
"The ride actually worked as it should. It protected everybody who was on it," said Shannon Davis, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Cedar Point to Celebrate PEANUTS' 60th Anniversary
For 60 years, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the PEANUTS characters have brought happiness to people of all ages. Cedar Point will be celebrating this milestone with special PEANUTS-themed events for eight days, beginning Sunday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 8 at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort.
All week long, guests who donate to "Helping Snoopy's Friends" will receive a discount on admission. Those who bring in dog or cat treats, cat and dog toys, canned cat food or chewable rawhides will be able to purchase a ticket for $35.99, a $10 savings. All donations will be given to the Humane Society of Erie County (Sandusky, Ohio).
Guests will also be able to compete in the PEANUTS 60th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt by identifying PEANUTS-themed images. Three winners will be selected from the correct entries to receive a Family Four-Pack of Cedar Point tickets, a $100 shopping spree in the Snoopy Boutique or a Cedar Point gift bag. Entry forms can be obtained at the Guest Services Booth at the front of the park or the Town Hall Museum in Frontiertown and online at cedarpoint.com.
Land of Make Believe in Hope Township awarded 5-star designation
Land of Make Believe and Christopher Maier, owner of the park, received notice last week that their Pirate's Cove Water Park successfully passed a surprise inspection, and was awarded a 5-star designation as one of the safest water parks.
The Land of Make Believe is considered among the top amusement and water parks in the nation for its overall excellence in operations, safety, and consistent compliance with federal, state, county and local regulations and standards, according to the 5-star designation.
The park and Maier learned of the 5-Star Award after representatives of the Starfish Aquatics Institute had undergone an extensive inspection. The inspection covers a number of categories.
Aulani, Disney's New DVC Resort in Hawaii, Sets Opening Date
On July 23, Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, officially confirmed the opening date for Aulani, its eleventh Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort. Aulani is scheduled to open its first-phase accommodations to guests Aug. 29, 2011, and is accepting reservations for the Hawaii property beginning Aug. 2, 2011.
Aulani will function as both a DVC resort, with 481 two-bedroom equivalent rooms, and will offer 359 traditional hotel rooms for guests seeking a vacation to Hawaii with Disney touches. The resort’s design, evoking a Polynesian village, draws upon Hawaiian landscapes, culture, art and stories that are being developed with the assistance of various local advisors.
Xanadu's the biggest pipe dream since Coleridge
Scholars believe that poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was using opium before he came up with his vision of Xanadu in 1797. What were the guys from the Meadowlands who thought up our vision of Xanadu smoking? Crack?
I’m not speaking just about the color scheme, which makes the place look like a pile of mismatched containers stacked for shipment at Port Newark. I’m talking about the entire concept of building a giant shopping-and-entertainment complex right in the middle of the retail capital of the universe.
A few miles to the east is Manhattan, one of the great retail centers on the planet. Six miles to the north is Paramus. I don’t know who did the market research for Xanadu, but all I had to do was check Wikipedia to come up with this concise analysis: "Paramus in Bergen County is one of the largest shopping meccas in the country, with its four major shopping malls accounting for a significant proportion of the over $5 billion in annual retail sales generated in the borough, more than any other Zip code in the United States."
Latest lead balloon at Montreal white-elephant airport grounded
Bad idea number two for the huge, sprawling airport: A huge amusement park. 40 miles from Montreal. AeroDream was going to be an “escape destination” financed for $300 million by a French consortium. It was going to fill the equivalent of 16 football fields with attractions like a giant aquarium, an indoor beach, and five geodesic domes with various attractions as a “time machine,” spas, and restaurants.
When AeroDream was announced in 2006, it was breathlessly projected that as many as two million visitors a year would schlep up there from Montreal. (They won’t come for the airport, but they’ll come for the fish?)
Now, after repeated construction delays, the project has been declared officially mort (dead) by its French developers, I-Parks-Oger International. Kind of.
SC officials investigate drowning at water park
State officials will investigate the drowning of a 4-year-old girl at a South Carolina YMCA water park.
Department of Health and Environmental Control spokesman Adam Myrick told The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg that the agency will investigate the Orangeburg facility and talk to emergency workers and the coroner's office.
Myrick says DHEC is trying to determine if the drowning was a tragic accident or if more safety measures are needed.
Pleasant Hill residents want more data on park
Pleasant Hill residents have petitioned city officials to gather more information on the costs and condition of White Water University before moving forward with a proposal to lease and then possibly purchase the water park.
A petition with 1,095 signatures requesting that no action be taken until the information is gathered was turned in to City Hall Monday morning.
The City Council agenda for tonight says the council will discuss and possibly take action on the water park. The meeting, set for 6:30 p.m., has been moved to the Southeast Polk High School auditorium due to the number of people expected to attend.
Ticket Sales for Florida Water Parks in High Demand as Summer Heat Swells
Few places in the United States get hotter than Florida in the summer. Fortunately, Central Florida is home not only to America’s favorite theme parks but water parks as well, and many vacationers are choosing to inject some refreshing, relaxing fun at some of the most popular water parks when they travel to Orlando.
“Right now almost half of our online ticket sales are for water parks in Orlando, which is a 15 percent jump in same sales from last year,” said Patrick Pulliam, owner of The Official Ticket (OTC), which sells discounted tickets, passes and upgrades to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center and SeaWorld, among others. “We’re also doing a brisk telephone business for people looking to purchase a one-day ticket to a water park.”
OTC offers reasonably priced, top tier tickets to water parks including Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, Aquatica, SeaWorld and Wet ‘n Wild.
City commission to vote on closing water park early
The McPherson City Commission said in its Monday meeting that it will take a vote next week on closing the McPherson Waterpark after school starts, instead of its regular Labor Day closing date.
The commission says that between $8,000 and $10,000 can be saved by closing earlier, and Waterpark attendance drops substantially after school begins.
Wis. State Fair to offer more gutbusting options
Care for some deep-fried apple pie on a stick? How about a chili cheese dog on a stick?
The Wisconsin State Fair prides itself on the number of foods it offers for sale on a stick. This year attendees can choose from a whole new array of foods that can be eaten without a plate.
There's cream cheese with bacon. And deep-fried ravioli. Maybe Spam on a stick is more your style.
American icons arrive for Indiana State Fair
She wears a brooch on her collar, he carries a pitchfork, and the icons of rural America will stand 25 feet tall through next month's Indiana State Fair.
The traveling sculpture inspired by Grant Wood's famous 1930 "American Gothic" painting went up Monday. It'll greet visitors to the Indiana State Fair, which opens Aug. 6, and remind them of the importance of agriculture in Indiana, said fair spokesman Andy Klotz.
Ride Inspectors Busy Prepping For State Fair
With just two days until the Ohio State Fair opens, inspectors on Monday were busy making sure that the rides were safe.
Inspectors with the Ohio Department of Agriculture will check every nut and bolt on each of the dozens of rides at the fair, 10TV's Patrick Bell reported.
Four of the state's eight inspectors were at the fairgrounds on Monday, looking at everything from emergency stop buttons to whether or not hydraulic hoses are attached and secure.
Botanical Gardens Are Turning Away From Flowers
For the last quarter century, the Cleveland Botanical Garden went all out for its biennial Flower Show, the largest outdoor garden show in North America. With themed gardens harking back to the Roman empire, or an 18th-century English estate, the event would draw 25,000 to 30,000 visitors.
But in 2009, the Flower Show was postponed and then abandoned when the botanical garden could not find sponsors. This year, the garden has different plans. From Sept. 24 to 26, it is inaugurating the “RIPE! Food & Garden Festival,” which celebrates the trend of locally grown food — and is supported in part by the Cleveland Clinic and Heinen’s, a supermarket chain.
“The Flower Show may come back someday, but it’s not where people are these days,” says Natalie Ronayne, the garden’s executive director. “Food is an easier sell.”
Patriotism museum closes doors, goes virtual
Call it a sign of the times. Call it a new beginning. You can even blame it on the economy.
Regardless of the reason, the National Museum of Patriotism is closing its doors for good July 31 to become a virtual museum of American artifacts and exhibits. It first opened in 2004.
“We’re in the 21st century,” Roger Neal, spokesman for the museum told the AJC. “Internet is such a big deal and we decided to go that route.”
Step right up to see circus freaks
For Toni-Lee Sangastiano, circuses and amusement parks are more than just fun, they're work. "People are fascinated with the beautiful and the grotesque, all at the same time," Sangastiano says.
The full-time Champlain College arts professor has been painting scenes of carnival life since she was an art student near iconic Coney Island. "Things just kind of snowballed from there," she remembers.
That independent project turned into nearly 15 years of research and painting. Buyers around the country now commission her for projects. Circus memorabilia is a popular collectible. The entertainment form "brings everyone together," she says.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Nickelodeon opens £10m theme park in Blackpool
Children’s television channel, Nickelodeon has announced that it’s opening Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach next year.
The £10.3m investment will be ready by April 2011, following a collaboration between the children’s brand, the Pleasure Beach and Blackpool. It will take over a 6 acre area featuring 14 rides and themed retail and catering outlets.
"Pleasure Beach is a first-class amusement park and popular destination for families in the U.K." said Gerald Raines, senior director, Nickelodeon Theme Parks and Attractions.
Prices drop at Doha Summer Fun Park
At the recommendation of an internal committee organized by Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), prices of the amusement rides at the Doha Summer Fun Park have dropped in light of the large number of visitors as well as feedback from the public.
“We have seen high numbers of visitors come to the Doha Summer Fun Park since opening last week – over 40,000,” said Mr. Al Nuaimi. “To ensure the summer continues to be fun and exciting for everyone who visits, we have organized a committee to visit the Fun Park and assess the rides and entertainment. As the result of our assessment and survey of visitors, we have decided to drop the prices of some of the rides, offering more of an opportunity for families to enjoy their time together at a reasonable price.”
The prices of some rides have dropped from QR15 to QR10, and one ride has dropped from QR10 to QR5. There remain only 5 rides priced at QR15, with the majority of the rides priced at QR10 or below. All rides for children under the age of 10 are now priced at either QR10 or QR5.
Plans to transform Blackpool's South Shore attractions
Proposals for two multi-million pound developments to attractions in South Shore, Blackpool have been announced. Both projects aim to attract families back to the resort.
The owners of South Pier have unveiled £8m plans to transform it into a state of the art family entertainment centre.
And on the same day, Blackpool Pleasure Beach reveal their latest attraction will be 'Nickelodeon Land', featuring rides based on children's TV characters, which will cost £10m.
Viet Nam is an attractive destination for investors involved in the entertainment business, Steven Ryan, executive producer of KB Creative Advisors has said. The growth in the entertainment industry is attributed to the stability of the economy, the high proportion of young people and an increase in purchasing power.
Pham Trung Luong, deputy head of the Viet Nam Tourism Development Research Institute, said there were good prospects for the development of recreational parks, which account for a large proportion of the tourism sector's earnings.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment said the entertainment sector had grown rapidly, particularly in the south. There were 121 entertainment FDI projects with a combined registered capital of US$3.5 billion launched in the first five months of this year, representing almost half of the country's total FDI.
Celebrate Drayton Manor Theme Park's 60th Anniversary with special summer giveaway
Celebrate Drayton Manor Theme Park’s 60th Anniversary with special summer giveaway.
Drayton Manor Theme Park is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in style and is offering visitors not only total entertainment this summer, but also the chance to win prizes galore!
All people visiting the park during the six week summer holidays (28th July – 4th September) will be able to enter a daily competition to win one of a selection of prizes. These include annual passes to the park, Mega Blocks Thomas & Friends™ toys, K’Nex roller coaster sets, and Thomas the Tank Engine DVD’s. A winner will be chosen each day and will be selected at random from a specially created tombola.
Wildfire Inc. Provides UV lights for Ferrari World
Wildfire Inc., market leader in UV (ultraviolet, aka "black light") effects for theater, themed entertainment and visitor attractions, supplied Ferrari World with a lighting package to provide atmosphere and enhance the guest experience throughout the park. From the Wildfire brand, the installation includes 86 Effects Master Deluxe series fixtures (EM-42D), 48 Long-Throw floods (LT-250F, LT-250S, LT-400F), and 181 SableLux linear fluorescent lamps. Additional equipment provided by Wildfire includes 49 Eclipse series dowsers and 25 power supplies.
Scheduled to open Oct 2010 on Yas Island (30min from Abu Dhabi, 50min from Dubai) Ferrari World is the first Ferrari-branded theme park.
Wildfire is well established in the theme park sector with more than 20 years of providing UV lighting & effects for major parks in the US, France, Japan and now the UAE. The list includes Six Flags, Sea World, Disney, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Knott's Berry Farm.
Eastern European Malls Use Dinosaurs, Spas to Lure Shoppers
If Christian Dior’s brand name can’t attract customers, maybe dinosaurs will.
That’s the plan behind Galerie Harfa, a half-built shopping mall perched above Prague’s Vysocany suburb that will have a dinosaur-themed amusement park, fitness center and rooftop swimming pool.
As the economic slowdown squeezes retail sales in the Czech Republic and Hungary, companies such as Hochtief AG, Strabag SE and Skanska AB help construct venues with spas and electric-car tracks to lure shoppers. Mall space has more than quadrupled since the former Communist nations joined the European Union in 2004, exacerbating the need to offer more than just shopping.
Singapore’s New Attractions Prove Strong Draw for Middle East Visitors
Stunning luxury resorts, world-renowned attractions and the recent launch of the ‘YourSingapore’ brand have all contributed to a significant increase in tourists from the Middle East, according to new figures from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Latest figures reveal that the number of visitors from the Middle East to Singapore during the period of January to June of this year compared with 2009 grew by 23.21 percent, with nearly 55,000 visitors arriving from the region.
The number of tourists from the UAE in particular increased from 21,756 to 23,248, a growth of 6.85 percent – proving that more and more people are choosing Singapore as the South East Asian destination of choice.
Delhi Zoo exploring for building dolphinarium
Notwithstanding opposition by wildlife enthusiasts to keeping dolphins in captivity, the Delhi Zoo is exploring the feasibility of building a dolphinarium as envisaged by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. The dolphin exhibit or dolphinarium will be the part of the yet to be prepared master plan of the Delhi Zoo which would also include a multi-species immersion exhibit with elevated board walk, interpretation centre, food court, open air theatre and souvenir shop.
While majority of zoos have already submitted their master plans to the Central Zoo Authority and availed funds for infrastructure developments, the Delhi Zoo has plans to rope in a consultant to do the job to ensure global standards are maintained.
"We have floated expression of interest for a consultant or firm for the job. The master plan has to be worked out for next 20 years and the improvement works would be carried out over next five years," a senior Delhi Zoo official said.
Theme and Amusement Parks, Water Park News and more
Fun Spot buys Cypress Gardens ride
Fun Spot USA has picked up a piece of Cypress Gardens, the old Winter Haven theme park set to reopen as a Legoland next year.
Fun Spot spokesman Mark Brisson said the company bought what's known as a "crazy mouse" ride — a roller coaster with a cab that spins as it travels atop the tracks. Such a ride can cost more than $3 million new, Brisson said.
Cypress Gardens called the ride Galaxy Spin, and Fun Spot expects to keep that name when it installs the coaster in its Kissimmee park, barring any offers for corporate sponsorship.
Erie's Ravine Flyer II makes top 10 coaster list
Waldameer's Ravine Flyer II continues to fly high, as the editor of Park World, a trade magazine for the amusement park industry, ranked the coaster among his top 10 favorites in North America.
Paul Ruben, writing in Friday's USA Today, praised the coaster for its speed and for the sensation it gives as it will "pull the seat out from under you."
Ruben, 73, who wrote that he has ridden nearly 800 coasters, rated Waldameer's coaster on his list of favorites, which includes wooden and steel coasters.
Disney Gives Sneak Peek of New Hawaii Resort
More than 80 years after Mickey Mouse piloted "Steamboat Willie" and whistled his way into the hearts of children across the world, he has finally reached the shores of Hawaii.
The Walt Disney Co. on Friday gave a peek of its sprawling, beachside Hawaiian resort that is under construction and scheduled to open next year.
"Aulani" is Disney's first major standalone resort away from a theme park and could serve as a model for future projects as the company diversifies and expands its vacation offerings.
Freestyle slapped with new $1.07M lawsuit
Legal troubles continue to mount for Freestyle Music Park, after a Florida company filed a $1.07 million lawsuit against the embattled attraction.
Officials with VenCore Solutions, LLC, said they were led to file the lawsuit after the owners of Freestyle Music Park failed to comply with terms and conditions outlined in a lease agreement.
In a certified letter to Freestyle on April 20, VenCore Chief Operating Officer James P. Johnson demanded an outstanding debt of $339,687.12 be paid to the company by April 30.
Knoebels Amusement Resort big on family, easy on the wallet
You'd forgotten the feeling until you slid down into the steel bumper cars, fastening the safety strap against your waist. You'd forgotten the pure joy of amusement parks -- too consumed in adulthood by $5 sodas and admission prices for your family of four that add up to a car payment -- until your bumper car collided with your spouse's so hard it sent both of you rippling from the hit and then from laughter.
Knoebels Amusement Resort, dropped in the rural hills of Central Pennsylvania like nature's secret playland, has helped generations remember that feeling. Toddlers ride beside their mothers in the kiddie cars, just as the mothers tucked in next to grandma decades ago. Children polish their math skills as they dig through a pocket stuffed with ride tickets, calculating how many they need for the Phoenix, the wooden coaster that has earned Knoebels repeat national and international nods from coaster lovers.
And no one stands in admission lines baking under the summer sun, because there are none. The Elysburg, Pa., park bills itself as "America's largest free-admission amusement resort," welcoming you to stroll on in from its free parking lot, taking shade under a winding canopy of trees wrapped around the rides or beneath the covered bridge that crosses a snaking creek.
Troubled economy casts shadow over Disney union talks
Against the worst economic backdrop since the Great Depression, Walt Disney World and the coalition of unions that represent half of the giant resort's 58,000 workers have begun negotiating a new employment contract.
The talks, which began last month and will continue at least until September, hold significant implications for Central Florida. The next contract between Disney World and the Service Trades Council will influence the spending power of approximately 20,000 full-time workers and the profitability of the region's largest employer at a time of faltering consumer confidence and 11.4 percent state unemployment.
The economic uncertainty is certain to loom over the discussions. The current three-year contract expires Oct. 2.
Ride at Wizarding World of Harry Potter Has Malfunctioned
The Forbidden Journey ride at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park has malfunctioned, trapping riders upside down, reports CF News 13.
The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure has malfunctioned, according to Orlando Fire. Riders are trapped upside-down. Orlando Fire and Rescue is on the scene.
As of 10:06pm EST, it is being reported that all 132 riders have been safely evacuated.
Amusement parks ride out recession
In recent years, the economy has sent some theme park profits and attendance numbers rolling downhill. Profits flattened after a near decade of increasing revenues that topped out at more than 12 billion dollars. Last year, the theme park chain Six Flags filed for bankruptcy after it carried heavy debt into the recession. But smaller parks have been able to ride out the recession due to some specific strategies.
This Saturday, a talent show for Coney Island
Coney Island’s got talent.
Fire breathers and vaudeville-esque dancers will be put to the test this month in the first annual Coney Island Talent Show.
“I’ve wanted to do this event for a couple of years. I was surprised there wasn’t a Coney Island talent show already, it seemed like a natural thing to do,” said Jen Gapay, the producer of the talent show, set for this Saturday on the Boardwalk.
Wilderness Lodge Wins Best Theme Park Hotel Award
Theme Park Insider polls its readers for their yearly Theme Park Insider Awards. This years winner for Best Theme Park Hotel was Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in Disney World.
The Wilderness Lodge is one of Disney World’s “deluxe” resorts. While the Wilderness Lodge is a less expensive option, these resorts can still be quite expensive. Still the resort beat out some stiff competition.
"A runner-up last year, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in 2010 wins the Best Theme Park Hotel honor for this first time. Located near Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Wilderness Lodge nevertheless is set back into the Central Florida woods, evoking the resort’s theme of a national park lodge. Yet the level of service is pure Disney, winning raves – and repeat visits – from many ThemeParkInsider.com readers."
Bracelets draw crowd to Champaign County Fair
With the nearest major theme park hours away, Champaign was treated this past weekend to a dose of fun and rides it doesn’t normally see.
The Champaign County Fair hit town Friday and runs through Saturday, July 31.
The fair was packed full of families Sunday for Family Day, a part of the nine-day fair devoted to events that are fun for the whole family. For many people, the best aspect of Family Day is another draw: Bracelet Day.
Blue Jean Harmonica at Six Flags Over Texas
till rising, the band whose musical influences include Radiohead, The Black Crows, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Cool Hand Luke, Fair to Midland, The Deftones, Leonard Cohen, Citizen Cope, Joe Firstman, Boston, Counting Crows, Frank Zappa and many more, have just released their first EP, Under the Salty Sky.
The band members, Scott Robertson (Lead guitar/vocals), Daniel Westmoreland (Rhythm guitar/harmonica), Darriel Montgomery (Keyboards/bass guitar), Bennie Snell (Drums/percussion), met while attending college at Trinity Valley Community College (Athens), TX as music majors. They have been performing together for three years in the Athens area, adored by many.
"All you need to know, is that we are simply a band of brothers who are branching out to make something memorable out of our talents, and we would love nothing more than to have you along enjoying the ride with us.
City opens up water park to public
A southern Indiana community beats the heat of the hottest day of the year in a cool way. "Waterworld’ of Washington was filled with kids and adults as the city had a free swim day.
The cool water was a respite from the high heat and humidity that gripped southern Indiana.
City officials say the free day was about giving people a safe place to cool down.
Bryant may get family entertainment center
The city of Bryant soon could be home to a state-of-the-art family entertainment center that will include laser tag, black light mini-golf, mini-bowling, a restaurant and more, if the facility is approved next month by the City Council.
The business, called Scene Extreme, would be constructed near the Foxridge subdivision at 6837 Arkansas 5.
Longtime Bryant resident David McCombs, who is planning to run the business, said residents and visitors could find it nearly a half-mile past the old Harvest Foods building heading toward Little Rock.
Ohio State Fair kicks off 157th edition Wednesday
"It's Fairtastic!"
That's the theme for the 157th Ohio State Fair, which runs Wednesday through Aug. 8 at the fairgrounds in Columbus.
While an exact definition of "Fairtastic" might be up for debate, Ohio State Fair Entertainment Director Brett Chance believes the declaration deals with the various high-profile music and performance artists coming through central Ohio over the next week and a half.
State Fair rides: Thrills, chills and chaos theory made real
You know that feeling – your stomach is in your throat – when you're on a roller coaster and the car takes that first big plunge? Your insides are crawling or you're losing feeling in your legs, and you think it's just nerves. But NASA scientist and trained astronaut Patricia Cowings says, no, it's real.
"Your stomach and all of your guts are really floating up under your rib cage," said Cowings. "And almost all fluids in your body move toward your head." You're experiencing for a split second what it's like to be an astronaut in space.
There's a science of thrills, and it's rooted in simple physiology and physics. The Midway rides at the California State Fair that twist, twirl, hurl and drop you were very intentionally engineered to take you to the edge. The swirling lights and spinning pods of the Midway only hint at the chaos that was harnessed to create them.
N.Y. State Fair holds line on admission fee
Admission prices will remain the same at this summer's New York State Fair to keep the event affordable for average families, officials said.
General admission is $6 in advance and $10 at the gate -- at least the fourth consecutive year those rates have been charged, said Dan O'Hara, fair director, who traveled through the region to tout this summer's event.
The fair runs Aug. 26 through Sept. 6 at the state fairgrounds off Interstate 690 West in Syracuse.
Star Wars exhibit breaks even in first 10 days in Huntsville, more than 29,000 have attended
During the last month, crowds have come out in force to see The Force.
Today marks the one-month anniversary of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s new exhibit, “Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination,” and officials couldn’t be happier. The traveling exhibit from the Boston Museum of Science, based on the George Lucas film series, has drawn more than 29,000 people since opening June 25 and broke even financially within the first 10 days of the exhibit, according to Space Center CEO Larry Capps.
The exhibit, which features costumes, props, models and hands-on exhibits, remains here through Sept. 6.
The Taubman Museum of Art's financial struggles in its first year weren't just the consequences of lower-than-expected attendance or donations drastically reduced by recession.
The radically expanded art museum's expenses actually exceeded $6.8 million in its first fiscal year, according to a tax filing and external audit recently released by Taubman officials, far overshooting a projected $3.75 million operating budget.
The amount included one-time startup costs, but also payroll for 52 employees, likely more than the museum could have sustained even in healthy economic times.
10 visions of a new Ontario Place
An attempt to dream up an entirely new successful attraction could produce a white elephant, Lord says. Instead, she argues, Ontario Place should strongly consider creating a “science city” anchored by an attraction that is already successful: the Ontario Science Centre.
“When you revitalize something as huge, as major, as Ontario Place, the magnet has to be something that is proven. The Science Centre is already an enormous success from the point of view of science, from the point of view of entertainment, for all ages, all populations, both residents and tourists. . . imagine what happens when you move it to a premier site.”
Smithsonian Latino Museum Raises Questions for Mall
The National Mall is home to the cultural treasury of the United States -- but not everyone's culture. It's a destination where objects and narratives explain American history -- but not everyone's history. The National Mall is anything but static, and the way that the Mall changes says as much about American identity as any of the Mall's individual museums.
In the Washington Post, Philip Kennicott muses on the future of a major new museum proposed for the National Mall: the National Museum of the American Latino. Congress is considering its feasibility now. Kennicott considers this proposal in light of the last addition to the Mall, the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.
Kennicott explains that the American Indian museum's numbers have fallen off. "Since the Indian museum opened in September 2004, the number of visitors has eroded," writes Kennicott. "In 2005, 2.2 million passed through its doors, but it will be touch and go, this year, to maintain last year's count of 1.4 million."
Terre Haute Children's Museum Plans Grand Opening
The Terre Haute Children’s Museum has announced that the grand opening of its new location at 727 Wabash Ave., will take place on Friday, Sept. 24, and a full weekend of activities are being planned to celebrate.
The ribbon cutting for the new museum will take place on Friday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m., and the museum will be open to the public until 8 p.m. that day. The museum will also be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26. The museum will offer discounted admission rates on these days, and a number of special activities will be free with museum admission.
“Thanks to hundreds of individuals, businesses and organizations, the museum now has less than $400,000 to raise in order to meet its $5.5 million fundraising goal,” said John Thompson, president of the Terre Haute Children’s Museum Board of Directors. “This grand opening celebration is our opportunity to thank everyone for their incredible generosity. Together, we have created a wonderful museum for our children and for our community, and we can’t wait to open the doors so everyone can enjoy it.”
AROUND THE GLOBE
Fantasy fairs: Tokyo theme parks for the stressed
No one does escapism quite like the Japanese, and the most creative ways to escape can be found in Tokyo. This is a city where stress, and finding ways to shake it off, are a part of daily life. The theme parks in and around Tokyo are prime examples of Japan’s excellent diversions, mostly erected during Japan’s 1980s economic bubble.
Today there are 20 theme parks remaining in the vicninity of Tokyo; the indoor ocean and ski-field, alas, both closed for business. One of these though -- Tokyo Disneyland -- is the third most-attended theme park in the world. According to the 2009 Theme Index, a report on global attractions and their attendance, over 13 million people visited Tokyo Disneyland in 2009, a 4 percent decrease from the previous year. But that decrease will do little to damage the profits of the Disney empire. Instead it’s the smaller, more eccentric theme parks that are threatened by the current financial crisis.
Park boss wants to work closer
The boss of a tourist attraction which brings thousands of visitors to Lancashire every year said he is looking forward to working closer with the new government.
Roy Page, managing director of Knight’s Leisure which runs the Camelot Theme Park at Charnock Richard, near Chorley, said the arrival of new Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to replace the North West Development Agency offered “a fresh opportunity” to work with the public sector.
The bodies, which are intended to be made up of businesses and local council leaders, are intended to replace the regional body with the local partnership from April 2012.
Terra Botanica, a theme park dedicated to gardens
In the darkness, my wife screams, then, as I rush to the rescue, starts to laugh. She has been captured by a giant Venus flytrap – but this particular carnivorous plant is made of plastic.
We are at Terra Botanica, a new attraction in France's Loire Valley. This is a very French dish, for which the recipe is intriguing: a chunk of Kew Gardens, slices of the Chelsea Flower Show, spoonfuls of the Natural History Museum and a dollop of funfair. Et voilà! Welcome to the "first theme park in Europe devoted to plant life".
On the outskirts of Angers, what was a golf course and an airstrip two years ago is now a dazzling display of horticulture: 27 acres, 5,500 tropical trees and plants, 510 rose bushes and 5,300 shrubs, all nurtured by 20 full-time gardeners. The park has only been open since April, but wherever we look, the greenery seems to be maturing by the minute. We climb aboard an aerial pedalo and cycle through the tree canopy, peering down at intricately patterned flower beds. At ground level, we are encouraged to walk across instant lawns that have been rolled out like carpets. Ground Force would be impressed.
On track with Thomas for a magical day trip
They're two, they’re four, they’re six, they’re eight... If that’s a tune that plays as regularly in your house as it does mine, then switch that telly off and hit the road this summer. Because just over an hour and a half from Manchester, the world of Thomas The Tank Engine comes to life spectacularly at Drayton Manor Theme Park.
Everyone’s there – Thomas, James, Percy, Toby, Harold the helicopter, Cranky the crane and, of course, the controller (no longer fat these days) who performs a song and dance a couple of times a day.
You’ll think you are on the island of Sodor with Ringo Starr’s soft Scouse tones floating round your head as you leave the M6 toll road at Tamworth and park up. It’s a big, big theme park, but Thomas Land is nestled just inside the entrance on the left, so there’s not a lot of walking if you’ve got really little ones.
Zoo land swap: 'It could grow to be nation's top attraction'
In three years our city's zoo will mark its centenary. The next few weeks will determine whether that event takes place in a truly world-class attraction or what may amount to little more than a jumped-up petting farm.
At the moment the zoo falls somewhere in between. With 630,000 visitors a year it is second in popularity only to Edinburgh Castle across Scotland.
But everyone who goes there - and about 70 per cent live in the Central Belt - can see that living cheek-by-jowl with neighbours on the south side of Corstorphine Hill leaves room for improvement.
Eden Project stops offering family tickets
Cornwall's Eden Project has abandoned offering family tickets as part of a round of entry charge increases.
It means a family of two adults and three children which would have previously been charged £39 on the door has to pay £53 to enter the attraction.
The project said that it was using newspaper promotions and supermarket reward schemes instead to lower the price for families.
Gurgaon to get its own global landmark
On the lines of top international cities of the world, the millennium city is all set to get a landmark of its own an iconic and "architecturally marvellous'' structure. The ambitious project is part of a theme park which a private company will construct on lease basis for Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA). A letter of award was recently given to the firm after it won the bid, defeating a number of competing players.
"We are not yet decided on what exactly the structure will be, however, it will be something unique for the country and would give the cyber city a global identity. It could be something like London Eye, Singapore Eye or the Tiger Sky Tower also situated in Singapore,'' said N K Surana, director of the company International Amusement Limited, which has bagged the ambitious project. He added that the project will kick off in three months' time. The same firm was the parent company of Appu Ghar, the popular amusement park in Delhi, till it closed down a few years ago.
"The theme park will also have world-class fun facilities such as joyrides, swings, water slides and fun games for children. It is a bid to beautify the city. The project will draw a lot of people from entire NCR. We plan to develop it as a major tourist destination,'' said Nitin Yadav, administrator, HUDA.
The Polar Ocean World to open this week
The Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean World opens this Wednesday, July 28, adding to Chengdu's growing number of theme parks, which already includes Floraland, Happy Valley, and Dreamland.
Ras al Khaimah is banking on a Dh850 million (US$231.4m) theme park development to boost international interest in the sleepy northern emirate as a tourist destination.
A huge coastal water park, easily accessible from the main road to Ras al Khaimah (RAK) from Dubai, will open to visitors in September.
It is the first part of the wider development, called WOW RAK, which is spread over 48.5 hectares and represents a push towards modernisation and economic growth in an emirate with a reputation for lagging the richer and glitzier emirates to the south.
Pasadena's Pacific Asia Museum is losing its director
Pacific Asia Museum Executive Director Joan Marshall will step down in August to become executive director of the Texas State History Museum in Austin, museum officials announced Friday.
"Joan has transformed the museum over the last seven years," Margaret Leong, chairwoman of the museum's board of directors, said in a statement. "Under her leadership, the museum achieved accreditation from the American Association of Museums, as well as financial stability."
Leong credited Marshall with expanding cultural programming and outreach, saying museum attendance had nearly doubled during her tenure.
Have a Blast in the Brand-new Water Cube Waterpark
The National Swimming Center, or Water Cube, will unveil a brand-new water park on August 8. After 10 months' reconstruction at a price of 350 billion yuan, Asia's largest and most advanced water park will provide a favorite holiday destination for citizens.
During the renovations, the Beijing Olympic Memorial Hall was added to the Water Cube to document the support given by compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as overseas Chinese. In addition, close to the water park is a water bar that allows visitors to have a rest in a cheerful atmosphere.
According to the current operation plan, tickets for touring and swimming at the Water remain at 30 and 50 yuan respectively. Water park tickets are sold separately, at 200 yuan for an adult. Visitors with water park tickets are free to visit the Water Cube.
Around the Globe
Fair board strikes deal for Kentucky Kingdom property
The Kentucky State Fair Board has taken the next step toward reopening Kentucky Kingdom by settling a property dispute with the amusement park’s former owner, Six Flags Inc.
At its regular monthly meeting held yesterday, the fair board approved a master settlement agreement with the park operator’s new management.
The settlement could smooth the way for a deal with a new operator that could reopen the popular attraction and major summer employer. The agreement calls for Six Flags to turn over the nearly 20 acres it owns at the 60-acre Kentucky Kingdom and all but one of the park’s rides to the fair board. The fair board also would receive all furniture, fixtures and equipment associated with the park, as well as all intellectual property, such as the rides’ names.
Disney to make film on Haunted Mansion attraction
Hoping to take a page from its wildly successful "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, Walt Disney Co said on Thursday it was developing a film based on its popular Haunted Mansion theme park attraction.
Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will write and produce the film based on the landmark Disney ride that features a plantation-style mansion with ghosts, creepy creatures, secret passages and all the related sounds.
Disney said each year millions of people visit the Haunted Mansion, which opened in 1969 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Versions of the Haunted Mansion have been built at Disney theme parks in Orlando, Tokyo and Paris.
The Haunted Mansion's Fractured Story
Part of what makes Disneyland and its attractions so different from other massive theme parks is the complete dedication to an immersive experience. In the line for the Indiana Jones ride, for example, the story of how Indy got lost looking for treasure is told as park-goers wind through classic scenes from the Indy mythos populated with authentic looking prop replications. Star Tours, the Star Wars-themed ride, constructs another story within the Star Wars mythos, letting the riders take the place of intergalactic commercial travelers. These stories were subtle, but could easily be soaked up while waiting for the actual attraction.
One of my favorite rides in Disneyland is The Haunted Mansion. Not only is it one of the World’s Largest Dark Rides, but one of Disneyland’s classics that has been replicated for three other Disneyland Parks.
Haunted Mansion was disjointed, and as someone who thinks a story is as important as a theme for all narrative experiences, be they video game, amusement parks, films or television, it bothered me……Until I discovered that the story of the Haunted Mansion actually doesn’t make sense because it can’t. The death of Walt Disney and the removal of a single ghost makes the Haunted Mansion a non-narrative experience, which is actually how Walt wanted it.
Lake Compounce loses power, faces minor damage
Though the powerful storm that smacked Bristol Wednesday knocked out the power to Lake Compounce, the nation’s oldest amusement park suffered little damage and opened nearly on time Thursday.
“We had to open the park a little bit late, just so we could get everything inspected and up to speed,” said Jon Vigue, assistant general manager.
Though the power was out until Thursday at about 11 a.m. — which is the time the park opens — there was not much property damage and no one hurt, said Vigue.
Plans for Knoebels' New Coaster Are in the Dark
Knoebels, the traditional amusement park in Pennsylvania, has a knack for breathing new life into old rides. Its highly regarded Phoenix wooden coaster, for example, was relocated from a defunct Texas park. Next year, Knoebels will introduce Black Diamond, a steel family coaster that dates back to 1960 when it debuted as Golden Nugget at a Jersey shore park. The 2011 version of the small coaster, however, will venture indoors and include dark ride elements. Knoebels has not released many details about Black Diamond, other than it will have a coal-mining theme (this is Pennsylvania, after all) and mine some scares.
Robbers take $100,000 from California State Fair
Sacramento police are searching for two men who stole $100,000 in cash from a catering company at the California State Fair.
The robbery happened Wednesday as the fair was closing for the night. Officials say two men dressed in uniforms walked into an unguarded cash-counting room and held up three employees of Ovations Food Services, a State Fair contractor.
The robbers loaded the cash into a plastic bag and disappeared with the crowd exiting the fair. No one was injured in the heist.
'Coasting for Kids' Rides into Cedar Point
Riding Cedar Point's Gemini double-racing coaster will help terminally ill children and their families when the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort hosts "Coasting for Kids" on Thursday, July 29. For the second consecutive year, Cedar Point will help raise money for Give Kids The World, a Florida-based organization that provides vacations for children who have a life-threatening diseases and their families.
Cedar Point will partner with Coasterbuzz.com, a popular coaster-enthusiast Web site, to find guests to ride the 125-foot tall Gemini. Two Gemini trains, each holding 30 riders, will be reserved for the event from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants are required to raise at least $50 in pledges. All proceeds from the event will be donated directly to Give Kids The World. For more information, visit coasterbuzz.com or givekidstheworld.org.
Prizes will be awarded to those who raise the most money. First place will be awarded a four-hour VIP Tour for four people, second place will receive four tickets to HalloWeekends and a behind-the-scenes tour at Cedar Point, and third place will receive a Give Kids The World bag, filled with gifts from the Give Kids The World Village. In addition, those who raise at least $100 will receive a Give Kids The World tote bag.
Western Enterprises fireworks team wows the crowd in Montreal
The Western Enterprises fireworks team was hoping it would open up the heavens Saturday at the Montreal International Fireworks Competition.
The heavens sure did open up, but not the way Western Enterprises had wanted them to. Torrential downpours soaked the city on the day of the show, but that didn’t stop the Carrier-based fireworks company from thrilling a crowd that braved the weather and packed waterfront bleachers at La Ronde amusement park to see the competition’s sixth act in nine weeks.
Gary Caimano, Western Enterprises’ chief choreographer, said people told him it was “the greatest and biggest Montreal finale they had seen in a long time.” The show came to a thrilling end with a barrage of red, white and blue artillery shells and a shower of comets that lit up the lagoon where the fireworks were being launched.
Teen arrested after Santa Cruz amusement park ride damaged
An unruly Stockton teenager allegedly vandalized the Haunted Castle, a ride that debuted at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in June, causing the new attraction to briefly close for repairs, officials said.
Police said the 16-year-old boy was on the ride Saturday night when he allegedly tugged on a prop — a cloth-covered table — dragging it into the tracks. The car behind the teen's struck the table, then was rear-ended by a third car.
No one was injured, but the collisions bent the tracks the cars travel on and severed electrical cables, according to Santa Cruz Deputy Police Chief Rick Martinez.
Children's Fairyland nears 60-year mark
C.J. Hirschfield got the call from a friend in the police department a little before 11 p.m. on the night of the Johannes Mehserle BART shooting verdict. Protesters, some vandalizing local businesses, were headed in the direction of Children's Fairyland.
As the Fairyland executive director drove toward the nearly 60-year-old storybook-themed park for young children, her husband asked if she had a plan.
"One of our biggest sellers (in the gift shop) is a bubble sword ..." Hirschfield says, before getting serious. "I don't know what I would have done. I would have tried to talk them out of it. But I would have done something."
Spaceship Earth: Epcot's enduring marvel
When you’ve been immersed in the newspaper business for more than four decades, as I have, you tend to have a special interest in all things involving communication, which is why the basic premise of Spaceship Earth in Epcot has always fascinated me.
Spaceship Earth, of course, serves as the icon of Epcot, the symbol which unmistakably identifies Walt Disney World’s second theme park. By all accounts, Spaceship Earth is the park’s enduring marvel.
Inside the massive geodesic sphere — which some folks have likened to a golf ball on steroids — is an imaginative journey through the history of man’s attempts to communicate with one another, from prehistoric cave dwellers to the latest space-age technology.
3 kids hurt on Ocean City roller coaster
Ocean City police say three children were hurt in a roller coaster accident.
Police and fire personnel were called to Trimper's Rides on South Atlantic Avenue around 9:30 p.m. Thursday. The Tidal Wave roller coaster had an apparent mechanical problem that police say injured several passengers.
Paramedics took three children between the ages of 10 and 15 years old to area hospitals with injuries that do not appear to be life threatening.
Channel 11 Takes 1 Tank Trip To Cedar Point In Sandusky, Oh.
Cedar Point is known as the “roller coaster capitol of the world,” and is an extremely popular destination for families across the United States. Luckily for Pittsburgh residents, the trip is a fairly short one.
The park is located in Sandusky, Ohio, which is about a three-hour drive from Pittsburgh.
Channel 11 consumer investigator Robin Taylor took the trip, with a mission to find you money saving deals while visiting the park.
Three local theme parks are making a splash
Late July is the perfect time to head to the amusement park. Locally, there are three amusement parks within about an hour’s drive where you can take your family for a day trip. Roseland Waterpark, Seabreeze and Darien Lake have been destination spots for years, but these parks have new attractions to make a trip a new adventure.
Play got the inside scoop on the Top 3 attractions at each park, so that you don’t miss a thing!
The simple summer pleasures of amusement parks
With a handful of amusement parks within easy driving distance, Baltimoreans can spend their summer weekends sampling breath-taking roller coasters, cavorting with some of their kids' favorite animated characters or getting soaked even though they're miles from the nearest ocean. And for those who haven't been in a few years — maybe it's time to once again sample the simple summer pleasures that only an amusement park can provide.
Here's a look at five parks within 200 miles of the center of Baltimore, along with a sampling of what new rides and attractions they have to offer.
Walt Disney’s Window On Main Street At The Magic Kingdom
If you have time to stroll down Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort, you should try to look up as often as possible to the upper windows of the buildings. Many of the windows have fun names that pay recognition to the Imagineers who worked on the park, in fact, there is even a book about the windows at the park that would be useful if you want to learn more!
Consumer Thrift Limits US Entertainment Demand
U.S. consumers are feeling a little better about parting with their discretionary entertainment dollars this summer than they were last year, but they're still acutely value-conscious, according to cinema owners, theme park executives and live music promoters.
Attendance and revenues are slowly strengthening among amusement parks and cinemas, but for live music, especially in large venues, ticket sales are more challenging, entertainment executives said.
Pricing for summer concert tours has been prohibitive given high unemployment and belt-tightening. Movies continue to represent the smallest monetary outlay and closest escape for many. And theme parks are providing a more economical alternative to traditional travel vacations. Though consumers are recession-weary and generally more willing to spend this summer than last, the entertainment industry's growth has been modest at best, in line with the broader economy's painfully slow recovery.
Perin completes $5M deal for Grand Rios water park hotel
Roseville-based hospitality company Perin has closed on its $5 million acquisition of the Ramada Minneapolis Northwest & Grand Rios Indoor Water Park in Brooklyn Park from The Wirth Cos. Inc.
The deal's price, which hadn't been announced, was recently filed with Hennepin County property tax department. The Business Journal broke news of the sale in June.
Brooklyn Park Business Developer Amy Baldwin confirmed that the buyer, listed as Grand Rios Investments LLC in the property tax filing, is an entity set up for the acquisition by Perin.
Westerville Water Park To Make A Splash
The trend for most cities in Central Ohio is to turn their aquatic centers into water parks.
Cities such as Grove City, Dublin and Upper Arlington all have million dollar water facilities.
The Westerville City Pool has seen its better days.
Slippery Surface Fixed; Water Park Opens Again
The new Anderson Celebration Water Park in Saginaw is reopened after closing for two days for installation of a specialized non-slip surface.
The 6,000-square foot splash pad originally opened a week ago, but was forced to close after several complaints about the slippery surface.
Water park officials applied a rough sand-like material to help eliminate slips.
Rather than blowing an entire paycheck on a weekend away, families looking to beat the heat a bit closer to home can take a short trip to one of several local splash parks to cool down for a fraction of the cost.
Jeff Linn, assistant park superintendent for Metro Beach Metropark, said keeping cool this summer is as easy as a cost-effective trip to a local park.
“In talking with our park patrons, (we’ve heard) they are taking more day trips closer to home— rather than being gone for a whole weekend Up North. It’s a little more affordable,” he said.
New FECs Open In Two Former GameWorks Sites
Trifecta Management Group will open a new family entertainment center concept on Aug. 5 called KDB, which stands for Kitchen-Den-Bar, in sites formerly occupied by Gameworks. The converted sites are at the Easton Town Center in Columbus, OH, and the Pike at Rainbow Harbor, a shopping center in Long Beach, CA.
KDB is described as a "similar restaurant-game concept, but for a slightly older crowd." Trifecta said its investors purchased assets of the Columbus Gameworks, and KDB will operate some of its machines. The Long Beach KDB store will offer a 180-seat restaurant with casual dining fare, bowling lanes, and more than 130 games and attractions.
Los Angeles-based Trifecta is headed by former Gameworks executives, including Ron Lam, who managed the chain between 1999 and 2005. They exited when Sega consolidated ownership of the chain by buying out its former Gameworks partners, which had included SKG DreamWorks and Universal Studios. Trifecta operates upscale bars in California, Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio and Virginia.
North Dakota State Fair set to begin Friday
The North Dakota State Fair gets under way Friday in Minot.
The fair runs through July 31. Major events include the annual parade on Saturday, and the dedication of the new grandstand on Thursday, the day before the fair starts.
State lawmakers last year authorized $15 million for the 7,200-seat grandstand to replace the existing one, which was more than 50 years old.
The Delaware State Fair is Back
A carnival, Paula Deen, Brad Paisley, a rodeo, circus, Lynryd Skynyrd, racing pigs and the list goes on.
The Delaware State Fair begins Thursday, July 22 and offers lots of activities for the whole family.
There’s a great show lineup this year, beginning with Southern food expert Paula Deen. Watch Deen cook while she shares recipes and stories. Tickets cost $35 to $45.
OZS Zoofriends Hits Record Membership with 20,000 Households
The Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS), also known as ZooFriends, has reason to celebrate as ZooFriends has hit a record number of memberships this year, memberships now total 20,051 households, a 6% increase over last year.
“Tremendous leadership, excellent partnerships and teamwork have been invaluable to the Zoo’s growth and success,” said Dwight Scott, Executive Director, Oklahoma City Zoo. “Our ZooFriends team has been an incredible partner and I am looking forward to working side-by-side for our continued success. Congratulations and thank you, ZooFriends!”
The Oklahoma Zoological Society is a nonprofit organization created to support and promote the Oklahoma City Zoo and its programs in education, conservation, zoological research, and recreation. One of the ways OZS achieves this goal is with the ZooFriends membership program. 100% of membership dollars are given to the Oklahoma City Zoo. These dollars are used for the growth and improvement of the Zoo as well as supporting conservation projects across the world.
Whether it's from the excessive heat or rain this summer, Kansas City Zoo officials said that attendance is down, this summer, but they're reminding people there's plenty of ways to keep cool at the zoo.
Zoo officials said there are shade trees throughout the grounds, four air conditioned buildings, misting fans and water stations throughout the park.
Kansas City Zoo Executive Director Randy Wisthoff said there's nothing anyone can do about the heat, but hopes that people continue to think of the zoo as a destination this summer.
OKC Zoo reports attendance shows third-best year ever
More than 811,000 visitors went to the Oklahoma City Zoo during fiscal year 2010, which ended in June.
Though it is 2 percent fewer visitors than the park saw last year, attendance still was the third-highest ever for the zoo, said Mark Campbell, business services director. Campbell reported the numbers during the Oklahoma City Zoological Trust meeting Wednesday afternoon.
June attendance was down 11 percent down compared with last year, but July attendance is on par so far. Nearly 11,000 visitors attended free admission day at the zoo Saturday, Executive Director Dwight Scott said.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Alton Towers resort will close Th13teen rollercoaster on Friday 13th August
The Alton Towers Resort has confirmed it will not be running new ride Th13teen on Friday 13th August. The decision follows in-depth research which found that over 30 million Brits consider themselves superstitious ( 64 % of UK, 62 % in the Midlands) and that one in three will change their behaviour on Friday 13th August for fear of bad luck.
As a result, the Alton Towers Resort has made the unexpected decision to temporarily close the ride as they fear that a large proportion of visitors will not feel comfortable riding a rollercoaster named after the number 13 on what many feel is the nation’s unluckiest day.
According to the research, which was undertaken in conjunction with superstition expert Professor Bruce Hood from the University of Bristol, a surprising 62% of people in the Midlands are superstitious -with the majority of superstitions based around bad luck. Nine out of ten people admitted to acting on these fears and a quarter (one in four) believe that Friday 13th is unlucky. Such precautions are not as trivial as they may seem, with loss of business due to superstition estimated to cost the US economy $800-900 million every Friday 13th.
15 hotel waterparks to open outside North America
Developers worldwide, excluding North America, are constructing 15 hotel waterpark resorts that are expected to open in 2010—showing growth of 30% compared to 11 properties opening the same period last year.
By comparison, in North America, only eight hotel waterpark resorts are expected to open in 2010—a decline of 44% from the 18 resorts opening last year.
In the rest of the world, 8 waterpark hotels have already opened during the first half of 2010.
Land set aside for vertical theme park handed over to Birmingham City University
The much-vaunted vertical theme park (VTP) once championed as the centrepoint of a new Birmingham Eastside has been scrapped after the land earmarked for the 200m tower was handed over to Birmingham City University.
Advantage West Midlands, the owner of the site next to Millennium Point, said developer VTP Global had never come up with a financial plan that convinced it the theme park project would be completed and so decided to offer the land to BCU after its original plans for Eastside were scuppered by the proposals for high speed rail (HS2).
However, the developers, who had been working on the project for four years, has hit out at the decision to give the land to BCU, claiming it could have secured the funding if it had been given more time.
Global Park News
Investigators await prelim report from manufacturer on deadly coaster fall
The investigation into a deadly roller coaster accident at an amusement park continues after special inspectors tested the machine for hours in their quest to find why a woman fell from the ride.
According to the Office of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, deputy inspectors from the fire marshal's office, manufacturer representatives and maintenance personnel with the park "conducted many hours of mechanical and operational testing."
State Fire Marshal Butch Browning said the tests specifically focused on the restraint device on the ride.
Remaining 21 male Cyclone enthusiasts battle it out to win coveted crown
Miss Cyclone, meet your guy.
Male roller coaster enthusiasts from across the borough are vying to be crowned the first-ever Mr. Cyclone - and 21 semifinalists have been tapped from an original field of nearly 200 contestants.
The remaining 21 include two firefighters, a circus clown, an opera singer - and the self-proclaimed "front-runner."
Survivors of Earlier Era: 11 Beloved Trolley Parks
Before Disneyland and Six Flags, before steel coasters went 50 mph and rides were named for cartoons, movies and superheroes, there were trolley parks.
The parks were built by trolley companies at the end of the line in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a way to get workers and their families to ride streetcars and railways on weekends. They had carousels, picnic grounds and live entertainment, and they were often located by lakes, rivers or beaches where visitors could take a boat ride or swim.
By 1919, just after World War I, there were 1,000 amusement parks around the country, and most of them were trolley parks, according to Jim Futrell, historian for the National Amusement Park Historical Association. But as cars replaced trolleys, the streetcars and their parks faded away.
Scary ride ends well on La Ronde's Boomerang
Halfway through the roller coaster ride, Alex Paradis's safety harness came off.
The 12-year-old was left dangling, completely and utterly helpless, 35 metres above ground, halfway through his trip on the Boomerang, one of La Ronde's oldest thrill rides.
"I was scared," Alex said in a telephone interview this week. "I didn't know what was going to happen. I tried to lower (the harness). And then I closed my eyes."
Ongoing issues foil Ghost Town reopening plans
Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park in Maggie Valley will not open this summer, contrary to previous assertions by park owners and managers.
The amusement park is still mired in bankruptcy and remains in a holding pattern until a major landslide blocking access to the park is cleaned up and stabilized.
A proposal by one of the park’s main owners to buy Ghost Town out of bankruptcy failed to go through as planned. Al Harper, owner of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and a principal investor in Ghost Town, hoped to buy the park for $7 million. That price tag would fall $6 million short of covering the park’s debts, but it would have allowed the park to emerge from bankruptcy. Harper hoped to put the amusement park back in operation, but the deal was contingent on a loan from an offshore lender.
Rising Galleries to pay tribute to Conneaut Lake Park
George Nowack is the director of the Rising Galleries at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, and he’s also a nationally recognized carver of wooden carousel horses.
So, hosting a tribute to Conneaut Lake Park at the galleries seems like a perfectly apropos thing to do. And for Nowack, it’s also an important one.
“With what I do, I carry the history of the old parks with me,” Nowack said. “They’re part of my nature, of my dreams, of my philosophy.
Disney closes ride to fix safety issue
The Alice in Wonderland ride at Disneyland is closed at least for a few weeks while park officials fix a possible safety problem.
Disney officials voluntarily decided to shut down the ride starting July 15, said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman. A reopening date has yet to be set, but it is expected to be available to guests within a few weeks.
On July 15, an official from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, who was at the park on an unrelated matter, saw a maintenance worker on the track of Alice in Wonderland. The state official notified Disney of a “potential safety issue,” so Disney decided to close the ride, Brown said.
We met with one Odessa family, whose summer vacation took a turn for the worse. The Hernandez family took a trip to Fiesta Texas in San Antonio over the weekend. What started as a fun-filled family vacation, ended in the emergency room.
Shirley Hernandez was watching her 10-year-old daughter, Kayla, on the Whirligig, just as she had many times before. They were celebrating Kayla’s recovery from a recent open-heart surgery, but that celebration was short-lived.
"The next thing we know people are running over to us saying our daughters been thrown off the swing," Shirley says. According to Hernandez, Kayla was not properly buckled into the swing and no one came around to check the children before the ride started.
Business up 4 percent at Coco Key Resort, owner says
After a rocky start three years ago, the CoCo Key Water Resort at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Danvers is drawing 800 people a day this summer and has seen a 4 percent increase in business over last year, according to management.
“The summer months are just as busy as the winter,” said Jennifer Dellamonica, director of sales and marketing for the hotel resort.
The 65,000 square foot indoor water park opened in May of 2007 amid concerns about safety and management’s ability to monitor alcohol served in the hotel and at a small bar within the water park. Both Danvers and Middleton imposed restrictions on the water park’s license to help keep things in check, among them no at-the-door ticket sales. The resort atop Ferncroft Drive spans the two communities, with the hotel portion sitting in Danvers and the water park in Middleton.
Taking the kids -- to a theme park this summer
The negotiations went right down to the wire.
Was he persuasive enough? Would she back away from the deal at the last moment?
I smile thinking of that hot day at Disney World when my son and older daughter worked so hard to convince their little sister that she really was "grown up" enough (and tall enough) to ride Space Mountain. "So cool!" they told her. "Not too scary," they promised.
LAEDC Mid-year Forecast Shows Improving Economic Picture and Job Growth in 2011
In a new report released today, the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) projects the U.S. economy will grow by 3.1 percent in 2010 and by 2.9 percent in 2011 after contracting by 2.4 percent in 2009. The report also shows that employment will grow through year end 2010, and the nation’s unemployment rate will decline slowly, reaching the nine percent range by the end of 2011.
According to the “2010-2011 Economic Forecast and Industry Outlook: Mid-Year Update” report produced by the LAEDC’s Kyser Center for Economic Research, California’s recovery will be led by tourism, international trade, technology, and television and film production.
“We are seeing a measured recovery under way,” said the Kyser Center’s Chief Economist and report co-author, Dr. Nancy Sidhu. “Automotive and housing-related purchases and business investment in equipment will contribute to the recovery as well, but consumer spending holds one of the keys to the overall economic outlook.”
An aquatic center – complete with Olympic-sized swimming pool for competition coupled with a water park – is considered by a consultant as the best way for Manteca to develop a part of the 111 acres the city owns that fronts the Highway 120 Bypass immediately west of Big League Dreams and Costco.
The consulting firm whose founding client was Walt Disney also believes the site is a “strong location” for family-style entertainment centers such as Scandia Family Fun Center or Boomers! with a mixture of miniature golf, laser tag, and arcade games and a variety of amusement ride.
Under the proposals outlined by the consulting firm of AECOM Manteca could own and operate the complex itself or lease the management of the aquatic center and park to a third party much like the arrangement with Big League Dreams.
Water Park Becomes Holy Water Park
John the Baptist had the River Jordan. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, has the Hawaiian Falls Waterpark.
In the summer, Wednesday nights at the water park typically mean Prestonwood Family Night at the Hawaiian Falls location in The Colony. More than 8,000 people affiliated with the church make pilgrimages to the park, and church elders have used the occasion to conduct annual baptisms there.
Wednesday night’s the night for baptisms this year, and this time David Busch, president of the amusement company, and his son, Brian, will be among the newly christened Christians.
Pleasant Hills discussing water park options
The city manager of Pleasant Hill says the city is considering either leasing or purchasing a local water park called White Water University, which has been sitting vacant for five years.
The 254,000-square-foot facility closed in 2005 and was put on the market nearly three weeks ago.
In a proposal to the city, current owner Craig Smith has suggested either leasing the park for 10 years, leasing it for 10 years with the option to purchase, or purchasing it outright.
Watkins' MetroCenter Plan Includes Water Park, Theater
Downtown developer David Watkins is now making a pitch for a south Jackson mall.
Watkins Development Group is set to purchase the old Belk department store location at MetroCenter Mall within the next week. The developer said if all goes according to plan, he could purchase the entire mall within three to seven years. Development plans would include an indoor water park, a movie theater, a hotel and a housing development.
The first part of Watkins’ plan would be to move the Jackson Public School administrative offices into the old Belk location at MetroCenter Mall.
Iowa State Fair: Balancing 'wows' and butter cows
The Iowa State Fair's longevity has become both an asset and an impediment for its bottom line.
The fair's 156-year tradition has developed a strong base of support among Iowans and former Iowans who attend year after year. But fair organizers say it's difficult to find new ways to reach more people - and consequently, increase revenue.
While the fair is a nonprofit public entity, it still must ensure that revenues meet or exceed expenses. Rising costs are forcing organizers to seek more — and new — sources of revenue, said Gary Slater, the fair's chief executive officer.
TripAdvisor Unwraps America's Top 10 Sweetest Attractions
TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, today announced its list of the top ten sweetest attractions in the U.S., as identified by TripAdvisor editors. Travelers with a soft-spot for candy and hard-centered cynics alike will melt as they take in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of these sweet spots, which include chocolate fountains, ice cream empires and jelly bean feasts.
New zoo director: No changes planned yet
Bill Gersonde, new director of the Abilene Zoo, says for now he plans to keep “continuing good programs” the zoo already has in place before considering any changes.
Gersonde started work Monday as head of one of Abilene’s most popular attractions. Prior to coming to Abilene, Gersonde had been zoo superintendent at the Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls, Idaho since 1991. At the Tautphaus Park Zoo, Gersonde successfully achieved and maintained accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums at a zoo which previously had not held accreditation.
In addition, he oversaw the renovations of existing facilities and construction of new ones, established a nonprofit support organization, implemented a volunteer educators program, developed another volunteer group to assist in animal care and grounds facility maintenance and construction, and completed a 10-year zoo master plan.
Hendrick Construction Wins Zoo Contract
Hendrick Construction, Inc. won a contract to build five barns and expand the North Carolina Zoo's 37-acre African Plains habitat.
The project includes a rhinoceros barn, three hoof-stock barns and a treatment barn with connected paddocks and animal holding facilities. Hendrick Construction will also repair the exhibit's existing barns and complete the associated site work. The buildings will house rhinoceroses, gazelles, antelope and other plains animals.
The 11-acre expansion will feature extensive wood- and vinyl-coated fencing, as well as indigenous turf, plants and landscaping to control erosion and mimic the animals' natural environments.
California State Fair: Gates locked down during search for suspects in $100,000 hatchet robbery
Breaking news reports that all gates are locked down at the California State Fair following, the robbery of a vendor, with what appeared to be a hatchet or axe this evening.
The thieves wearing stolen or found uniforms from the State Fair have successfully stolen a reported $100 thousand from a fair vendor.
With the exits on lock down the Cal Expo Police, Sacramento County Sheriffs and Sacramento Police are searching for the two men that perpetrated the robbery as all patrons depart the fairgrounds.
Snøhetta to design SFMOMA's vast new wing
Snøhetta, the architecture firm designing the museum at the World Trade Center site, is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's choice to design its new wing - a $250 million expansion likely to be the city's largest private project between now and the scheduled opening in 2016.
The new wing will add roughly 160,000 square feet to SFMOMA's brick-clad home facing Yerba Buena Gardens. It will extend south to Howard Street, across an alley and onto a narrow site now occupied by two small buildings just east of the W Hotel tower.
The firm, which has offices in Oslo and New York, was selected after a five-month search that winnowed a list of 35 possible architects to four finalists.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Shanghai World Expo Attendance Hits 30 Mln Mark
More than 30 million people have visited the World Expo Park in Shanghai since its official opening on May 1, organizers said Wednesday.
The number of Expo visitors broke the 30 million mark Wednesday morning, organizers said, adding that the number of visitor arrivals passed the 20 million mark on June 28 and the 10 million mark on June 5.
A new daily attendance record was set Saturday, when 557,200 people visited the Expo Park.
On crest of a new wave: Wahooo! creates ripples with an all-custom water park
It’s summertime and the water is always appealing for a quick dip or a leisurely wallow. But invariably you have to time yourself before the temperatures of the water levels with the bright light of the sun, making it imperative to make a quick getaway from the serene sea or the pool.
But now, a brainwave of the Majid Al Futtaim Group — the region’s prominent property and shopping malls developer — has allowed for the creation of a themed water park close to home, allowing residents to participate in water sports or activities.
Nowadays, one can swim, slide and splash to their heart’s content. But you have to be on the go to do that. Go to Bahrain that is. The team that brought the wonder of snow to Dubai have, with their latest enterprise, Wahooo!, brought a water park adventure to Bahrain.
Side-splitting comedy comes to theme park
Tamworth's new comedy night launches tomorrow, Friday, at Drayton Manor Theme Park.
The event takes place in the park's Tower Suite.
Featuring live stand-up from three hilarious, talented comedians, attendees are guaranteed to have a night of fun and laughter.
Feast of fun for whole family at Malaysia’s Theme Parks
Malaysia is a place for the young in age and young at heart, and this is where your kids – and you – will have the time of your lives. With amusement centres and theme parks all over the place, and new ones cropping up every now and then, there’s non-stop action and fun galore to be enjoyed wherever you travel across Malaysia.
All year round, the weather is warm and ideal for spending hours at the parks. Most of them offer something for every member of the family and if you want to take a break or go shopping, you’re sure to find a resort or a mall nearby.
The amusement parks are very different from each other; some are based on special themes while others simply guarantee you unending good times. Yet all of them have security as top priority, and state-of-the-art systems and well-tested facilities to ensure your loved ones are perfectly safe as they go wild.
Lo-Q helps families to beat the queues
UK based Lo-Q continues to beat the queues this summer with technology specifically designed to help theme park visitors make the most of their day and their precious time. Lo-Q’s virtual queuing solutions overcome the challenge of standing in queue lines for hours on end. True virtual queuing means the Lo-Q system is fair to all visitors. While waiting for a ride, visitors are free to spend their time as they choose, relaxing with friends and family in the park grounds, having lunch or enjoying an ice-cream.
Holidays have become a luxury and more people than ever before are choosing to stay at home rather than venture abroad for their well-earned break. With the long summer holidays ahead, many families are heading off to theme parks to make the most of their leisure time. This continuing “staycation” trend means that visitor numbers to amusement parks have increased dramatically over the past year often leading to longer queues and frustrated families.
Stephen Hamilton, a director of hotel, tourism and leisure consultants Horwath HTL in Auckland, said Gold Coast park operators could be the most likely buyers of the Manukau business.
"These Australian businesses would have the specialised knowledge, expertise and existing executive management team relevant to operating Rainbow's End," said Hamilton, naming Dreamworld, Sea World, WhiteWater World and Warner Bros Movie World as the dominant businesses.
Surveillance in a theme park leaves visitors with no worries about security
The jungle path winds its way through the rainforest. Around 500 different types of plants and up to 14-m high, sometimes extremely old trees grow here. The path leads past a waterfall, and a narrow footbridge spans the mangrove swamp. It is warm - about 28 °C, with close to 60 % humidity. The air is full of the scent from the plants and a concert of birdsong. The forest opens up to a clearing and provides a breathtaking view of the lagoon: dark blue water, white sand beach...
A tropical paradise, you think - but it's approximately 5,800 km north of the equator and about one hour's drive away from Berlin. In the world's largest freestanding hall, 66,000 m² and five million m³ of interior space, the Tropical Islands Resort Berlin-Brandenburg in Niederlausitz is an authentic man-made tropical landscape.
The whole idea of building this paradise originated with businessman Colin Au, who comes from Malaysia. He envisioned bringing the tropics with its beautiful, warm weather to cold, gray Germany, a vision that has also created jobs. The Tropical Islands Resort employs more than 500 people to take care of their guests while 13 MOBOTIX cameras ensure that the visitors can just relax and put their feet up, with no worries about security.
Al Bustan Centre & Residence unveils Special Ramadan Iftar promotion!
Al Bustan Centre & Residence, the deluxe property which offers world-class services and facilities in the city unveiled its special Ramadan Iftar promotion with an exciting ‘Dine 4 – Pay 3’ offer at its popular Fountain Café & Restaurant where you can enjoy a buffet priced at just AED 85/ per person. Also awaiting you is a selection of delicious Lebanese Hot and cold Mezza, soothing soups and stews, tantalizing curries and biryanis, plus select items from the Far East and the Mediterranean Cuisine, including mouthwatering Arabic sweets and drinks. What’s more, the property also offers Outside Catering Service during Ramadan with Special Ramadan menus for Iftar or Sahour created especially to delight you and your guests.
A family oriented centre, Al Bustan Centre & Residence offers parents the option of shopping while their children could have fun at the Fantasy Kingdom, an indoor amusement center spread over 24,000 sq. ft. on the ground floor. Completely devoted to the entertainment needs of the entire family it is categorized in the industry as a family entertainment center and is a safe play haven that holds all kinds of entertainment for the whole family.
Around the Parks
Review Of Whale Attack At SeaWorld Completed
Officials from SeaWorld confirmed Tuesday that a review of the theme park's operations has been completed in the wake of the death of a killer whale trainer.
SeaWorld would not disclose the findings or recommendations made by a panel of outside experts.
Since trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by a killer whale in February, SeaWorld has pulled all trainers out of the water during performances.
Gurnee to create parking permits for subdivision near Six Flags park
Gurnee plans to create street parking permits for a subdivision that officials say has been overrun with vehicles from visitors to Six Flags Great America.
Free street parking a few blocks to the north apparently beats what Great America charges to patrons. Great America fees range from $15 for one day to $70 for season parking.
But village board trustees Monday night agreed those free parking days should end for amusement park guests in the Pembrook townhouse and condominium development around Rockpoint Court.
Happiness is…
Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the lovable PEANUTS characters have brought smiles and laughter to people of all ages for decades. In fact, this summer the group will be celebrating their 60th anniversary. In honor of that historic milestone, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company's 11 amusement parks will host a variety of celebrations on Sunday, Aug. 8.
>From family-friendly scavenger hunts and mask decorating to special events and giveaways, the Cedar Fair parks are preparing for a celebration like no other. Additionally, several parks will offer guests a discount on their admission ticket when they bring in a donation for animal-friendly charities and organizations.
Coney Island water park faces permit woe because it's on a 'coastal erosion hazard area'
A new water park planned for the Coney Island beach has been left high and dry.
Water Slide Beach - featuring three inflatable water slides, bungee jumping, lounge chairs and food - was supposed to open on July 4 weekend.
But state officials threw cold water on that plan - saying the attraction failed to get a special permit it needs because the beach is located in a "coastal erosion hazard area" - and now it's unclear when it will be able to open.
Winter Haven Chamber Hosts Businesses to Plan Legoland Strategies
Men and women in business attire sat around tables adorned with toy dump trucks and brightly colored plastic miniature bricks Tuesday afternoon at the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce.
The gathering, though, was serious business.
About 60 Chamber members spent two hours in a brainstorming session aimed at capitalizing on the economic opportunities that will arise when Legoland Florida opens in the fall of 2011.
'Rock Band Live!' Debuts July 23rd at California's Great America
The game is now a great live show. And you can be the star!
isit California's Great America and be discovered as MTV Games' Rock Band offers an all-access pass to the hottest new live show and gaming experience to hit the amusement and theme park stage.
The show's all-star cast is guaranteed to take you on a journey that is sure to jolt your inner rocker into overdrive!
Summer jobs elusive for U.S. teens
The high youth unemployment means competition for summer temp jobs at resorts and amusement parks is fierce -- and it also leaves many teenagers without valuable work experience.
Epcot’s first authentic Italian pizzeria will open on Aug. 5 at the Italy pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase.
The restaurant, called Via Napoli, will have numerous Neapolitan pizza options, including a traditional margherita, according to a Walt Disney World news release.
Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot, is excited about the new addition to the theme park.
Kiddieland a landmark of fun in Galesburg
A case can be built that a former business located in the ’50s and ’60s at 1721 N. Henderson St. may have touched as many lives as any local enterprise in history. Reliving the memories of an all-time favorite Galesburg amusement park has been one of the most requested columns.
Thanks to the efforts of Sheryl Bacon and Patty Mosher it seems fitting to remind area residents of the popular Kiddieland amusement park. Sheryl is the daughter of Saylor Conard, the last owner/operator of the fun park. Patty is archivist at the Galesburg Public Library. Sheryl has donated a scrapbook of her Kiddieland memories, including pictures, to the library.
Legend is that in the early ’50s a traveling carnival, whose owner went belly up financially while set up in Galesburg, abandoned the rides and flew the coop. Robert Green, known as the Traveling Welder, assumed ownership and operated the amusement park for nearly 10 years. The answer to hundreds of area children’s dreams included a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, flying swings and the very popular bumper cars.
Summer break is just about half over, and the kids are already singing the blues. This is the perfect time to pack up the car and head to one of four local adrenaline factories: Busch Gardens, Kings Dominion, Six Flags America and Hersheypark. Each features thrilling rides, new attractions and a unique flavor to suit every taste.
New Information on Xtreme Coaster Death
New information involving that deadly roller coaster fall at Dixie Landin'.
Lindsay Zeno, 21, fell 30 feet to her death around 4:00 p.m. July 11th. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says hours of mechanical and operational testing on the restraint device has wrapped up at the Baton Rouge amusement park.
Investigators are still not revealing what went wrong. The ride remains closed as inspectors await a written report from the "Xtreme's" German manufacturer Mauer Sohne. Meanwhile witness interviews are about to get underway. " We hope to have our investigation finalized by the week of July 26, 2010, said Browning.
Hollander leaves Pixar for Rhythm & Hues
Producer Richard Hollander has ankled Pixar to return to Rhythm & Hues Studios.
Hollander, a former president of R&H's film division, rejoins the company as senior visual effects supervisor for its effects and animation businesses.
His start date is Aug. 2 and he will report to film division prexy Lee Berger, who has held that post since Hollander left.
Plan for North Miami indoor ski resort takes a tumble
Three months after Solar Mountain announced it would transform North Miami's Biscayne Landing site, into a vast winter-themed amusement park, the project has been dropped altogether.
The group backed out, said Norman Canter, the project's founder, after several issues were not resolved with the trustee. "The trust had not lived up to what we asked them to do,'' Canter said.
Solar Mountain was selected in April as the leading bidder to acquire the note on the 193-acre North Miami site from Wells Fargo. Canter said the group decided not to close June 30 on its $30 million bid citing ongoing problems with Trimont Real Estate Advisors, which is serving as an advisor to Wells Fargo and acting as trustee for the property's main mortgage holder.
Ropes courses and zip lines turn exercise into an adventure
You might say Adan Caraballo is an adrenaline junkie. Actually, you definitely would. "I'm always hang-gliding, skydiving and jet-skiing," says the 49-year-old graphic designer, whose recent vacations have taken him bungee-jumping and to the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. So how does he keep his body primed for such thrills? By traversing wobbly logs and pulling himself up cargo nets every other weekend.
Caraballo holds a season pass at Terrapin Adventures, an outdoor amusement park that opened in spring 2009 in the appropriately named town of Savage in Howard County. It has four main attractions: a 330-foot zip line, a giant swing that soars nearly 40 feet in the air, a 43-foot-high climbing tower and, most distinctively, a three-story ropes course.
Once limited to corporate and camper bonding, ropes courses have recently become a walk-in-friendly option for anyone seeking a heightened exercise experience. Go Ape, which has 26 locations in the United Kingdom, opened its first U.S. course in the Lake Needwood area of Rock Creek Regional Park near Rockville in May. And Calleva, a Poolesville-based company that has run ropes courses for groups for more than a decade, is about to open its first public facility at National Harbor in Prince George's County.
Ontario's Calypso is the high-water mark for wet amusement parks
I was a bit skeptical. How fun could it be to float along in chest-high water?
But we had paid the admission - yikes! more about that later - and the kids were keen. They dutifully slipped on waiting life jackets, we all grabbed yellow flutter boards and away we went.
It turned out to be one of high points of our trip to the just-opened Calypso park, a $45-million pleasure ground between Montreal and Ottawa that bills itself as Canada's biggest theme water park.
Water parks find business booming in tough economy
The gates had not yet opened at Raging Waters in San Dimas, Calif., on a recent sunny morning, but assistant Girl Scout leader Brenda Mauss was already in the parking lot urging her five charges to slather on the sunscreen.
The plan was to be in line for the 10 a.m. opening to wring every drop of pleasure from the day. Admission to the water park - the state's largest - costs $36.99. But Mauss had discount coupons from a fast-food restaurant that knocked 10 bucks off each ticket.
"Everybody is looking for savings and something fun to do," she said, as swarms of families scrambled past them toward the park entrance.
Customers surprised by water park closure
The weather heated up this afternoon when the sun came out, and many people in the Saginaw area thought it was the perfect time to check out the city's new splash park.
But visitors to the park were surprised to find it was closed.
The splash park opened to rave reviews just a week ago, but there were a few complaints about the slippery surface. So the park was closed today, catching visitors by surprise.
Little Kahuna Water Park coming soon
The Little Kahuna Water Park has come a long way over the past two years, and Southwest Louisiana is now closer to having a water park.
Co-owner David LeJeune says the park is 80% complete and they're hoping to have the park opened for limited parties before the end of the year.
Over the past two years, the project has encountered delays due to weather and permit related issues. LeJeune says the water pumps and filtration system must receive approval from the Department of Health and Hospitals. The park must also under go a review from the Fire Marshall.
NFL player buys hotel, water park complex
The troubled Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort has been sold to two buyers, including former Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis.
The East Side complex has been run by American Resort Management in receivership since the hotel and water park went into foreclosure in 2008.
Ownership of Fort Rapids also will include Brownlee Reagan, owner of Reagan Resort Properties in Gatlinburg, Tenn. The deal was worth $6 million.
Business Spotlight: Fantasy Lake Water Park
Marjorie Turner, who owns Fantasy Lake Water Park, says the recession has helped business because some people don't want to stray far from home for entertainment.
Construction projects expected to be finished before State Fair
Anyone who drives through Syracuse is bound to run into one of the major construction projects in the area. Two major projects were recently completed, and the goal is to have most of what remains finished before the State Fair.
The goal is to get a majority of the major projects completed before the State Fair. Toward that end, the Court Street Bridge and Spencer Street projects are already complete. Wednesday, the sidewalks will be poured along Butternut, paving the way for an opening of the bridge at the end of August. The West Street ramp coming off 690 West is planned to open in mid-August. Unfortunately, the Erie Boulevard Bridge over West Street probably won't be done until the end of October.
"Be patient," requests DOT representative Gene Cilento. "Please remember we have a relatively short season unlike Florida or Texas where they can work year round. Essentially, we have from mid-April to mid-October. That's why everything is happening now."
Bass Pro outlines plan for Pyramid's development 'like an amusement park'
Visitors to the Bass Pro Shops store at The Pyramid will enter into a re-created Delta cypress swamp, with a body of water on the ground floor and cypress trees stretching into the upper reaches of the refurbished building.
Plans for the attraction were released Tuesday during a City Council hearing about the city's lease of The Pyramid to Bass Pro Shops.
Visitors to the wildlife showcase and sporting goods mall in the now vacant arena would travel on elevated walking paths among the trees, above a swamp stocked with freshwater fish.
Police not amused with woman's trip to theme park
An Indiana woman is under arrest after police say she left two young kids at home and went to Holiday World.
West Terre Haute Police say Tonya Smith was arrested after she left her 7 and 10-year-old children home alone, and made the 100-mile trip to Holiday World with her boyfriend.
Concerned neighbors say they called police after seeing the kids home alone.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Thorpe Park's new attraction for 2011 revealed as Spinning Rapids water ride
Thorpe Park's planned new attraction for 2011 has been revealed as a Spinning Rapids water ride, which will be relocated from the closed Cypress Gardens park in Florida.
Known as Storm Surge at its former home, the family ride sees guests boarding rubber rafts which can hold up to 6 people. The rafts are carried up a conveyor belt to the top of a 19.4 metre-tall hill, before being propelled by water down a spiral chute. Panels on the surface of the waterway cause the rafts to spin as they make the descent, before splashing down into a channel at ground level.
Details of the new attraction were revealed in a planning application submitted to Runnymede Borough Council, in which the park describes the ride as a "secondary attraction" designed to relieve queues for its headline attractions. The water ride will be added instead of 2 of the 3 flat rides which were proposed in medium-term plans submitted to the council in 2005.
AAE 2011 set for Resorts World Sentosa
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions has confirmed that the 2011 Asian Attractions Expo will move to the convention centre at Singapore's new destination resort, Resorts World Sentosa.
The four-day event, which has become one of the leading events for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions industry in Asia, will take place from June 21 to 24, 2011.
The organisers anticipate more than 3,000 professionals from 40 countries will participate in the event, while more than 200 exhibitors from 25 countries will showcase products and services in nearly 100 product categories. Educational programmes, keynote speeches by industry leaders and networking events will also take place during the four days.
Lo-Q in talks with potential new boss
Virtual queuing systems developer Lo-Q has published its delayed interim figures and chairman and chief executive Jeff McManus has left the company.
Lo-Q says that it already has a preferred candidate for the role of chief executive and it is in discussions with that person who will then undertake a review of the group.
A change in the year end from December to October means that the interim figures cover a time when revenues are low. Even so, visitor utilisation of the Lo-Q system rose 18% during the period. More than four-fifths of revenues will come in the second half.
Fatal theme park rides put spotlight on safety
When Yang Bowen's parents asked their son where he wanted to celebrate his fourth birthday this month, it took him just seconds to decide: Happy Valley.
After hearing his friends talk about the fun rides at the amusement park in southeast Beijing, he could not wait to see what all the fuss was about.
Yang got his wish, although after the fatal accident two weeks ago at a park in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, his parents insisted the boy would be skipping the more dangerous rides.
Theme park reopens four days after tragic death
The Tibidabo theme park in Barcelona will open again tomorrow at midday after having been closed since Saturday night's tragic accident.
A teenage girl was killed and three others were seriously injured on the ride known as the Pendulum fell onto another, called the Gold Mine, which was then empty. All four victims were riding the Pendulum when it collapsed.
One of the injured parties, a teenage boy, was able to get up and walk away but two others suffered severe head and body injuries that needed emergency surgery.
Cable Car rides to re-open to public on July 21
The cable cars between Mount Faber and Sentosa island will return July 21, after S$36 million overhaul.
Mount Faber Leisure Group, which manages the service, hopes to see a 20 per cent increase in ridership - compared with 1.7 million in 2009.
After a nine-month absence, the longtime attraction now sports a fresh new look.
Hezbollah Opens Jihad Theme Park
The Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah, after decades of anti-Israel and anti-U.S. violence, has decided to try something new and open an amusement park. The million-dollar attraction, enticingly named "Museum for Resistance Tourism," includes documentary videos, an aerial tramway, and a terrace called "The Abyss" that showcases remnants of Israeli tanks. Located on the Lebanese mountain town of Mleeta, the museum is meant to cement Hezbollah, which was founded only in the 1980s, into the ancient and storied Lebanese culture. ABC News' Lara Setrakian visits the center that is sometimes called "HezbollahLand".
Opening date for £230,000 Dorset water park
A £230,000 water park is set to be unveiled in Dorset after a successful campaign by residents.
The Splash park on Christchurch Quay will replace the old 1940s pool, which underwent a number of temporary repairs in recent years.
A partnership group was set up when it was suggested the pool may have to close.
Visitor attraction figures surge 7%
Visitors to major tourist attractions have surged by 7% in the last year, Historic Scotland said.
Numbers peaked in August, with 11% more visitors compared to 12 months earlier.
The figures surpassed expectations and are thought in part to have been generated by the Year of Homecoming, which targeted ancestral Scots living abroad.
China Yida Announces Senior Hires to Strengthen its Tourism Business
China Yida Holding Company, a leading diversified entertainment enterprise in China, today announced that it recently hired three senior managers to support the expansion of its tourism business.
Xinnan Xu has been appointed head of the Ming Dynasty Entertainment World, responsible for the planning and construction of this new tourism destination. Prior to joining China Yida, Mr. Xu lead the project to revamp Huishan old town in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province which aimed to protect ancient buildings as well as to exhibit the history and culture of different dynasties. Mr. Xu also worked 14 years for the Three Kingdoms City and Shuihu City, which are important filming locations run by CCTV. Mr. Xu has experience in the planning of several artificial theme parks and he is a part-time associate professor at Wuxi Nanyang College.
Jinchu Mao has been appointed head of the City of Caves, where he will be primarily responsible for the planning and construction of this new tourism destination. Prior to joining China Yida Mr. Mao was Vice General Manager of Yellow Dragon Cave Investment Company where he successfully explored, protected, developed and managed the Yellow Dragon Cave in Zhangjiajie, one of the most famous caves in China. Mr. Mao has been a member of Cave Sub-committee of China Geological Science Committee since 2009. His articles on cave tourism management were published in multiple tourism magazines and his contribution to Yellow Dragon Cave has been featured in the media, including CCTV and Hunan TV, several times.
Santas from whole world swarm in Copenhagen
Santas from all over the world take part in a parade on the first day of the annual World Santa Claus Congress at the amusement park Dyrehavsbakken, north of Copenhagen, July 19, 2010. More than 120 Santas and elves have gathered for the convention. Every summer, Santas from the entire world get together at Bakken to spread some Christmas cheer, have fun, and enjoy a get-together. The congress, held in July because all of the Santa's are very busy in December, attracts as many as 200 Santas and Elves, and audiences of many thousands.
Swansea's 900-year-old Oystermouth Castle is to be be given a £2.3 million makeover including major conservation works and 21st century visitor facilities.
Events and tours will be improved and a community coordinator appointed to encourage community and volunteer participation and increase links with the castle and the local community.
The castle has fallen into disrepair in recent times and about half is now closed to visitors. The aim is to give visitors access to 95 per cent and draw 20,000 additional tourists annually on completion of the works in 2012.
Kerala theme park society moves court against closure
A society which has set up a controversial mangrove theme park in Kerala's Kannur district Wednesday approached the Kerala High Court seeking to restrain an order by the union environment and forests ministry to close the park.
Acting on the suit filed by Pappinessery Eco-Tourism Society, backed by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), the court directed the state government to implead in the case.
The central government's directive to close down the park was made to the state government July 14.
The Parks Today
Disney will open Oahu resort in 2011
In a move that sends either shivers of delight or shudders of loathing among fans of Hawaii, Disney is set to open its first resort in Oahu next year.
The 800-plus-unit property, dubbed "Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa," is designed as a Polynesian village (albeit one with high-rise towers) that will include hotel rooms and two-bedroom Disney Vacation Club Villas.
The 21-acre resort is being built in Ko Olina, a golf and vacation development that already has a Marriott resort and a man-made beach carved out of the rocky coastline.
Residents will have to wait to ride carousel
Hundreds of visitors to Forest Park are anxiously waiting for the restoration of its historic carousel, but they will have to wait a while longer.
Although local officials had hoped that the wooden carousel would be running this summer, plans to open it have been delayed for more than a year.
“Parks [the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation] is currently in negotiation with a concessionaire to run the Forest Park Carousel. In addition, the Parks Department is submitting an application for an EPF grant to help further fund the restoration the horses and other historic elements,” said Patricia Bertuccio, a Parks Department spokesperson.
Power outage N.J.'s Six Flags Great Adventure stalls rides
A short power failure at the Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park in Jackson today has temporarily stalled rides and left people stranded.
The theme park lost power around 2 p.m. due to a tripped power line, said Ron Morano, a spokesman for JCP&L.
Power returned without JCP&L sending a team to the scene.
Crash victims scared to get back on rides
Some of the victims injured after part of a midway ride snapped off say they are done riding for good.
On Friday, one of three arms on the Scorpion ride, operated by North American Midway Entertainment on the Stampede grounds, broke off with riders still on board.
Carly Wilson, 13, was knocked unconscious after hitting the ground when the ride broke. She suffered a fractured cheekbone, a fractured shoulder blade, a black eye and had to have nine stitches put in her head. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to go on rides ever again ... the only thing I’d be able to think about is falling,” said Wilson.
Out of the Loop: Are roller coasters the secret to agelessness?
So what’s the secret to good health into one’s 8th decade of life and beyond? Is it eating right? Staying off the booze and cigarettes? Exercise? Apparently for one 88-year-old, the answer is frequenting an amusement park and hopping on her favorite coaster. In this case the park is Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio and the favorite coaster, The Diamondback.
The Bollinger & Mabillard designed Diamondback was added to the vast stable of Kings Island coasters in 2009. The 230-foot-tall coaster reaches speeds of 80 miles-per-hour. The coaster received a thumbs up from many coaster enthusiasts and made many “best of” lists in its first year. This coaster is indeed one of my personal favorites because of its crazy-smooth speed, high heights, and that “wow, I’m flying” feeling!
Thelma Gratsch decided a good way to spend her 88th birthday was in the front seat of the Diamondback. Was this a one-time deal? No! The season passholder has been to the park 23 times this year alone.
Fierce storm batters boats, pummels historic park
Docks were shredded, boats were beached and even a historic amusement park couldn't escape the powerful wallop of a tree-snapping thunderstorm Saturday night.
"In my 34 years in northwest Iowa, I've never seen such a fierce storm and have never had this kind of devastation on my farm," said Kate Whitrock who lives on an acreage east of Arnolds Park.
Straight-line winds estimated at up to 100 mph tore through the area just after 10 p.m. Saturday night. The storm was unusually persistent -- winds of 50-70 mph were measured a full 40 minutes after warnings were issued in Dickinson County.
You too can escape: Santa Cruz, sun, surf, sand and a boardwalk for lost boys (and girls)
The green, gray and blue town of Santa Cruz sitting beautifully between San Francisco and the Monterey Peninsula is an ideal vacation destination, either by itself or as part of a California central coastal escape. It has it all. Sandwiched between the Redwoods and the sea, this is an ultimate, quite, laid back Victorian, super-progressive city.
There is plenty to do and the carefree atmosphere will become infectious. The town began as a logging community, but by the turn of the 19th century, beach tourism developed. The now famous Boardwalk and its amusement park were built in 1904. The world famous Giant Dipper roller coaster was built in 1924 and as carried more than 25 million passengers. Roller coaster fans give this thrill a ten! Lighthouse Point is still one of California's most famous surfing areas, and young lovely surfers of all genders are found year round searching for the perfect wave.
The famous Boardwalk is a Gothic flashback to an early century amusement park. It is opened everyday during the summer, but only on weekends during the winter. For those of you who saw the film, “Lost Boys” you will remember the Boardwalk via Kiefer Sutherland's vampire romp through its spooky atmosphere. In the sun, mist and fog, it remains one of the best of California classic Gothic films.
'Potter effect' benefits Orlando hotels
At the Embassy Suites on International Drive, the shuttle to Universal Studios has been busier than usual.
And the buzz about Orlando's favorite new boy wizard — Harry Potter — has helped general manager John Parkinson push his room rates a little higher.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter appears to have delivered during its opening weeks a little of the magic Orlando-area hoteliers were hoping to see. For starters, it helped them do something last month that they hadn't been able to do in two years: raise their prices. "We're definitely inching up on our rates," Parkinson said. "Summer looks great."
Quassy Amusement Park Fabulous Fridays
Here's a real TGIF deal. Quassy Amusement Park is offering 50-cent Fabulous Friday Nights. Hit the Middlebury park at 5 p.m. or later any Friday through Labor Day and you can enjoy rides, sodas, cotton candy and hot dogs for just 50 cents each. The park stays open until 10 p.m., so you'll have plenty of time to explore.
One of the things that made Jurassic Park such a hit was seeing life-size dinosaurs walking alongside people. Now an amazing production goes one better. Dinosaurs actually appear in the same room as the audience in Walking with Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series. Walking with Dinosaurs is now touring North America and will make at the Allstate Arena from Thursday, July 28 through Sunday August 1.
"The BBC Series was a brilliant blend of special effects, escapism, excitement and information," says Carmen Pavlovic, head of The Creature Production Company. "Our show brings together all of that, plus something extra - it's live! In this production, seventeen roaring, snarling 'live' dinosaurs mesmerize the audience -- and are as awe-inspiring as when they first walked on earth."
More than 3.1 million Americans have already seen the production since it opened in July 2007. The production originated in Australia, where after years of planning, Walking with Dinosaurs came to life at Sydney's Acer Arena. The show proved to be such a sensation that this North American tour was fast-tracked. It began a short three months after completing its sold-out engagements in Australia. Since that time, the show's two companies have played to 4.4 million people worldwide and generated over $210 million dollars in overall ticket sales.
Site of former Luna Park could be next historic district
Luna Park may be long gone, burned to the ground nearly 90 years ago. But the neighborhood that grew up around -- and on the ashes of -- the West Side amusement park could soon become the city's next historic district.
Some cities replacing old pools with new waterparks
It's not enough these days to dig a hole, fill it with water and invite folks to dive in. Not when summer patrons now expect pool amenities that soak, spray, squirt and splash.
Instead, a wave of city-owned splash pads and waterparks across north-central Washington — millions of dollars in public investments — have slowly replaced the venerable municipal pool, once the coolest thing going for the dog-paddling public.
Built over the past decade, the new waterpark-style facilities — some simple, some massively elaborate — now provide residents from Leavenworth to Moses Lake with inexpensive public alternatives to the area's more traditional pools, not to mention lakes and rivers.
Business lukewarm for area water parks
Despite this summer's searing temperatures, the Holiday Inn Splash Bay Resort's indoor water park has not become a hot spot for local residents.
Locals, it seems, prefer to be outdoors. So other than some travelers passing through, overall business is down this summer from last year at Splash Bay Resort, said Mike Desai, general manager of the Maumee indoor water park.
"In the winter we have better business because there's nothing to do outside," Mr. Desai said. "If it was an outdoor pool, it would be different."
Albuquerque developer plans West Side water park
With all the hot weather we’ve seen lately, there’s one thing a lot of people in Albuquerque have been craving— a water park.
But you won’t find out, unless you are willing to book a hotel room. We found one developer who has plans to change that.
Dan Serrano, who built the water park at the Radisson Hotel at Carlisle and I-40, is planning a new water park on the West Side. He’s billing it as much easier to access and more affordable.
Bowling alley/arcade planned near Arabian Nights on 192
A local firm is moving forward with the redevelopment of a former water park along Osceola County’s struggling tourist corridor, U.S. Highway 192. Plans call for building up to 75,000 square feet of entertainment and office space on 6 acres at the Shoppes of Celebration mixed-use development near Celebration Avenue.
Celebration Mania Investors LLC, an entity related to retail development firm Intram Investments LLC, originally planned to build a 294-room hotel/condo hotel on the site, but last month got approval from the county to change that to an entertainment/office complex. Intram Investments Vice President Randy Hodge said a local investment group he declined to name has the 6.3-acre entertainment/office site under contract for purchase for an undisclosed price and plans to build a $3 million bowling alley and arcade.
Money Magazine Cites FEC As 'Best Places To Live' Factor
This Midwest town is once again one of the best places to live in America, according to Money Magazine. Among the reasons making Shawnee a place to be, according to the editors who compiled the 2010 Best Places to Live list, is PowerPlay Family Entertainment Center.
Located just 12 miles southwest of Kansas City, MO, Shawnee's population of 60,000 enjoys superior quality of life thanks to a strong economy and community spirit, plus "plenty of shopping, restaurants, an indoor family entertainment center and more than 560 acres of parkland," the publication said.
PowerPlay is an 80,000-sq.ft. facility that boasts pocket-park style rides and attractions, along with arcade games, miniature golf, laser tag, a large "prize redemption store," climbing tunnels and inflatables, along with corporate and family party rooms and an all-you-can-eat buffet.
5 reasons to go to the Delaware State Fair
The Delaware State Fair has been a scrapple-country tradition for 90 years now, so even the most progressive-minded suburbanite must be running out of excuses to skip it.
It may be a hike to Harrington, but here are five good reasons to make the trek down to the Delaware State Fair.
Zoo Director Hopes To Expand Elephant Exhibit
The director of the Louisville Zoo says he hopes the zoo can resume its breeding program that produced Scotty the Elephant.
It was just over two months ago that thtree year old Scotty died of complications from colic. Scotty was the first elephant born at the zoo and in Kentucky.
Speaking on WFPL’s State of Affairs program Monday, zoo director John Walczak said Scotty’s mother, Mikki, is a viable candidate for another pregnancy.
Science Center launches $9.5M expansion
The Saint Louis Science Center plans to add a 13,000-square-foot, $9.5 million exhibition hall adjacent to its main entrance off Oakland Avenue. The new space will replace the existing Exploradome, which is nearing the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced, center officials said Thursday.
Plans for the new hall will be discussed at a noon event Tuesday. Site preparation is under way, and the new exhibit hall is scheduled to open next summer. The hall will connect to the east side of the Science Center, just south of its main entrance. The inaugural exhibit in the new space will be announced by this fall.
The new space will house traveling exhibits, such as the current “Real Pirates,” and special events, such as SciFest.
World War II Museum Features Animals Of War
Smoky the Yorkshire terrier, Lady Astor the pigeon and a host of horses and mules whose individual stories are lost to history are among war heroes and heroines featured in the latest exhibit at the National World War II Museum.
"Loyal Forces: The Animals of WWII" will run July 22-Oct. 17, featuring the four kinds of animals most often brought into the war, as they were used in all five theaters.
"There was a great love and loyalty between the soldiers and the animals they worked with," said registrar Toni M. Kiser, who created the exhibit with archivist Lindsey Barnes.
City excited about Desert Discovery Center
Excitement is building in Scottsdale over a proposed multimillion-dollar Desert Discovery Center that could bring more tourists and exposure to the city's McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Planners say the center would be like nothing else in the Valley, luring residents and out-of-town visitors who already flock to regional attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park and Tucson's Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
But the city has yet to pin down funding for the project. A consultant's report due out this summer will estimate the costs to build and operate, which have ranged from $30 million to $70 million. Scottsdale wants to construct the showpiece at the preserve's Gateway trailhead on Thompson Peak Parkway near Bell Road, a roughly 30-minute drive from downtown Phoenix.
BRC Imagination Arts Brings History to Life at Louisiana's Old State Capitol
Louisiana's Old State Capitol is a unique symbol of the resilience of the Louisiana people, making it the perfect backdrop for a new visitor experience showcasing the state's rich traditions. Opening to the public on July 23, 2010, the new visitor experience -- designed and produced by BRC Imagination Arts -- includes dynamic new galleries, revived public spaces, and a magical, ghostly theater experience that will leave audiences wondering what their eyes have seen.
"The new visitor experience celebrates the unbreakable spirit of the Louisiana people, who time and time again have overcome adversity to be reborn with renewed strength and joie de vivre," said Bob Rogers, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of BRC Imagination Arts.
Among the highlights is "The Legacy of Huey Long," a series of galleries that plunge guests into the controversial political legacy of this famed politician. A lively rally allows guests to experience the power of Long's oratory. Visitors also investigate Long's assassination, examine the real evidence, and decide for themselves what may have really happened.
Robotic dinosaurs set to roar at Alberta's new Jurassic Forest near Edmonton
Walking along a trail through towering trees, you turn a corner and there he is — a massive, roaring T-rex, its body blocking the sun, sporting those comically puny arms and flashing rows of rip-sawing, flesh-ripping teeth. "He's quite animated and it's a very spectacular thing to see," said Greg Suess, general manager of the Jurassic Forest.
Tyrannosaurus rex will be the signature experience at this new interactive dinosaur park that has its grand opening July 30 by the Goose Hummock Golf Resort, roughly a 30-minute drive north of Edmonton.
The Cretaceous carnivore is one of 40 life-sized, rubber-skinned, pre-historic robotic beasts that have been built and lowered in by helicopter amidst the trees, marshland and bushes of this 16-hectare park.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Sneak peek at world’s first Ferrari Theme Park
A roller coaster that powers up to 240kmph in less than five seconds and a simulated tour of Ferrari factory are the rides at the heart of the first Ferrari Theme Park, which opens to UAE residents and tourists three months from now.
Park authorities unveiled the new rides yesterday, marking the beginning of a 100-day countdown to the opening on October 28, barely weeks ahead of this year's Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix race.
“The opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will revolutionize the way visitors and people in the region spend their leisure time,” said Mohammad Al Mubarak, Chairman of the park’s operating company, Farah Leisure Parks Management.
Pakistani dies in Swiss sled accident
A tourist from Pakistan died on Monday after she fell off a sled at an amusement park close to the central Swiss city of Interlaken, police said. The tourist from Pakistan had taken the sled and had started the descent in the direction of the valley. When the sled arrived at the station, it was empty, said local police in a statement. A search party was sent out and the 26-year-old tourist was found lying in the bushes, seriously injured. Emergency services immediately tried to revive her and the victim was transported to hospital by a helicopter, said the police. “Soon after her arrival, she died,” it was reported. The police said an investigation is in progress to determine the cause of the accident.
A full filled day at Splash Jungle Water Park for orphans
Millennium Resort Patong Phuket recently hosted a day trip to Splash Jungle Water Park with 17 of the orphans from the Sussex House Orphanage, which is supported by the New Life Foundation here in Phuket. The kids were very excited with the two big premium rides, Boomerango and Superbowl, while the little ones enjoyed themselves with the slides in their own children’s pool. This day outing with the orphans would not be possible without the support from Splash Jungle Water Park and Hallo Phuket tour company. The orphans described the day as “a day of adventure”.
This campaign is part of the resort hotel’s ‘Wishes to Share’ project which is a continuing effort to provide love and care throughout the year for these orphans and aimed to encourage foundations and charity organizations to continue helping underprivileged people in Phuket and Thailand.
Theme Park Attractions Thrill-Packed Family Fun this Summer
With the barbeque summer arriving 12 months later than expected now is the time to embrace the summer holidays with fun-filled days out. Theme park attractions are as good as any other adventure days, guaranteed to thrill the entire family by catering for all ages.
Gift experience pioneers Red Letter Days have teamed up to provide customers with the opportunity to treat the gang to a thrill-packed theme park adventure, with a host of locations on offer from adrenaline pumping to relaxed family fun.
The country's number one theme park attractions can be found at Alton Towers, with the ultimate theme park rides providing a day of unadulterated excitement. Alton Towers caters for every kind of ride you can think of; with intense gravity-challenged rides as well as enjoyable family attractions providing a memorable day all round.
Swedish zoo reports rare birth of female tapir
A Swedish zoo Monday presented a new-born female lowland tapir, an endangered species that hails from Central and South America.
The lowland tapir also known as the Brazilian tapir - or Tapirus terrestis - resemble pigs with trunks.
Most tapirs born in captivity are males, so the staff at Oland Animal and Amusement Park were proud to announce the birth of the female tapir.
It was splashdown for hundreds of excited children in Weston on the weekend as a seafront water park opened to the public.
The £435,000 open-air fun area, in Park Place, includes several pieces of adventure equipment and fountains for youngsters to cool off in during warm weather.
Delighted kids aged up to 11 will be able to enjoy the feature for the sunny summer months after it opened on Saturday.
Way cleared for Libeskind to extend Berlin's Jewish Museum Academy
Berlin's renowned Jewish Museum is to get an extension designed by original architect Daniel Libeskind, after the sale of land for the project was approved Monday.
The museum of Jewish life is to construct an academy on the site of the former flower market adjacent to its Kreuzberg premises in central Berlin.
The academy is to house a library, archives, educational spaces and offices.
Parks around the Globe
Smaller, Independent Theme Parks Thriving
In recent years, the economy has sent some theme park profits and attendance numbers rolling downhill. Profits flattened after a near decade of increasing revenues that topped out at more than $12 billion. Last year, the theme park chain Six Flags filed for bankruptcy after it carried heavy debt into the recession. But smaller parks have been able to ride out the recession due to some specific strategies.
Between farms and cornfields dotting Indiana’s southwestern landscape sits Holiday World, a 64-year-old theme park where families line up to pay one admission price to access all rides. But Matt Eckert, its general manager, says these lines aren’t where he saw evidence of the recession nearly two years ago.
“We started seeing a lot of our picnic customers canceling,” Eckert says. “Obviously if a company’s having a down period one of the first things they’re going to cut is you know their employee parties.”
Knott’s Berry Farm unveils Halloween Haunt 2010 mazes
Knott’s Berry Farm will add three new mazes for Halloween Haunt 2010, according to theme park officials.
The 38th annual Knott’s Scary Farm will take place on Wednesday through Sunday nights from Sept. 24 through Oct. 31 (except for Sept. 29).
The granddaddy of Halloween events will feature 13 mazes scattered throughout the Buena Park theme park, with construction currently underway in backstage areas.
Harry Potter's early impact: Attendance rises at Universal parks
The parent company of Universal Orlando on Friday reported rising attendance and guest spending at its theme parks, fueled in part by last month's long-awaited opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
General Electric Co. said attendance and per-capita guest spending grew by single-digit percentages at Universal Parks & Resorts during the second quarter of the year. Operating profit at the parks declined during the period, though GE said that was largely due to increased marketing spending to promote the openings of Wizarding World in Orlando and a new King Kong attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood in California.
"Both of those are off to fantastic starts," GE Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Keith Sherin said during a conference call with analysts.
He's equin-credible! Meet Lightning the Wonder Horse - the last of America's diving ponies
You might think that a diving horse act was a wild new novelty dreamt up to thrill jaded tourists. In fact Lighting, the star attraction at Magic Forest amusement park in upstate New York is the last exponent of a long tradition of equine aquatics in the USA.
For the past eighteen years Lightning the Wonder Horse has been giving daily shows where he jumps from a height of about ten feet into a 14 feet deep, 30-feet wide, 117,000 gallon pool of water.
He follows in the hoof-steps of his father, Rex, who thrilled family audiences through the Seventies and Eighties.
Disney Creating New Personalized Safari At Animal Kingdom
Disney says it will be adding a new safari experience at its Animal Kingdom theme park.
The new safaris will be “personalized, guided treks” through some of the areas featured on the Kilimanjaro Safaris Expedition, the company said.
According to Disney, the expeditions will allow guests to interact more with the wildlife.
Disney's Epcot Park Launches Anime/Folklore Exhibit
According to a Friday post on the official Disney Parks Blog, the Japan Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort's Epcot theme park has opened a new exhibit called "Spirit Beasts: From Ancient Stories to Anime Stars." The Florida-based exhibit showcases classic creatures from Japanese folktales that have served as inspiration for modern-day anime and manga series.
Midway ride crash probe could take up to two months
As one teenager recovers from severe injuries in hospital, provincial investigators say it could take up to two months to determine why and how a popular ride at the Stampede broke apart, sending wreckage flying and injuring 10 people.
Crystal Cote was watching her daughter and a friend on the Scorpion ride when it malfunctioned Friday night.
The next thing she knew, both teenagers were on the ground and there was chaos all around. Cote said her 13-year-old daughter, Justice, is suffering from two punctured lungs, kidney and spleen damage and scrapes to her skin that look like third-degree burns.
On Paper, the World's Smoothest Roller Coaster Ride
At the age of 74, retired roller coaster designer Werner Stengel still spends his days riding the latest loop-de-loops. "Trying to explain the thrill of a roller coaster to someone who has never ridden one is like trying to explain color to a blind person -- you just have to experience it for yourself," said Stengel, who in 1975 created the first modern roller coaster loop, built for Six Flags' Magic Mountain in California.
But for summer vacationers who are tired of having their heads jerked around by the laws of physics, Swedish mathematicians have published new designs for what could be the smoothest, most comfortable way to flip head over feet.
Using the same equations that describe how the planets orbit the sun, Hanno Essén of Sweden's Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm drew a series of potential roller coaster loops that have one thing in common -- the force that riders would feel pushing their stomachs down into their seats stays exactly the same all the way around the loop. Riders would get the visual experience of a loop without any whiplash.
Disney ups Halloween party prices
The Disneyland Resort has more than doubled prices for its special Halloween trick-0r-treat parties since they started five years ago.
This year, the cost starts at $49 each for advanced tickets on most nights, but tickets can go up to $59 for Oct. 29 and 31 at Disneyland. In 2005, the prices began at $18 when the parties debuted at Disney California Adventure.
Last year, visitors paid as little as $32 for most nights. Tickets to the general public go on sale today for Mickey’s Halloween Party on the Disneyland.com website.
Universal survey: Changes at Wet ‘n Wild?
An online survey posted by Universal Orlando Resort has tourism industry experts speculating that the theme park giant may add an on-site water park or revamp its nearby sister water park, Wet ’n Wild.
The Waterpark “Blue Sky” Survey, posted on Universal Orlando’s guest feedback site, asks how often guests visit Orlando water parks, how important theming is to them and how they rate their favorite water parks, including Wet ’n Wild, the 33-year-old park owned by Universal Orlando’s parent, NBC Universal.
The survey also asks guests what type of water park attractions would catch their interest, such as high-speed water slides, tube slides, body slides, surfing pools and indoor water activities.
Night of a Thousand Wizards Happens Tonight at Harry Potter Theme Park
Although it should be more appropriately titled “Night of About Two Thousand Wizards”, fans of the Harry Potter series from around the world will gather in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter tonight for a special, after-hours event that is available to attendees of the fan conference Infinitus.
Attendees will be allowed back into the park after the regular 10pm closing time for a more intimate park experience, including special behind-the-scenes information and a (rumored) Q&A session with actors Chris Rankin (who plays Weasley brother Percy in the series) and Christian Coulson (who was Tom Riddle in Chamber of Secrets).
The gates had not yet opened at Raging Waters in San Dimas on a recent sunny morning, but assistant Girl Scout leader Brenda Mauss was already in the parking lot urging her five charges to slather on the sunscreen.
The plan was to be in line for the 10 a.m. opening to wring every drop of pleasure from the day. Admission to the water park — the state's largest — costs $36.99. But Mauss had discount coupons from a fast-food restaurant that knocked 10 bucks off each ticket.
"Everybody is looking for savings and something fun to do," she said, as swarms of families scrambled past them toward the park entrance.
Benny the Bull attacked at amusement park
First Porky Pig. Now Benny the Bull. It's been a tough week for mascots.
Benny the Bull was attacked Wednesday during a promotional event at an amusement park.
The Bulls' mascot was escorting a group of kids at Odyssey Fun World in Tinley Park. As the group crossed a foot bridge, a man and woman approached from the opposite direction. The mascot began dancing in front of the couple, police said. The man made threatening remarks to Benny and then pushed him, causing the mascot to lose his balance and fall to the ground, police said.
Disney revs up Hawaiian marketing
With time-share interests in its under-construction Hawaiian resort now for sale, Walt Disney Co. is revving up its marketing efforts for the project.
Disney Vacation Club, the Disney Co.'s time-share arm, this month added an Aulani-specific plug to a television commercial that has been airing in the Orlando market promoting the time-share club. It has also scheduled a special sales preview aimed at Walt Disney World annual passholders next weekend that will include giveaways, a dance party and Disney character appearances.
Aulani is a critically important project for Disney. The 841-room hotel and time share is the first test of the company's strategy to build stand-alone resorts and niche attractions in markets beyond its massive theme-park resorts.
Technology keeps Hersheypark ahead of the storm when weather threatens
At least 60,000 people pack Hersheypark and Hersheypark Stadium on summer nights when both venues are full.
On those occasions, this small plot of Derry Twp. is turned into the biggest city in Pennsylvania between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Protecting those masses from an approaching storm is the task of people who work around the clock in a bunkerlike room in Hersheypark Arena about the size of a one-car garage.
88-Year-Old Thrill Seeker Takes On Coaster
Careening through stomach-turning twists and 200-foot drops at speeds nearing 80 mph, Thelma Gratsch takes on Kings Island’s toughest steel monster like it’s just a walk in the park.
“No!” she scoffed. “I’m not scared at all!”
The “88-years-young” season pass holder from Mount Lookout estimates she’s ridden Kings Island’s highly touted Diamondback coaster more than 50 times since its opening day in April 2009. And she said she’s in no mind to slow down anytime soon.
Family & friends say final goodbyes to coaster accident victim
A 21-year-old woman who fell to her death from a roller coaster was laid to rest Saturday. Lindsay Zeno was buried at Fountain Memorial Cemetery in her hometown of Lafayette.
She died last Sunday after falling from the "Xtreme" coaster at Dixie Landin' in Baton Rouge. One of Zeno's friends, who was actually on the roller coaster when the accident happened, said she didn't see exactly how her friend fell out of the seat.
"I turned around and looked and I screamed; we both screamed," Courtney Marks explained. "I knew the ride was over and she wasn't there."
Theme parks hope to strike gold with offerings aimed at 'ultra-affluent'
The economy could be teetering on the edge of a double-dip recession, and Orlando's theme parks are still tossing discounts at reluctant travelers. But there are encouraging signs from at least one small segment of consumers:
The super rich.
New data compiled by credit-card giant American Express Co. suggests that what the company calls "ultra-affluent" consumers are beginning to open their wallets wider when inside theme parks — much more so than everyone else.
It started back in 2005 when Royal Caribbean Cruise Line added rock climbing walls, mini-golf and ice-skating rinks to their cruise ships. In 2006, they launched the industry’s largest passenger ship, Freedom of the Seas, with an onboard surf simulator called a FlowRider and an H2O Zone aqua park. And the race began.
In 2009, Carnival Cruise Line added an aqua park called WaterWorks to its Ecstasy Cruise Ship at Galveston TX and its Dream Cruise Ship at Port Canaveral FL. Last December, RCCI launched its newest big ship, Oasis of the Seas, with an H2O Zone and two FlowRiders.
And if that is not enough, here comes Norwegian Cruise Lines launching its Norwegian Epic on July 10, 2010. The race continues to see which cruise line can launch the biggest ship with the most attractions at sea.
Kids ran, bounced, jumped, and sometimes stumbled their way around the pool inside the 6-foot inflatable floating spheres in their first appearance at the park over the weekend.
Wildwood waterpark helps visitors stay cool
Anyone who comes to the Wildwood Boardwalk knows that they'll have no shortage of amusement parks to entertain them during their stay.
While the name Morey's is synonymous with most of the amusements, Andrew Weiner's Splash Zone Water Park at Schellenger Avenue on the Boardwalk has been busy expanding in its own way.
When Weiner opened Splash Zone 10 years ago, the property lines were set. Weiner couldn't expand the park outward - so he expanded it vertically.
Pflugerville water park hits snag
A planned water park in Pflugerville has hit a snag that could further delay its opening slated for next year, but its developers and city officials are still vowing to push the project forward.
The Pflugerville Community Development Corp. rescinded a development agreement last week to bring a water park to the city after its developer, Blu Bambu LP, failed to raise the $8 million required by deadlines in the agreement, including $1 million for the purchase of 50 acres of PCDC land on which the park was to be built by May 2011.
Pflugerville Community Development Corp. Executive Director Charles Simon said the agreement needed to be approved by both his department and the city council, and was rescinded primarily because he wants to draft a new version.
Arcade owner looks to expand in DeSoto Square Mall
Here he is, after several years of operating a video and pinball game arcade at DeSoto Square mall without making a profit, opening an even bigger arcade business just down the aisle, called Saturn 5. Then there is the economy, which is, like, bad, dude.
Russo has been making a good living buying and selling collectible arcade games since 1987. His Apollo Amusements maintains three showroom-warehouses: in Bradenton, Brandon and Pompano.
But Russo got a really sweet deal from the mall's owners to lease out the 20,000-square-foot space deserted in January 2009 by clothing retailer Old Navy.
Stars, Strikes and celebration
A lot has happened in five years for Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center.
Since opening in July 2005, the Cumming location has grown to include more attractions, the company has branched into Dacula and Dallas and soon will welcome its fourth location in Cherokee County.
“The first time we opened the door, we couldn’t service all the customers that came in,” said Chris Albano, managing partner. “We weren’t ready ... we were overwhelmed right out of the gate.
Dollar Day at Dallas Zoo Brings out Crowds
Dollar day at the Dallas Zoo is a summer tradition and it usually brings out record crowds.
"And this is turning out to be one of our biggest ever," said Michael Meadow who is the president of the Dallas Zoological Society.
Actually, it turned out to be the second biggest crowd ever with the official attendance at 27,186. The biggest day ever for the Dallas Zoo was on dollar day in 2008 which brought in 34,000 people.
19-Year-Old Slashed In Fight At Kennywood
A 19-year-old woman says she involved in a fight at Kennywood that sent her to the hospital with a three-inch slash on her shoulder.
Erika Chapple says the incident happened around closing time at the park last Saturday. She and a girlfriend were walking through the tunnel to the gate when they gestured toward a boy they thought they knew from school.
He was with three girls and another boy. A girl in the group took exception. A verbal fight escalated into a real cat fight.
Air Force Museum On Pace To Surpass 2003 Attendance Record
The popularity of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is soaring and the museum is on track to set an attendance record.
More than 707,140 people have visited the museum from January to July, an increase of 10 percent from the first half of 2009.
Attendance is up 63,682 from 2009, 133,275 from 2008 and 125,076 from 2007.
Smithsonian Names Directors of Consortia for the Four Grand Challenges of the Strategic Plan
Following a yearlong strategic planning process, the Smithsonian identified four Grand Challenges that would be the focus of its efforts in the coming decade. Secretary Wayne Clough has named four Smithsonian scholars to serve as directors of the consortia described in the Institution’s strategic plan, “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery.” The plan outlines the broad areas of concentration for the Smithsonian: mysteries of the universe, biodiversity, the American experience and world cultures.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) today unveiled the design for its new facility. The $26.3 million project will be the first major building in the United States—and the first museum—for the internationally acclaimed firm Foreign Office Architects (FOA), London. MOCA anticipates breaking ground in fall/winter 2010.
The nearly 34,000-square-foot, four-story structure will be forty-four percent larger than the Museum's current facility, and will provide MOCA with street presence for the first time in its forty-plus-year history. Located at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Mayfield Road, it is a flagship project of Cleveland's emerging Uptown district.
FOA's design—devised for both environmental and fiscal sustainability—is at once technically inventive, visually stunning, and highly practical. It responds ingeniously to its triangular site by creating a building with a hexagonal base that rises to a square roof. From the exterior, the structure will appear as an inventive massing of six geometric facets, some flat, others sloping at various angles, all coming together to create a powerful abstract form.
Live a Month in the Museum: MSI
Remember Night at the Museum? How about a month? The Museum of Science and Industry is looking for someone to roam and live there for one month as an experiment. The winner will get $10,000. Joining us with more of the details was Rob Gallas of MSI.
The winner will be chosen in September and the living period will be Oct. to Nov.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Girl, 15, dies in amusement park ride accident
A 15-year-old girl died and two other people were hospitalized with severe injuries after an amusement park ride in Barcelona, Spain, broke in midair, a city spokeswoman said.
A young boy who was on the ride suffered minor injuries, but walked away from the twisted metal on his own, Barcelona spokeswoman Rosa Diaz said. The names of the victims have not been announced.
The mechanical arm of "El Pendulo" (The Pendulum) broke and the basket carrying the teens fell on top of the ride known as "The Golden Mine," said Sara Jaurriete, director of the Tibidabo amusement park.
Abu Dhabi to open largest indoor Ferrari theme park
Ferrari World on Yas Island will be the largest indoor theme park in the world when it opens in October.
General manager Claus Frimand told the BBC's Ben Thompson that he was confident about the long term future of the venture as part of a growing entertainment district in the area.
As city sizzles, Expo still the hottest attraction
About 474,000 people braved the heat to visit the World Expo yesterday, bringing the total number of visitors to the Shanghai event so far to more than 29 million.
The hot weather is expected to continue throughout this week with temperatures climbing above 35 degrees Celsius, according to the city's weather bureau.
Zhang Ruiyi, a chief service officer at the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, said the duration and intensity of sunshine in the city would increase noticeably this week under the influence of a subtropical high.
Soldiers Receive Free Passes to Amusement Park
Korean active military personnel on leave can now enjoy the nation's largest amusement park, Everland, for free.
The Ministry of National Defense and Samsung Everland signed an agreement allowing soldiers on vacation to receive a free pass worth W37,000 (US$1=W1,203). Under the program, soldiers can use the facilities and enjoy all the rides in Everland an unlimited number of times at no cost until 2013.
To get the tickets troops on furlough need to show the ticket office their vacation approval slip.
Party defies order to shut Kerala theme park
The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) yesterday asserted it would not wind up the mangrove theme park that it set up in the northern Kerala district of Kannur allegedly violating coastal regulations.
The federal ministry of environment and forests ordered the closure of the park last week on the basis of a report by an expert panel which visited the site recently after a petition by K Sudhakaran, the Congress party MP from the region.
“Don’t expect us to shut the park simply on an order from (the federal environment and forests minister) Jayaram Ramesh. He took the decision at the instance of his friend Sudhakaran,” CPI-M district secretary P Sashi said. “We are not supposed to take orders from him”.
Shipwreck coast to get $150m tourist complex
Parks Victoria is planning to build a $150 million Great Ocean Road interpretive centre at Loch Ard Gorge, the site of one of Australia's most famous shipwrecks.
The centre, believed to be three storeys high, will transform the stretch of road near the gorge, east of Port Campbell.
It will dwarf the visitor centre located opposite the Twelve Apostles, which cost $5.5 million when it was built nine years ago.
Happy Valley gets a little happier
The demise of Beijing Amusement Park in mid-June left the capital with "just" two amuse-ment parks: the Disney-clone Beijing Shijingshan in the far west and Happy Valley on the East Fourth Ring Road.
But for any thrill-seekers feeling the pinch, the already-huge (560,000 square meters) Happy Valley, currently comprising 40 rides over six themed areas, is set to enlarge still further this month, according to Wang Yue, marketing director of Happy Valley Beijing.
At the moment, visitors can pay 160 yuan to experience rides such as the Energy Storm, Trojan Horse, Mayan Catastrophe and Rush Hour spread across parks billed as Atlantis, the Aegean Sea, Lost Maya and the Ant Kingdom, as well as an IMAX cinema and shopping mall.
‘Thomas was a tank engine who lived at a big station. He had six small wheels, a short stumpy funnel, a short stumpy boiler, and a short stumpy dome.” That is how, 65 years ago, the most famous train in the world made his literary debut in a book of short stories created by a Hampshire pastor to entertain his sickly son. Now Thomas the Tank Engine has been transformed from his humble beginnings as the brave little blue locomotive, chugging cheerfully along on the Island of Sodor, to become a global marketing juggernaut.
He is the number one pre-school licence in the world, with a sprawling empire of games, puzzles, stickers, scrapbooks, posters, wallpaper, backpacks, clothing, bedside lamps, bedding, towels, bath accessories, toothbrushes, party paraphernalia, furniture and even Thomas-themed dinnerware.
Owned by Hit Entertainment – an outgrowth of the Jim Henson Company whose current catalogue of characters includes Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam and Pingu – the Thomas brand is furnished with products from a number of global partners. “Companies have to bid for those licences so they have to believe they can make money,” says Derek Markie, secretary of the Toy Retailers Association, “Ultimately, the licence is managed in order to continue the life of the brand in toys and other ways.”
Having a splashing time at new attraction
Youngsters splashed in the sun as a new £425,000 water park opened on Weston-super-Mare's seafront.
The park, which has been partly funded by Weston's town council, will only be open during the summer but it has a dry play area which will be open all year.
With ten different pieces of play equipment including shooting jets of water, fountains and a splash pad, the park – off Knightstone Road – is the first of its kind in North Somerset.
Anti-social behaviour at Sale Waterpark targeted
Anti-social behaviour at Sale Waterpark is being tackled by a joint initiative.
Unlawful sexual activity, threatening and verbal abuse, damage to fixtures and equipments, illegal consumption of alcohol, littering (including broken glass and offensive materials) and the use of off-road motor bikes are some of the issues that Trafford residents have complained about.
A partnership - Operation Aqua - has been set up to try and rid the area of anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour at Sale Waterpark targeted
Anti-social behaviour at Sale Waterpark is being tackled by a joint initiative.
Unlawful sexual activity, threatening and verbal abuse, damage to fixtures and equipments, illegal consumption of alcohol, littering (including broken glass and offensive materials) and the use of off-road motor bikes are some of the issues that Trafford residents have complained about.
A partnership - Operation Aqua - has been set up to try and rid the area of anti-social behaviour.
Taj voted most popular Asian destinations
Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is grand winner of the voter's choice for most popular Asian destinations.
The announcement in this regard was made by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) at the Asian Attractions Awards ceremony held during Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2010 in Kuala Lumpur.
Asian attractions were promoted throughout May and June on Star TV Network, a subsidiary of Fox International, which has 80 million cable subscribers in Asia.
Grandiose Nazi airport becomes a wild and free park
When an airport that symbolized the sweep of 20th century German history shut down in the capital of this industrious nation two years ago, everyone had an idea about what to do with the colossal piece of prime real estate.
Turn it into a shopping center and amusement park, one famous architect urged. Nonsense, others scoffed — we need more affordable housing. Or how about a scientific research center with giant satellite dishes connecting Berlin to the heavens? Or maybe a giant artificial lake with a beach at one end?
Architects drew up plans. Politicians convened hearings. Editorialists wrote impassioned commentaries. But in the end, the city's plans for Tempelhof Airport, built under Adolf Hitler as a grandiose monument to Nazi ambitions and Berlin's lifeline during a Cold War blockade that emotionally bound this nation to America, turned out to be in tune with the current laid-back, not to mention penny-pinching, zeitgeist of Germany.
Global Parks
Funeral Services Set For Joyland's Stanley Nelson
Funeral services will be held Friday morning for long time owner and operator of Joyland Amusement Park in Wichita. Stanley Roger Nelson died Tuesday at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife, Margaret.
Nelson and his wife worked at the theme park as teenagers, and in the 1970s bought the park from the Ottaway family, who founded the park. Joyland closed in 2006.
Thousands remember Joyland as the setting for school "fun nights," prom nights, birthdays, date night, or just a night out with the whole family.
Cedar Fair Announces Pricing of $405 Million Senior Unsecured Notes
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced that it priced $405 million aggregate principal amount of 9.125% senior unsecured notes due 2018 (the “Notes”) in a private placement. The Notes will be guaranteed by Cedar Fair’s wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Concurrently with the closing of this offering, which is expected to occur on July 29, 2010 and is subject to customary closing conditions, Cedar Fair intends to terminate its existing credit facilities and enter into a new $1,150 million senior secured term loan facility and a new $300 million senior secured revolving credit facility. Cedar Fair intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, along with proceeds from the new senior secured credit facilities, to repay in full all amounts outstanding under its existing credit facilities.
Shawn Kilcoyne, CEO of Mini Melts USA, Inc., www.MiniMelts.com announced that David S. Tade is joining the company as Director of Sales. Mr. Tade previously held a variety of positions in 13 years at Dippin' Dots in areas such as operations, customer service, sales, training, marketing, business and system development, and management. Mr. Tade will focus on cultivating existing distributors, as well adding new partners to our distribution network. Additionally, Mr. Tade will work with new and existing IAAPA member customers in the amusement park industry. "I am committed to providing exceptional field service to our customers and network of distributors," noted Tade.
"With over 13 years of industry experience, David Tade is a priceless addition to our organization," noted Shawn, "but experience alone was not the reason for inviting Mr. Tade to join our team. Mr. Tade holds himself to a higher standard and he is a moral and ethical person with an exceptional work ethic. Our entire team at Mini Melts is committed to delivering an outstanding product to our customers and to support them with exceptional customer service and David is committed to this mission."
Scene-by-scene preview of Little Mermaid dark ride coming in 2011 to Disney California Adventure
The remaking of Disney California Adventure will continue in 2011 with the debut of the $100-million Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, a family-friendly, E-ticket dark ride that will take visitors on a musical underwater journey themed to “The Little Mermaid” animated movie.
Inspired by the Dragon Gorge scenic railway at the long-gone Ocean Park amusement zone in Southern California, the new Little Mermaid ride building has a dramatic arch that will feature relief carvings of frolicking mermaids and King Triton. Nautically themed glass work and tile work is designed to blend with the 1920s and ’30s seaside amusement park motif of the surrounding Paradise Pier area.
Inside the building, riders will board pastel-colored, clam-shell-shaped PeopleMover vehicles similar to the Haunted Mansion’s “Doom Buggies.” (You can take a point-of-view trip through an early concept of the Mermaid ride, which is featured in the DVD extras of the 2006 special-edition movie release.)
Busch Gardens planning new attraction
The James City County board of supervisors recently approved a height permit, submitted by the park, that would allow engineers to build a "tower-like" structure no taller than 260 feet in the air.
We can tell you the proposed location is somewhere in the Germany section of the theme park.
Of course Busch Gardens folks are staying mum on the project. We'll be sure to let you know as soon as they release any details. There is still speculation on what park engineers are designing to replace the old Big Bad Wolf roller coaster. They took the suspended ride down last year.
Details seep out about rides planned for Legoland Florida
New details about the planned Legoland Florida theme park in Winter Haven continue to trickle out.
For example, Orlando Business Journal has learned that Lego-themed roller coasters, bumper boats and a laser-shooting ride in the dark are among 50 rides and attractions on tap for at least nine different lands at the attraction.
In addition, since March, workers have been busy dismantling some rides left behind by the former landowner that Legoland plans to sell, as well as designing and determining the layout of the new park prior to beginning construction later this year.
New Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will have Guests Trekking into the Savannah
If you’ve ever wanted to venture off the beaten path and farther into the Kilimanjaro Safaris Expedition savannah, you’ll have a chance later this year. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will be offering a new, immersive experience that’ll take a small group of Guests on personalized, guided treks along some unexplored areas of the Harambe Reserve.
During the excursions, you’ll be able to spend more time observing the wildlife on the savannah and have a chance to learn about the animals and their behaviors from one of our Disney guides. Adventurers will also trek through an undeveloped forest area of the Harambe Reserve and then board a unique vehicle specially designed for the rest of the quest.
Kent family circus featured at Beech Bend
Victor Kent allowed fire to dance across his tongue before swallowing it. “I love Kentucky, and I have proof - 180 proof,” he said before using an alcohol-based agent to blow on the fire, making a blaze extend outward.
The Kent Family Magic Circus had been made up of Kent and six of his children providing a variety of trickery and illusions to keep those under the Magnolia shelter, one of Beech Bend Amusement Park’s original structures, entertained. And this year, the traveling seven have turned into the traveling nine as a son and the mom were added to the show.
Titus Kent, 12, who is confined to a wheelchair, and Mami, Victor’s wife, are now part of the traveling show - full of music, magic, song, stunts, escapes, bullwhips and fire juggling on a unicycle.
Ontario Place seeks bids for a major makeover
Torontonians who spent their summers dizzied in the Centrifuge, terrified on the Wilderness Adventure Ride, and lost inside the Mega Maze are about to see a whole new Ontario Place.
Architects, developers and financiers are being invited to submit pitches on how to transform the flagging theme and water park – even if it involves razing all 96 acres and starting fresh. “It’s a blank canvas right now,” says Hugh Mansfield, spokesperson for the project.
Organizers hope to restore some of Ontario Place’s lustre. “Attendance has gone down quite dramatically, and it really was time to say, ‘okay we need to do something down here’,” Mr. Mansfield said. In 2009, the park attracted less than 1 million visitors, compared to 1.89 million in 1998.
World's Tallest Ice Cream Cone? Teams Will Try To Hit The Mark
Here's the inside scoop on a really cool summer event.
Quassy Amusement Park and Hershey's Ice Cream are teaming up to present a contest to produce the world's tallest ice cream cone.
The event will take place at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the lakeside park with three-person teams eligible to participate. Registration is free, but must be completed by Aug. 1.
Adventure park lets you unleash your inner Tarzan
At a new theme park in Maple Ridge, you can fly through the trees on rope swings, zoom through the forest canopy on a zip line and negotiate a swinging log bridge.
And go ahead, yell like Tarzan: No one will care.
The new WildPlay park, the fourth in a rapidly expanding chain of outdoor B.C. adventure parks operated by former climbing instructors Tom Benson and Gordon Ross, opened Thursday in Maple Ridge.
Harry Potter and the Plotless Theme Park
When Walt Disney first merged theater and film to birth theme parks, fiction came alive in the rides. But Andy Dehnart writes that the Wizarding World is all experience, no story.
Mitchel Musso Touring Six Flags
Mitchel Musso has announced a summer tour, and he might be coming to a theme park near you! The Hannah Montana star is also a Disney recording artist, and he’s announced that he’ll be appearing at several venues, most of them Six Flags Amusement Parks.
Calypso is the high-water mark for wet amusement parks
I was a bit skeptical. How fun could it be to float along in chest-high water?
But we had paid the admission - yikes! more about that later - and the kids were keen. They dutifully slipped on waiting life jackets, we all grabbed yellow flutter boards and away we went.
It turned out to be one of high points of our trip to the just-opened Calypso park, a $45-million pleasure ground between Montreal and Ottawa that bills itself as Canada's biggest theme water park.
Water Park luau tonight has dancing, music and contests
Soak in some sun, enjoy the water, and if you show up early enough, receive a lei.
The Electric City Water Park holds a festive Hawaiian luau tonight from 6:30 to 10, featuring music, dancing and karaoke and limbo, hula-hoop and pie-eating contests.
The first 100 people will receive a lei.
Whale’s Tale Water Park opens Shipwreck Island
The Whale’s Tale announces the eagerly anticipated opening of its biggest and best new water attraction in the company’s 26 year history – Shipwreck Island. Shipwreck Island is a multi-tier water play complex featuring 7 new waterslides, tons of sprays, water shooters, and interactive water play features. Every 5 minutes, 350 gallons of water drops from the giant Pirate Ship at the top of the structure onto the crowd below. Even those who choose not to get wet will enjoy the beautiful tropical theming that sets the stage for this island adventure. By itself, Shipwreck Island could be its own waterpark, with water fun for kids aged 2 to 92.
Some of the guests who played on the new attraction agreed that this is our best attraction. “I love it” says the Bouressa Family. “Shipwreck Island was fantastic and very fun – Can’t wait to go back next year” says Zack Hamilton. “GREAT JOB on Shipwreck Island… we had a fantastic day” says Robin Webster.
This new attraction was designed and built by ProSlide Technology out of Ottawa – Canada and is the first of its kind in the world. In fact, this particular ride will serve as the North American Showcase and will set the standard for this type of attraction. Although this is the first installation worldwide for this type of ride, others are currently in construction in Columbia South America and at the Water Cube in Beijing, China.
State Fair's Wednesday start leads to first-day attendance dip
The California State Fair's first-day attendance on Wednesday was off about 12,000 fairgoers from last year's opening day -- but it may not be fair to compare.
Last year the fair opened as it traditionally did on a Friday with 32,431 attendance. This year it opened on a Wednesday with 20,720 as fair officials changed the run of the fair to boost attendance.
A Friday is more likely to draw more fairgoers taking advantage of a three-day weekend and that may account for higher opening day crowds last week.
State Fair's Carousel of Breeds celebrates horses of the world
Ever since he was in elementary school, Andy Field has been interested in horses, so it's only natural he should be riding and talking about them during the Carousel of Breeds shows at the State Fair – and just as natural that he should be rescuing and rehabilitating them.
"In elementary school, I was always interested in the older horses," Field said. "Nobody wanted to ride the older ones, but I found if I brushed and groomed and cared for the older ones, I could ride for free."
Throughout high school and college, Field continued to work with horses, training and caring for them. One of his jobs, for a member of the horse-racing and tobacco-empire Lorillard family, introduced him to horse rehabilitation.
Propelled by record June, zoo hits 1 million mark early
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is on track to break last year's attendance record of 2.2 million visitors.
After a record June, the Zoo reached the 1 million visitor mark on July 2, the earliest ever.
"Part of the success is weather, part of it's the Polar Frontier exhibit," said Lewis Green, senior vice president for animal care and conservation. "The community loves us."
N.C. Zoo looking at surprising record crowds
Many state agencies, plagued by economic problems, don't have much to celebrate this year. But at the North Carolina Zoo, things are booming.
Attendance at the wildlife park in Asheboro hit a 13-year high for the year ending June 30, even with sweltering temperatures much of the month. Across the nation, other zoos reported drops in June, particularly those affected by the heat wave.
North Carolina officials offered a variety of reasons for the zoo's great year, during which 749,627 visitors came through the gates. The zoo has opened the popular Lemur Island and giraffe-feeding exhibits. It has targeted its marketing through social media such as Facebook and Twitter. And it stands to gain when money problems keep families from taking longer, more expensive vacations.
Animal park name change risky move
The idea of renaming the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park has left us scratching our heads.
Here's a world-class, world-renowned operation (created in the first place as a breeding station to conserve species) deciding to risk years of name recognition to give itself the new ---- and frankly, boring ---- moniker of "San Diego Zoo's Safari Park."
We understand that the word "safari" has an exotic allure to it, that the wonders of the African veldt beckon tourists, yada-yada-yada. But after zoo trustees and staff have spent years and a lot of money building the brand, why would they want to start all over with a new name? And why do it on the basis of comments by some park visitors?
NASCAR Hall of Fame opens new exhibit with Earnhardt's 3 car
Organizers hope a new exhibit will drive more visitors to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The hall just opened a little longer than two months ago, and while attendance numbers aren't close to initial projections, the hall attempts to generate more excitement by mixing today's winners with past glory.
It's too soon in any of the numbers, both the customer feedback numbers, attendance numbers and the sales numbers to get overly excited, good, or concerned.
In his monthly report to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Winston Kelly said the Hall of Fame posted an $82,000 surplus during its opening month.
State Fair to feature San Francisco exhibit
For the first time in years, San Francisco will have an official presence - complete with cable car - in the Hall of Counties at the California State Fair in Sacramento.
Getting there wasn't nearly as simple as people might think, said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, who helped with the effort to bring the city back to the fair, which opened Wednesday.
"At first it looked easy, but then one barrier after another would come up," she said. "But it got done."
AROUND THE GLOBE
B.C. technology makes magic possible with record-breaking Harry Potter ride
A new magic carpet-like ride that injects fans into the world of Harry Potter is smashing theme-park attendance records — and two Lower Mainland companies delivered the breakthrough technology to make the mystical journey possible.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, opened on June 18 with people lining up for hours to enter the star attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
It’s a high-tech “dark ride” through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where riders enter a four-person car mounted with robotic technology that twists, turns, and throws them right into the plot line along with Harry, Ron and Hermione.
AIMCO’s takeover talks for Candover on the rocks
Candover’s expected takeover by Canadian pension fund Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCO), first announced in April, looks set to fall through, according to the Financial Times.
The news comes just as the European private equity firm nears the sale of Belgian personal hygiene business Ontex to TPG and Goldman Sachs' private equity arm for €1.2bn.
The fund manager is also said to be close to selling off Spanish theme park operator Parques Reunidos for around €2bn, with a number of rival private equity firms showing interest.
Theme park ride cable snaps leaving visitors in mid air
Ten people at a theme park were almost killed after a thread snapped on a ride leaving all passengers hanging in the air.
According to the RT News Agency thrill seekers on a ride at one of the theme parks at St. Petersburg’s amusement parks on Krestovsky Island were left hanging 70 metres above ground after one of the two cables holding the ride in the air snapped.
Rescue teams were fortunately very quick to respond to the incident and the thrill lovers were brought down from the ride.
Aussies chase Rainbow's End pot of gold
Queensland theme park operators are being tipped as possible bidders for Auckland's Rainbow's End.
Stephen Hamilton, a director of hotel, tourism and leisure consultants Horwath HTL in Auckland, said Gold Coast park operators could be the most likely buyers of the Manukau business.
"These Australian businesses would have the specialised knowledge, expertise and existing executive management team relevant to operating Rainbow's End," said Hamilton, naming Dreamworld, Sea World, WhiteWater World and Warner Bros Movie World as the dominant businesses.
Sunway Lagoon expects to hit revenue target
Theme park operator Sunway Lagoon Sdn Bhd, a member of the Sunway Group (4308) of Co, expects revenue to rise by 25 per cent to RM75 million by the end of this year.
The company generated a revenue of RM33 million for the first half of this year, which is less than half of the targeted revenue.
Its chief executive officer Aaron Soo, however, remains confident. "Our business model is seasonal. Towards the end of the year, we will see a sharp increase because of school holidays and the festive season. I believe we will be able to achieve that target," Soo said.
First life-size Evangelion unit to debut at amusement park in Japan next week
Fans of Japanese animation works may be able to touch the robot piloted by main character in popular Evangelion anime, as Fuji-Q Highland amusement park is set to present the world's first life-size Evangelion unit from the bust up on July 23.
The unit will be housed in a fresh pavilion called "Evangelion: World," where people will see how the Eva-01 unit reacts when Shinji Ikari, the main character, encounters it for the first time, officers with overseas sales department of Fujikyuko, owner of the amusement said Friday.
Liverpool’s BugWorld Experience awarded zoo status
Liverpool's Albert Dock now has a zoo, after official inspectors gave The BugWorld Experience a near- faultless assessment.
Local authorities must ensure that animal welfare and care is of the highest standard before issuing a zoo licence.
BugWorld head keeper Mike Smillie said: “It’s strange to think there’s a zoo in among the Grade II listed buildings in this part of Liverpool, but that’s exactly what’s here now that the assessors have awarded us this status.”
New water park to open in Weston-super-Mare
A new £425,000 water park will open on Weston-super-Mare's seafront on Saturday.
Most of the water park will only be open during the summer but it has a dry play area which will be open all year.
The site, managed by Weston's town council, features 10 pieces of play equipment, including some which shoot out jets of water.
Punj Lloyd Singapore arm bags Rs 1,394 cr resorts project
Engineering and construction firm Punj Lloyd today said one of its subsidiaries has bagged a contract worth Rs 1,394 crore in Singapore.
The project involves construction of a hotel, villas, marine life park and water theme park for Resorts World Sentosa, a subsidiary of diversified business conglomerate Genting Group.
"Punj Lloyd Group subsidiary Sembawang Engineers and Constructors (Sembawang), Singapore, one of the leading engineering and construction companies in Southeast Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region, has clinched a major contract worth Rs 1,394 crore from Singapore's Resorts World Sentosa," the company said in a statement.
Green Themed Park Opens in Beijing
Waste paper, abandoned vehicles, recycled clothing and even junk-clevis can be reused for fun and entertainment. Guests can now visit the 'Green' Theme Park which recently opened in Beijing.
Located northeast of the Bird's Nest, the environment-themed park covers 20,000 square meters and features five indoor halls including Noah's Ark, which highlights interaction between nature and human beings, Glass Hall, Art of Regeneration Hall, Paper Hall and Gifts Hall.
Amazed by the large Transformers-style creation of abandoned vehicles in the middle of the park, visitors are also attracted by an iron horse made of thousands of old clevises. Liu Dingzan, from Taiwan, is the artist behind the iron-horse.
Around the Parks–Wednesday, July 15, 2010
Busch Gardens welcomes two baby giraffes (awww!)
Busch Gardens in Tampa now has 17 giraffes, thanks to the birth of two little ones this year. You can see them in the photos at right and below.
The babies spent their first few months of life in a private area with their moms, Tesa and Chloe. They were both born in April after a 15 month gestation. Now they're on display for guests to view in the main giraffe herd on the Serengeti Plain, which provides a natural environment for the animals.
3 Carowinds employees charged in scheme to steal from park
Three Charlotte teens working at as food vendors at Carowinds face charges after police say they were involved in a scheme to steal from the food stand.
Two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old girl were charged with breach of trust and criminal conspiracy after an investigation, according to a York County Sheriff's Office report. The trio is accused of conspiring to steal $260 from Cinnabon inside the Fort Mill-area amusement park, the report said. The money has been recovered.
Last week, a 20-year-old Carowinds employee was arrested after security personnel recovered $813 in stolen money from her underwear.
Winter Haven area business leaders plan for Legoland
How Winter Haven can be the best possible Legoland host city will be the subject of community discussion July 20.
The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has planned the “Legoland Florida Host City Forum” from 3 to 5 p.m. at the chamber’s Coleman Auditorium located at 401 Ave. B N.W., Winter Haven.
The Legoland theme park is expected to bring in 2 million visitors to the region each year following its opening in late 2011.
Police fire on suspected burglars in parking lot at O.C. theme park
Undercover police officers opened fire on two suspected burglars in a Knott's Berry Farm parking lot Wednesday afternoon before pursuing them in a high-speed chase through Buena Park, authorities said.
The suspects, an adult male and juvenile male driving a gold Chevrolet van, were arrested after coming to a stop in a cul-de-sac. They have not been identified by police.
At least six shots were fired, but no officers were injured and neither suspect appears to have sustained gunshot wounds, said Buena Park police Sgt. WIlliam Kohanek.
Disney's California Adventure brightens image with World of Color attraction
As the lights dimmed and the music swelled around Paradise Bay Lagoon, Kelly Speers and his wife, Amanda, quieted their two daughters and turned their attention to a darkened pool.
Never mind that the family from Alberta, Canada, had already seen World of Color, the newest attraction at Disney's California Adventure Park, the previous night. They were so impressed by the towering fountains, erupting flames and animated characters that burst from the lagoon that they came back for a second night.
"It blew our mind to see this," said Kelly Speers, as his daughters, ages 4 and 2, squirmed on a bench facing the lagoon.
Sure the park has more than 5,700 species of fish, a chance to swim with dolphins and eight thrill rides, but arguably the most popular attraction at SeaWorld remains the opportunity to get drenched by a whale in formal attire.
“You get to see a really cool whale splash all over you,” said 10-year-old Ryan Merrithew of Lehi about a visit to San Diego with his family this spring.
Ryan was, of course, referring to the famous “Splash Zone,” which encompasses the first 16 or so rows of Shamu Stadium. If you sit in the zone, you will be splashed and not even incidentally, but intentionally by the huge killer whales that are trained to do so.
Disneyland Uses Green Paint To Keep Guests Away
Pay no attention to anything painted green when visiting Disneyland. The Happiest Place On Earth turns 55 years old this Saturday (Jul. 17), and though the amusement park has always welcomed visitors, there are just some things they don’t want people to see.
According to Dominick Cancilla, who runs DisneyLies.com – a website that spreads lies and rumors about Disneyland – the Imagineers of the Magic Kingdom have created a special color to avert people’s eyes from certain things in the park.
It’s supposedly called “Go Away Green,” and something about the special shade makes it completely unnoticeable. Cancilla claims the park “paints anything they don’t want you to see” in this color, including a door to a secret club and a building in Downtown Disney where the Indiana Jones ride is kept.
Breakers Water Park opens new attraction
Breakers Water Park has added its second attraction in as many years. Last year, the 35 foot high Rip Tide double slide was added to the park. Wednesday, Breakers Water Park announced the grand opening of the newest attraction - Surfari Bubbles!
Surfari Bubbles are six giant, 6-foot inflatable spheres that you actually climb into. You can walk, jump, run, crawl or just float across the water. They are large enough to hold one adult.
Steve Miklosi, General Manager said, "People have asked me if the balls go in the wave pool, and the answer is no. Surfari Bubbles bounce in their own pool."
S.A. Wounded Warriors with Segways denied access into local theme parks
Some San Antonio Wounded Warriors are being denied access into local theme parks with their Segways.
The two-wheeled motorized transportation devices are considered a safety concern at Sea World San Antonio, Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio Zoo.
Theme park employees say disabled soldiers have the option of renting a four-wheeled motorized scooter to get around the parks.
Great Wolf Resorts to Open First Freestanding Scooops Kid Spa in Mall of America
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., North America's largest family of indoor waterpark resorts, proudly announces the opening of the first ever Scooops Kid Spa outside of a Great Wolf Resorts property. The first freestanding Scooops Kid Spa is scheduled to open in August 2010 at Mall of America, a popular retail destination and entertainment complex in Bloomington, Minn.
Scooops Kid Spa offers its young clientele the perfect pamper package, complete with ice-cream themed manicures, pedicures and hair treatments, specially designed for children ages 4 to 15. Now families can also take advantage of Scooops' unique birthday parties in themed party rooms, group spa experiences and family packages designed to "scoop" loads of fun into any celebration or special occasion.
Coney Island Cornerstones on Surf Avenue Face Demolition
In New York City a debate is raging over how to rebuild one of the America's most storied and iconic neighborhoods -- Coney Island.
Revered as the birthplace of the hotdog and the roller coaster, Coney Island long ago laid claim to America's and the world's imagination. A century ago, Luna Park, Steeplechase and Dreamland provided the template for every amusement park that was follow and in the process reinvented the way Americans experienced leisure.
But Coney Island was more than an incubator of amusement parks. A playground for the masses, it became the resort of last resort for an entire generation of Americans that lived through the Great Depression and staked a claim to a portion of its beach and boardwalk teeming with a million bathers and famously captured in the iconic photographs of Weegee.
Foxwoods misses debt payment deadline
A deadline for repayment of a spent $700 million line of credit came and went Tuesday with Foxwoods Resort Casino’s tribal owner pledging to continue working to resolve the debt.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation was lent the money by a banking group headed by Bank of America Corp. and its Merrill Lynch & Co. subsidiary. No word of a settlement or possible deadline extension came from either side Tuesday.
“The Tribal Council remains committed to reaching a consensual agreement with its lenders,” said William Satti, the tribe’s director of public relations.
Show the guests, and yourself, a great time
I hear it from Maine residents all the time. The groaning, the sighing, the complaining -- about having to entertain people "from away" when they vacation in the Pine Tree State. Especially when their guests want to go to tourist destinations.
Granted, I've only lived in Maine for three years, so I don't have a lifetime of visits like native Mainers do. Still, I liken it to when I lived in Florida and took relatives to Disney World or the Dali Museum -- people want to go to these places because they're fun. They didn't become tourist destinations by being akin to poking yourself in the eye with a fork. (OK, maybe Disney is a little like that toward the end of the day. But I digress.)
So, here's a list of "touristy" things to do in Maine this week, whether it's for the first time or the 50th. Because sometimes you don't really appreciate what's in your backyard until it (or you) is no longer there.
Liberty Baptist Church sponsors waterpark slides in Evergreen on July 17, 24
Appomattox County is not Myrtle Beach, but you might think so if you visit the community of Evergreen this Saturday.
That's because Liberty Baptist Church is sponsoring a mega-event that will feature five downhill waterslides, one of which is measured at more than 400 feet.
The event, called "River Wild Waterpark," is free to the public and will take place on two dates: Saturday, July 17, and Saturday, July 24.
Water park still in limbo long after planned start
The county's first indoor water park remains a plan - not a reality - 15 months after construction was initially to begin.
The $4.8 million Razor Family would be the second phase for Razor Sharp fitness center, 7300 Washington Ave. The facility is planned for a cleared - but still empty - 5.8-acre site immediately west of Razor Sharp.
In December 2008, developer Mike Bannon, a local lawyer and owner of Razor Sharp, said construction would start in early spring 2009 and Razor Family would open that December.
2 year old drowns at Liberal water park
A 2 year old boy from Guymon, Oklahoma drowned Sunday at a Liberal water park.
The boy was is pronounced dead after a drowning accident at Liberal's Adventure Bay Water Park on July 11 around 6:52pm.
When emergency crews arrived to the scene lifeguards were giving CPR to the child when they took over and took the child to Southwest Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 7:30pm.
Mermaid to promote swimming safety at Kalahari
A mermaid performer will appear at Kalahari Waterpark Resort to promote swimming and water safety.
Mermaid Linden Wolbert, who swims wearing a 35-pound tail and can hold her breath underwater for more than four minutes, will appear from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at Kalahari Waterpark Resort.
The program will be open to resort guests and visitors who buy waterpark day passes.
Should the Vancouver Aquarium keep whales and dolphins?
A Vancouver Parks Board commissioner wants to ask Vancouverites in a plebiscite vote whether they want to put an end to keeping whales and dolphins in captivity — and phase out the city's existing cetacean exhibits at the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park.
Friend of Coaster Victim Recalls Horrifying Day
A Lafayette woman who fell to her death from a roller coaster will be laid to rest this Saturday. Meanwhile those closest to her, talked with KATC about the nightmare that took Lindsay Zeno's life.
Courtney Marks and Zeno had tried to go to the amusement park four times and finally had a chance on Sunday. They spent most of the day at the Blue Bayou water park, but decided to try out Dixie Landin' in the late afternoon. It's a decision, Marks now regrets.
"If there was anything that could've been changed my God forsakes I hope that we could've avoided going to Blue Bayou, but we went and this is what happened," said Zeno.
Stratham Fair ready to offer more of everything this year; runs July 22-25
If the allure of all new rides doesn't peak your interest, the organizers of the upcoming Stratham Fair have 42 other reasons why you shouldn't miss the annual event boasting new attractions for people of all walks of life.
The fairgrounds at Stratham Hill Park on Route 33 will be bustling with activity from Thursday, July 22, to Sunday, July 25, as attendees take in everything from live music to canine Frisbee exhibitions in what is expected to be a signature event benefiting the Stratham Volunteer Fire Department.
Fair Director Vicky Avery said officials have spent close to seven months planning for the 43 anniversary of the Stratham Fair, whose theme is appropriately "43 Reasons to Attend" — a concept organizers say blossomed out of the countless new attractions being offered.
The Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair is almost here! The annual fair kicks off Thursday and will go on for ten days. Wednesday, crews were on the fairgrounds testing the rides to make sure everything is working properly. As you enjoy the rides this weekend you may not even think of all the work that goes into it before you take off.
"We began setting up about 10 days in advance and now that we get down to the last few days the important stuff really begins to happen. They make sure everything is working but more importantly that everything is safe," says Chairman of the Fair, Ron Mossotti.
Your safety is serious to these guys. They're inspecting the rides from top to bottom.
California State Fair's early start draws a crowd
Gator-on-a-stick, shrill midway screaming and a cow giving birth for a rapt audience meant the California State Fair was in full swing on opening day Wednesday – a full month earlier than usual.
By most accounts, the new schedule is a good one.
Trying to accommodate families whose children's school years begin before the fair's traditional dates – mid-August to Labor Day – fair officials moved the start date of the 157th State Fair to mid-July.
Police Aim To Keep Gangs Out Of State Fair
Cal Expo police have revealed that they've been running intelligence for three months on known gang members to make sure they don't cause any problems at the fair.
Cal Expo Chief of Police Robert Craft said the investigation is part of their plans to intensify a no-tolerance policy toward gang activity.
The number of gang-related problems at the fair has continually decreased since a peak about 10 years ago, police said.
Museums get share of almost $1.5M in grants
Some Chicago-area institutions will share in nearly $1.5 million dollars thanks to a grant announced Tuesday.
The Shedd Aquarium is just one of ten area institutions being awarded money by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The agency is a primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,000 museums.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Coast theme parks bid to wow visitors
Theme parks are splashing $20 million on attractions in a gamble for more domestic tourists and an edge on their competitors.
Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water World will introduce three attractions, costing about $6 million each, all aimed at family interaction, this year.
Sea World will open The Penguin Encounter in time for Christmas, holding up to 36 king and gentoo penguins in a 90sqm and 220,000-litre habitat with up to five tonnes of snow.
Sights and sounds of Universal Studios Singapore
I arrived in Singapore on the first day of the much-anticipated annual Great Singapore Sale. My excitement, however, was leaning towards the day I’m visiting the newly-opened Universal Studios Singapore.
We arrived at the posh Hard Rock Hotel in Resorts World Sentosa just as the sunny midmorning skies turned gloomy. We walked through the hotel’s corridors on our way to the main entrance of the theme park. It seemed like a maze going through one door to another. After fifteen minutes of wandering around, we found ourselves indulged with some rare White Reese’s and a giant Hershey’s chocolate bar—the largest in the world—at the famous Hershey’s Chocolate World right in front of the theme park’s entrance gates. Then, our guide handed over our tickets worth S$66 each (P2,200) for an unlimited day pass at the park. Each pass comes with a S$10 meal voucher and S$5 retail voucher that can be used in any establishment inside the park.
As we entered the park, we walked through the legendary Hollywood Boulevard where the famous Universal Studios Store selling collectibles, souvenirs, toys and apparel can be found. This is also the perfect place to stroll around while waiting for your favorite Universal cast of characters like Marilyn Monroe, Frankenstein and Woody Woodpecker for the hourly meet and greet sessions.
Warning letter sent before Cotswold Water Park death
A letter raising concerns about a water park in the Cotswolds and written a month before a girl died after an accident has been sent to the BBC.
The 15-year-old was pulled from a lake at the Cotswold Water Park on 11 July but died the next day. Witnesses claimed there were not enough staff.
Somerford Keynes Parish Council wrote to Cotswold District Council's health and safety officer on 11 June.
M and M House opens at Al Bustan Centre and Residence
Al Bustan Centre and Residence opened a new department store - M & M House - last week. The brand new store caters to women and showcases bewitching wedding dresses, glamorous evening dresses, trendy ladies footwear, stylish handbags and the latest lingerie collections.
Moussa El Hayek, Chief Operating Officer, Al Bustan Centre & Residence, said, "We are extremely happy to announce the opening of the M & M House department store in our property. As we are a family oriented centre, we are confident that a store showcasing wedding dresses and evening dresses for women will do very well. Al Bustan Centre has always been liked for its unique ambience and spacious, well appointed settings which make shopping a truly enjoyable experience for shoppers."
Tourist castle goes under hammer
Ballarat's iconic tourist attraction, Kryal Castle, will be auctioned next week.
The medieval-themed castle was built by a local couple in 1972 and opened in 1974.
Real estate agent Mark Deunk says the couple feel they are now too old to run the 27-hectare property.
Global Parks
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Announces the Birth of Two New Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Calves
There’s a dolphin baby boom of sorts taking place at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom as officials today announce the birth of two new Atlantic bottlenose dolphin calves born in May and June respectively. The park also joins with Hawaiian Airlines in announcing the launch of the Dolphin Naming Contest Presented by Hawaiian Airlines. The public is invited to submit Hawaiian names for a chance to win coach airfare for two to Hawaii. The contest ends on July 25, 2010.
The two young male calves, born to 23-year-old Jasmine and 30-year-old Chelsea, are already proving to be a hit with park guests, who are able to catch glimpses through the public viewing window located at Merlin’s Dolphin Harbor.
“We are delighted with our new additions,” said Eric Gilbert, Park President. “We waited until now to officially announce the births to give the mothers and calves time to bond without fanfare, and to ensure that the calves are nursing and maturing. It’s very exciting to formally debut them to park guests and the world.”
Hotel workers' union protests at Disneyland
Mickey Mouse mask-wearing protesters were among about 325 union members and supporters who demonstrated against Disneyland over a hotel employee contract dispute.
Protesters on Monday wore masks colored with a black eye to represent the union's message that Disney is the black eye of Anaheim, where the amusement park is located.
About 2,100 Disney hotel employees have worked without a contract for about two and a half years and there have been periodic protests. The main sticking point is health care costs.
Loss of Kentucky Kingdom rides not a worry for fair board president
In just over a month, the Kentucky State Fair will get underway, but this year it comes with a big change - no Kentucky Kingdom.
Every year, fair visitors have been offered the "Thrillway" - midway attractions plus all the rides at Kentucky Kingdom. Now, for the first time in a long time, the big event will kick off with no amusement park. The question is will it change attendance in any way?
What a difference a year makes. Right after the 2009 Kentucky State Fair, the new 2010 State Fair flyers went into production. On the cover is a family on a roller coaster. But at that time, there was no inkling then that Six Flags would pull out of the Commonwealth. However, Harold Workman, the Kentucky State Fair Board president says there is a bright spot - the fair board is close to a legal deal with Six Flags and he believes it is good news for the rides.
Legoland official: Water park likely will see a 2012 opening
Legoland Florida is rising from theme park property that had an established water park, but that doesn't mean a water park will be immediately available to guests upon Legoland's expected opening in late 2011.
"The first priority is getting Legoland Florida open and running in 2011 and then, hopefully, working on the water park the following year," Legoland media relations specialist Julie Estrada said Monday. "The overall goal for Legoland is to have the ultimate resort park for visitors."
Legoland officials confirmed during Thursday's preview at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven that a water park will be part of Legoland Florida on the site of the former Cypress Gardens theme park. Plans for a Legoland hotel resort were confirmed last month by Mark Jackson, director of Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing.
Park death under investigation
A day after Lindsay Zeno's death at Dixie Landin' in Baton Rouge, authorities with the State Fire Marshal's Office have yet to find signs to the cause of Sunday night's incident.
Zeno, 21, Lafayette, died Sunday night after falling about 30 feet off The Xtreme roller coaster at the theme park.
Paul Zeno, Lindsay Zeno's brother, said she was the sister that everyone could dream of. "She was real down to earth," Paul Zeno said. "She'd give the shirt off her back if she had to."
Seaside Heights amusement park hosting relatives of fallen N.J. police officers
At least 200 children and adults who lost a member of their family who was a New Jersey police officer in the line of duty will be the guests of Breakwater Beach Water Park and Casino Pier in Seaside Heights Tuesday as the owners, the Storino family, host the third annual Law Enforcement Survivors Day.
Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the special guests will receive free access to the water park and Casino Pier rides. They will be welcomed by State Police superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes, Ocean County Prosecutor Luis Valentin and Monsignor Philip A. Lowery at a brief ceremony on the upper deck of the water park at 800 Ocean Terrace.
Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys Take on Entertainment Giant Universal Orlando Resort
Boone and Davis, Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys, are taking on Universal City Development Partners, owner and operator of Universal Orlando Resort, on behalf of a seriously injured client. Filed on July 15th, 2009, case number 2009-CA-022565-0, the client allegedly slipped and fell on liquid spilled on the floor in the Amphitheatre at the Animal Actors Show, suffering multiple injuries that resulted in surgery and required metal hardware.
Michael Davis, a principal and theme park accident lawyer at Boone and Davis, explained, “Our client was severely injured while on the Universal Orlando Resort property through no fault of her own. She visited the resort in anticipation of a relaxing, enjoyable afternoon and ended up in the hospital because someone neglected to properly maintain the public areas after a slippery liquid had been spilled. Our client endured extensive surgery in order to implant pins and metal plates to correct the damage sustained, resulting in extensive scarring. It’s simply unacceptable that this kind of situation can develop at a theme park, resulting in life changing injuries for innocent visitors.”
In the last five years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of theme park accidents that have resulted in injuries requiring at least a visit to an emergency room. There are several reasons for the rise in injuries, including reduced budgets leading to less vigilance and more potential problems, overcrowding of theme parks, and faster, more dangerous attractions.
Park opens as normal day after deadly fall
Park owners said they will open Dixie Landin' Amusement Park as normal one day after a 21-year-old woman fell off a ride and died.
The park is scheduled to open at 2 p.m.
The Blue Bayou Water Park section of the amusement facility is currently open.
Irish Dance Competition Set At Quassy Amusement Park
Registration is under way for the 14th Annual Constitution State Feis (Irish dance competition), presented by the Horgan Academy of Irish Dance of Naugatuck, Conn. The Sept. 4 and 5 event will take place for the fourth consecutive year at Quassy Amusement Park, Route 64, Middlebury, Conn.
The competition will kick off at 8:30 a.m. both days with the Saturday, Sept. 4, schedule to include pre-beginners, beginners, advanced beginners, adults and novice.
Ride the Ducks resumes trips in 3 cities
Ride the Ducks, which shut down operations nationwide after a deadly accident in Philadelphia last week, has resumed operations in three cities, it said this weekend.
Herschend Family Entertainment Co. resumed Ride the Ducks tours in Atlanta, San Francisco and Branson, Mo. It said it expects to resume tours in Newport, Ky., soon.
The company had shut down operations to review maintenance procedures after the July 7 accident in Philadelphia in which a disabled Ride the Ducks vessel was struck by a barge on the Delaware River. Two Ducks passengers died as a result of the accident.
Wayne mom's pretzel roller coaster wins a spot in contest finals
Jennifer Westcott will never look at a pretzel the same way again.
"They're like snowflakes," said Westcott, who is a finalist in the Snyder's of Hanover Pretzel Coaster Build-Off Contest. "They're all really different."
The lifelong Wayne resident is one of five finalists selected from 39 entrants, including Westcott's husband, Teddy Chernishuk, who will serve as her helper at Thursday's competition at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. Westcott will compete against the four other finalists and last year's contest winner as they try to construct a model of the Busch Gardens roller coaster Griffon in 2 1/2 hours.
After fire, White Water to reopen Tuesday
Six Flags White Water Park will reopen Tuesday after being closed since Sunday's fire.
Kendell Kelton, Six Flags spokeswoman, said Monday that crews worked non-stop to repair the damage from Sunday's storage unit fire. The park will open at the normal time of 10 a.m.
Fire officials are still working to determine a cause of the blaze."
City Set To Open Splash Pad Of Renovated Park
A section of the revamped Andersen Water Park is scheduled to open Tuesday morning after weeks of delay.
The splash pad portion of the site opens at 10 a.m. and is free to the public.
Saginaw City Manager Darnell Earley kept the park closed during a recent Mid-Michigan heat wave because of ongoing site construction, including newly planted sod that has not rooted.
With summer here, kids in Elkhart are cooling off at the various water facilities.
The superintendent of the parks and recreation department Karin Frey says their numbers are higher this year compared to last year. Workers say it's an affordable activity for everyone.
One thing they have noticed is they're not as busy during the holiday weekends.
The success of this year’s Northern Wisconsin State Fair can be measured in several ways.
It may be found in the number of blue ribbons, the price fetched at the livestock auction, the stuffed animals won at the carnival games, or the calories ingested through heaping portions of cheese curds.
In other words, the quality of the Fair can be measured in how much fun people had.
County fairs offering up a summer of fun
County fair visitors want three things. Amusement rides, good food and animals, said Fran Tepper, director of the Monroe County Fair, citing surveys of fairgoers.
And starting with Monroe County’s on Wednesday, county fairs in the Rochester area and across the state promise to deliver. Counties around New York will host more than 50 county fairs between now and the New York State Fair, to be held Aug. 26-Sept. 6.
In addition to carnival rides and food vendors selling everything from fried dough coated in sugar to grilled sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions, their schedules are crammed with musical entertainment, demolition derbies and the traditional 4-H exhibits and judging and livestock shows.
State Fair Construction On Track
The state fair countdown clock ticks closer to the big event, now less than 50 days away.
State fair board members walk on fresh concrete, pavement that wasn't there only days ago. Hard to believe none of this was here a year ago, when they broke ground.
Board Chair Sallie Atkins said, "It was almost exactly a year ago and it's unbelievable to think of all that's gone on in a year's time."
A new tourist attraction begins taking shape today that will let visitors see under the sea, a project Santa Cruz and federal leaders have discussed for more than five years.
A ceremonial groundbreaking is planned for the $15 million Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, which will be in the heart of the city's high-traffic beach area across from Cowell Beach and the Municipal Wharf.
Further construction starts in the fall and is expected to be complete by winter 2011, with exhibits installed by summer 2012.
PGAV Destinations Inspires Connections with Animals at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago
PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, is pleased to announce the opening of their project at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo. The Great Bear Wilderness is the first project selected by the zoo for completion from its Master Plan, created by PGAV in 2006.
Once virtually empty land, guests now encounter a 7.5-acre habitat thriving with polar bears, grizzly bears, Mexican gray wolves, bison, and bald eagles. The $27.3 million state-of-the-art Great Bear Wilderness project reflects the zoo’s commitment to conservation, animal welfare and an unparalleled guest experience. Trekking through new National Park-like areas inspires guests, as they discover animals in the wilderness and absorb vital information that has been woven into compelling stories.
California could consider acquiring Neverland Ranch as a state park
As home to pop legend Michael Jackson, Neverland Ranch housed a working locomotive, a Ferris Wheel and other amusement park rides, a 10,000-volume library and a zoo.
But could the opulent Santa Barbara County estate become home to California’s newest state park?
A resolution is in the works to order state parks officials to study converting the roughly 2,600-acre property into a state park. The state NAACP is backing the idea, and a lawmaker has signaled he is on board to carry the legislation.
Gensler Designs Bond Museum, James Bond Museum
With a project that would make Q, James Bond’s exasperated gadgeteer, proud, Gensler unveiled its design for the Museum of Bond Vehicles + Espionage in Illinois, on July 8.
Slated to open in 2012—the 50th anniversary year of the first James Bond movie, “Dr. No”—the museum will house the collection of the Ian Fleming Foundation, including the world’s largest stockpile of vehicles used in the 23 Bond films. Its cache includes the Lotus Submarine Car used in “The Spy Who Loved Me,” the Aston Martin Volante seen in “The Living Daylights,” the BMW R 1200 C Motorcycle used in “Tomorrow Never Dies,” and the Bomabardier Rev 800 MXZ Ski-Doos from “Die Another Day.”
Busch family considering sale of landmark Grant's Farm to National Park Service
The National Park Service is studying whether to designate Grant's Farm as a national park, potentially transferring control of the 273-acre animal preserve and private residence from the Busch beer family to the federal government.
The park service has quietly completed an initial evaluation of how Grant's Farm might fit into its parks system, examining the site's national significance, its suitability as a national park and the feasibility of adding it.
The evaluation made no firm recommendations. No timetable for making a decision was laid out. But the report indicated Grant's Farm could be incorporated as a historic site, although a final decision likely would hinge on the reaction of the public and Missouri's congressional delegation.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Girl, 15, in Cotswold Water Park lake rescue dies
A 15-year-old girl who was rescued from a lake at the Cotswold Water Park in Gloucestershire has died in hospital.
The teenager was pulled from the water by a member of the public on Sunday after getting into difficulties and given CPR by a lifeguard.
Watermark, which manages the park and beach, said she had been in a three-foot deep section of the bathing area when she had slipped under the water.
Alton Towers Resort Waterpark hires lifedog
Alton Towers Resort hires lifedog to boost safety of waterpark guests.
With the summer holidays fast approaching, the Alton Towers Resort Waterpark is gearing up for a busy season. To assist the trained lifeguards, the Resort has employed the UK’s first indoor life-dog to ‘man’ the pool.
The Alton Towers Resort has called upon the services of Max, a Newfoundland dog, after hearing about his lifesaving skills. The adorable pooch is the first lifedog to be employed indoors in the UK, and he is proving extremely popular with guests.
Around 80 students from Robert Blake Science College took a trip to a top adventure park as part of a school project.
The year nine students went to Alton Towers for inspiration and motivation before beginning an extended project to design, map and market a theme park on a budget, Becoming entrepreneurs, they were asked to create a fantastical theme park for construction in Bridgwater.
The day was a brilliant success and students were awe struck and were excellent ambassadors for the school.
Work starts on the Yas Island waterpark
Aldar Properties has announced that construction on the huge waterpark planned for Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island will start this month.
The 16.4 hectare water park will feature more than 40 rides and attractions, including four one-of-a-kind rides that have never been seen before in a water park.
Aldar said it has already received planning approval from the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and has appointed UK-based Atkins as lead designer for the project.
Walt Disney aims for more Chinese cartoon characters
US media and entertainment conglomerate Walt Disney Co. plans to set up a film department at its Chinese headquarters, aiming to create more local Chinese cartoon characters. That's according to the company's chief executive in China, Zhang Zhizhong.
Speaking on Sunday, Zhang said Disney is aiming for a business structure similar to the one it has in the US, including film-making, publishing, new media and a Disney theme park.
The company also plans to promote the "Princess" series and the "Spider-man" and "Toy Story 3" characters to Chinese children.
Edinburgh Girl, 9, Wins Surprise Pass To Futuroscope Theme Park In France
Emma MacNaughton, aged 9 and from Edinburgh, Scotland, was most surprised as she arrived at the gates of France’s premier theme park, Futuroscope, to be surrounded by television and radio crews from around the world.
Emma, who is on a family holiday in France with her parents, Stephen and Jane, and her brother Kyle, 13, was the 2 millionth British visitor to Futuroscope.
She said she’d seen the reporters just inside the entrance gates, but never suspected they were there to film and interview her.
Johor's Iskandar wooing Singapore investors
Malaysia's southern economic region Iskandar expects strong investment flow from neighbouring Singapore, despite an expected economic slowdown in the second half of the year.
In an interview with Channel NewsAsia, the CEO of Iskandar Investment, Arlida Ariff, said she hopes to ride on improved bilateral ties to woo Singapore investments.
Spanning over 2,200 square kilometres, the Iskandar economic region located in southern Johor is three times the size of Singapore.
'Wildlife park will go ahead in five years'
The new man in charge of Clifton Zoo has revealed he hopes a giant wildlife park in South Gloucestershire will still open within next five years, even though fund-raising efforts have been delayed by the recession.
The £60 million park near Cribbs Causeway was originally due to open in 2012 but Dr Bryan Carroll, who will formally take control of the zoo in September, says fundraising has been delayed.
The current deputy director is replacing Jo Gipps and will take charge of the ambitious plans to open the huge park close to junction 17 of the M4.
More than half the cash for a £10.9m project to create a major tourist attraction based on Newmarket’s horse racing heritage has been pledged.
But a further £3 million is needed by next April to ensure the Home of Horseracing project goes ahead.
The £5.5 million already promised towards the long-awaited scheme – based on the town’s historic Palace House and Palace House Stables – includes more than £1.7 million in public money from Forest Heath District Council and Suffolk County Council.
Theme Parks News
CORRECTION: Harold Chance, founder of Chance Manufacturing, passes
Harold Chance founder of Chance Manufacturing Company, passed away on July 10, 2010 while surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.
Harold began Chance Manufacturing Company building miniature trains, and by the time he retired in 1985, he had turned the company into America's largest manufacturer of amusement rides. For his contributions to the amusement industry, Harold was inducted into the Halls of Fame for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, Outdoor Amusement Business Association, and the Showmen's League of America. He also originated the AREA Amusement Ride Safety Seminar in 1971 which has been continued by the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers Association.
Richard Chance, founder of Chance Manufacturing, passes
Richard Chance founder of Chance Manufacturing Company, passed away on July 10, 2010 while surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.
Harold began Chance Manufacturing Company building miniature trains, and by the time he retired in 1985, he had turned the company into America's largest manufacturer of amusement rides. For his contributions to the amusement industry, Harold was inducted into the Halls of Fame for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, Outdoor Amusement Business Association, and the Showmen's League of America. He also originated the AREA Amusement Ride Safety Seminar in 1971 which has been continued by the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers Association.
CORRECTION: Harold Chance, founder of Chance Manufacturing, passes
Harold Chance founder of Chance Manufacturing Company, passed away on July 10, 2010 while surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.
Harold began Chance Manufacturing Company building miniature trains, and by the time he retired in 1985, he had turned the company into America's largest manufacturer of amusement rides. For his contributions to the amusement industry, Harold was inducted into the Halls of Fame for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, Outdoor Amusement Business Association, and the Showmen's League of America. He also originated the AREA Amusement Ride Safety Seminar in 1971 which has been continued by the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers Association.
Woman dies after falling from roller coaster ride
A woman who fell from a roller coaster at a Baton Rouge amusement park Sunday afternoon is dead.
Lindsay Zeno, 21, of Lafayette was pronounced dead at a Baton Rouge hospital.
According to witnesses, she fell about 30 feet from the "Xtreme" at Blue Bayou Water Park/Dixie Landin' Amusement Park around 4 p.m. The roller coaster, which opened three years ago, spins as it twists and turns along a steel track.
Cedar Fair CEO says market will thaw
As amusement park companies go, Cedar Fair is the industry's juggernaut -- it owns 11 amusement parks and six water parks throughout the U.S. and Canada. Even in Sandusky, home of Cedar Point amusement park, news coverage in recent months has concentrated on Cedar Fair as it mulled an acquisition by New York private equity firm Apollo Global Management.
The deal fell through, leaving Cedar Fair to battle the recession and debt problems. Which leaves everyone wondering: How is Cedar Point doing?
When Richard "Dick" Kinzel, 69, president, CEO and chairman of Cedar Fair sat down for a "Second Sunday" interview after months of requests, the Register concentrated questions on the local amusement park -- Cedar Point, rated "the best amusement park in the world" for 12 years in a row by Amusement Today.
New Legoland park will not include former Miracle Strip coaster
A Florida classic, the former Panama City Beach wooden roller coaster Starliner has again found itself homeless.
Cypress Gardens and its owner Kent Buescher purchased the coaster in 2006 after its former home at Miracle Strip Amusement Park was closed in September 2004. Cypress Garden is now being replaced with Legoland and recently unveiled plans for the theme park do not include the Starliner.
The Polk County park is scheduled to open in 2011 and will include more than 50 rides and shows and thousands of large models built from plastic blocks. Officials said Cypress Gardens’ botanical gardens and water-ski shows will be integrated into Legoland's new attractions, but the Starliner won’t make the cut. A Legoland spokeswoman said the park is looking for a new home for the coaster.
N.J. State Police guard against Great Adventure riot
Scores of State Police Troopers were called in to ensure a series of scuffles at Six Flags Great Adventure did not escalate into an all out riot, following a concert tonight at the Jackson amusement park.
"There were some gang members observed there, there were a couple of isolated fights and the potential for a real problem," said State Police spokesman, Sgt. Stephen Jones."We’ve got a lot of personnel out there, just to make sure that we’re keeping the peace right now."
The concern rose after several fights broke out during a concert by Caribbean artist Machel Montano. Just after 9 p.m. Jackson Police requested support from the State Troopers who also called in K-9 officers to help corral concert-goers.
Universal learning on the fly how to manage Harry Potter hordes
Universal Orlando's newest addition is proving so popular this summer that the resort has begun advising guests to avoid it — at least until after 3 p.m. each day.
The resort's "Plan Your Day" brochures, which are being distributed alongside customary theme-park maps, are among the many steps Universal is taking this summer as it tries to manage the hordes of tourists flocking to its new Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the hugely hyped addition to Islands of Adventure that opened last month.
The crowd-control moves, many of which have an improvised quality to them, range from issuing rafflelike paper tickets to prevent people from cutting into the long queue that appears many mornings at the entrance to Wizarding World, to halting indefinitely the sale of liquor inside the Hog's Head tavern so the bar can more quickly move mugs of butterbeer, the sugary concoction based on a popular drink in the Harry Potter books and movies.
Water Show Adds to Busy Early Summer for Disney in Anaheim
A water and light show is drawing big crowds at Walt Disney Co.’s second Anaheim theme park. But how far World of Color goes toward boosting attendance at underachieving Disney California Adventure remains to be seen, said George Kalogridis, president of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
“It’s way too early,” he said. “The true test will not come for another couple of years.” World of Color, which features scenes from Disney movies projected onto streams of water, debuted last month at California Adventure.
The exhibit is the first installment in a $1.1 billion makeover of California Adventure, which opened in 2001 and has failed to live up to attendance expectations. Plans call for additional rides and a rework of just about all of the park by 2012.
The ghosts of past spook rides, the likes of Dante’s Inferno, at the former Williams Grove Park in Monroe Township, Le Cachot at Kennywood, and Castle Dracula and Brigantine Castle in Wildwood, N.J., still haunt the amusement park world.
Many of these “dark rides,” known for their pop-out ghouls, light-up skulls and falling beams that haunt thrill seekers as they walk or ride through dark hallways, have closed — or in the case of Castle Dracula and Brigantine Castle, were destroyed by fire. But an hour north of Harrisburg, workers at Knoebels Amusement Resort are laying track for a new dark ride.
The three-story, wooden structure they’re working on — what looks like a hollowed-out box full of ramps and walls, turns and corners — started to develop in a back section of the Northumberland County park in April.
Festivities set for Disneyland’s 55th anniversary
Nearly fifty five years ago, Disneyland transformed the orange grove-filled Anaheim into an international destination that attracts millions of visitors annually. And Disneyland and other groups plan to celebrate the milestone on July 17. The festivities won’t be nearly as large as the massive 50th anniversary celebration, but Disneyland and other groups are scheduling events.
Dorney Park is always a popular summer destination, but for one Ohio couple it is also a great spot to help their favorite charity.
Jonathan and Abigail Lepolt visited Dorney Park Sunday as part of their "Coasters for a Cure" tour.
The couple plans to visit eight amusement parks across the US to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer.
Most parks still lean on discounts
Amid a difficult economic downturn in which theme parks have offered free hotel rooms and meal plans, discounted tickets and more to keep travelers coming, one park has devised an entirely new promotion: free all-you-can-eat food.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay last week introduced its "Play & Dine All Day" offer, in which guests who buy single-day admission get unlimited access to six of the park's casual-dining restaurants. Visitors who purchase the deal, which is being sold only online and costs $74.95 per adult and $64.95 per child, are allowed to choose an entrée platter, side item or dessert, and a non-alcoholic drink or bottled water, each time through a restaurant line.
The Busch Gardens offer is yet another sign of the still-challenging economic climate facing the region's theme parks as they seek to rebound from the depths of the global recession.
White Water evacuated due to fire; no injuries reported
An Acworth grandmother spending a hot Sunday at a water park with her family didn't realize initially that a nearby building was on fire.
"It looked like steam at first," Dianna Moser told the AJC as she stood across the street from Six Flags White Water Park late Sunday afternoon.
Within moments, she said she was scrambling to find her family members and grab their belongings as people yelled "Fire!"
We’ve always known it as the Wild Animal Park. But that could soon change.
The world-renowned 1,800 acre park, which houses 3,500 animals just east of Escondido has had the words “wild” and “animal" in its name since opening back in 1972.
A Park spokesman says they are now considering changing the name to "Safari Park," according to the North County Times.
Disney history: Disneyland opens
July 17, 1955: Grand opening of Disneyland. July 18 is the grand opening for the general public.
July 17, 1965: Disneyland presents the “Tencennial Re-Dedication Day,” featuring the “Disneyland Tencennial Celebration Parade.”
July 17, 1970: About 130 members of the original Disneyland staff, known as Club 55, are brought together for a special celebration. Combined, the total service of these employees is more than 1,950 years.
Six Flags pulls plans for new roller coaster
Six Flags Great America appears to have abandoned, at least for now, putting a new-generation roller coaster inside the Gurnee park.
And a spokeswoman for Six Flags indicated Friday that any notion that the coaster would be built was premature, even though the park management was at the last step in the process to get village approval.
Great America had petitioned for permission to build a 150-foot roller coaster near the main entrance of the park near the parking lot.
Restored amusement ride airplanes to enhance Twin Grove campground
The owner of a Lebanon County resort and campground hopes to spark a feeling of nostalgia while raising money for a local charity.
When Twin Grove Resort and Campground owner Philip Moreau, Carmel, Calif., bought the resort on Route 443 just outside Pine Grove in July 2008, there was a bonus that went along with it - seven airplanes used in a 1930s-era amusement park ride.
"We found them in a Lebanon warehouse covered over with inches of dust," Moreau said. He said he knew immediately he needed to get the planes out into the public eye.
Work still not started on Maggie Valley mudslide
Six months after a wall of mud and debris rolled down Buck Mountain, residents along Rich Cove Road in Haywood County are still living with the threat of another slide.
And they fear conflicting plans for repairing the problem at Wild West amusement park Ghost Town in the Sky will mean they might continue to wait.
The park won't open this summer despite a plan to emerge from bankruptcy that would have allowed it to operate. Fixing the failed retaining walls at the start of the slide and getting key rides running again proved to be too much work this season, a company official said.
A short vacation idea close to Knoxville: Kings Island
If he stands as straight as he can and his hair sticks up a little, my 3-year-old can pass for being 40 inches tall.
This was a big deal as we prepared him for his official height measurement for his first trip to Kings Island.
Greater Cincinnati's iconic theme park, about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Knoxville, has won the Golden Ticket Award from Amusement Today Magazine for best kids' area for 9 consecutive years. We were about to see if it measured up.
Knott’s Berry Farm Hosts Kababayan Fest
Kababayan Fest, the West Coast’s biggest annual Filipino-American gathering, returns to Knott’s Berry Farm on Saturday, July 17. Since its inception in 2008, Kababayan has seen tremendous success, with this year’s festival promising to be the largest yet.
For the first time, Kababayan Fest is teaming up with GMA Networks, the number one Filipino network, to bring in some of the biggest names on Filipino television today.
“We are so excited about our partnership with GMA,” said Kababayan event producer, Ryan Monsanto. “Kababayan Fest is like a bridge. Nowhere else will you find the best in Filipino entertainment mixed with the very best America has to offer. This year’s event will be unlike anything ever seen in the Filipino American community.”
Inner-City Kids Get Day at Maine Water Park
Dozens of children from low-income families in New York City spent the day at Aquaboggan water park in Saco on Sunday thanks to the Fresh Air Fund, a non-profit that sends inner-city children to host families in rural areas.
Aquaboggan helped make the outing possible by donating over 100 tickets to the Fresh Air Fund.
Summer Flow Tour hits Wave Waterpark
A hybrid of skateboarding, snowboarding, boogie-boarding and surfing, flowriding is fast gaining momentum as a sport that requires skill to enjoy the thrill.
So says the stream of flowriding competitors who hit The Wave Waterpark in Vista on Sunday as part of the 2010 Summer Flow Tour, a national multicity competition with three stops in California.
Water slide park sunk! Red tape gets in the way of cool Brooklyn fun
In the midst of a record-smashing heatwave, an all-too-familiar villain is keeping sweating Brooklynites from a new water park at Coney Island — bureaucratic red tape.
Three mega-waterslides were ready to be inflated for the opening of “Waterslide Beach” on the sand at Coney Island last weekend, said owner Anthony Gach, but someone — though who is not clear — failed to file paperwork with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, which must approve of any construction on the beach, which spokeswoman Maureen Wren described as a “coastal erosion area.”
“The DEC came in at the last minute and said that the Parks Department didn’t file the proper paperwork,” said Gach, the president of Party Magic. “It was an application for a permit, and we’re going through a whole rigmarole right now — trying to get through it as fast as we can.”
Waterpark thriving despite oil's hit to tourism
It was one of the hottest spots on the coast Saturday. The oil crisis has actually brought a boost to business to Gulf Islands Waterpark. Saturday saw one of its strongest days to date this summer.
"Some of the beaches have been impacted no doubt, but the tourism industry on the coast is still strong," says Mark Moore, Gulf Islands Waterpark general manager.
Gulf Island park officials estimate more than 4,000 people came in, bringing the park close to capacity. Throughout the day, the droves of customers kept piling in to cool off.
Even with new dates, State Fair likely to get traditional hot spell
Hot weather and the California State Fair go together like corn and dogs.
This year the fair starts a month early, but no worries.
The National Weather Service says the summer's first heat wave will arrive just as the fair opens.
State Fair's long on corn but short on crowds
It isn't time yet to put the California State Fair out to pasture.
But it's high time to take a close, candid look at its future and ponder some fundamental questions: What should the 157-year-old fair be in the 21st century? Does it need a complete makeover to stay relevant to Californians today? And is it even equipped to re-imagine itself?
Those in charge seem to realize that the "Big Fun" is in big trouble as its 19-day run starts Wednesday. Just as the annual expo was getting past a 2003 stabbing and 2005 gunfire that scared off families (though both incidents happened outside the gates), the economy tanked. Hammered by the recession and state worker furloughs, attendance plunged 15 percent last year from 2008.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair wraps up another successful year
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair wrapped up Sunday evening following a stretch of warm, sunny weather.
Executive Director of the fair Rusty Volk tells us this years attendance numbers were right on par with last year's record breaking numbers.
He says he's attributing this years high attendance to the excellent weather, and the great acts at the main stage including Phil Vasser and Rick Springfield.
State fair budget gets slashed for second year
A 50 percent cut in state fair funding has many organizers concerned about the future of local fairs and festivals.
“Our budget was completely cut in half,” Somerset County Fair president Jeff Romesberg said. “(The state) had around $4.2 million in 2008, and then the budget was cut back to $2 million last year. The new budget gives us $1 million to work with.”
According to Romesberg, premiums for prize winners will not be reduced at this year’s fair. Ticket prices are also not expected to increase.
The office of Bill Moggridge, the recently appointed director of Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, is, not surprisingly, furnished with pieces by some of the biggest names in contemporary design. His airy room on the second floor of Andrew Carnegie's former mansion on East 91st Street features an Eames sofa and chairs from Mario Bellini. The easel he uses for brainstorming sessions is by Herman Miller.
But Mr. Moggridge won't be in his new office for long. Beginning next summer, Cooper-Hewitt's main building will close its doors for two years as a part of an ongoing $54 million renovation that will add 6,000 square feet of galleries—an almost 60% increase in the museum's exhibition space. As part of the remodeling, Mr. Moggridge's current office will become a gallery. The mansion's third floor, previously home to the National Design Library and Cooper-Hewitt's administrative offices, will also be converted into exhibition space.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Agreement to establish ”Disney Syria” signed
Syria's al-Akhras Group, one of the biggest companies in the country, has signed an agreement with French firm LOFTUS to build a new amusement park, dubbed "Disney Syria" inside Trans Mall in the city of Homs. The cost of this project will amount to US$22 million. It will spread on an area of 20 thousand sq. m. indoors, in addition to 12 dunums externally.
The works are scheduled to take one year. The new project will create about 400 jobs. The owners of the amusement park expect it to become a regional tourist attraction.
Girl injured in lake incident at Cotswold Water Park
An 15-year-old girl remains critically ill in hospital after being rescued from a lake at the Cotswold Water Park in Gloucestershire.
The teenager was pulled from the water on Sunday afternoon by an unknown male, thought to have been part of a group of boys playing football.
It is believed that the girl, from Middlesex, had been playing in the water and had lost sight of her family.
Shanghai World Expo merchandise sales exceed 20 billion yuan
Shanghai World Expo merchandise sales at 5,500 stores in China's 31 provinces and autonomous regions have topped 20 billion yuan, meeting the predetermined goal three months ahead of schedule, said Gu Jun, deputy director-general of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.
Shanghai World Expo merchandise sales at the Expo Site have exceeded 400 million yuan, according to www.xinhuanet.com.
With the growing popularity of the event, more and more categories of World Expo products have been developed, according to a press conference about World Expo commercial services held on July 8. Currently, more than 360 enterprises are manufacturing 29 categories of products popular among customers.
Dubai World Seeks Creditors Meet On $23.5B Debt Plan
Dubai World plans to present details of its proposed $23.5 billion debt restructuring to creditors at a meeting in the emirate on July 22, according to a person familiar with the company's plans.
"It's an important part of the process but a settlement is sometime away," the person who declined to be identified told Zawya Dow Jones Sunday.
The government-owned conglomerate in May agreed in principle with its main creditors to restructure $23.5 billion of debt, lifting a cloud of uncertainty that had hung over the emirate's economy.
A North-East theme park has celebrated 10 years since its parent company opened its first attraction.
Diggerland, in Langley Park, near Durham, stayed open late to host a special birthday party, staged to celebrate a decade since the first Diggerland, in Kent, opened its gates for the first time.
Special guests included Councillor Mamie Simmons, the Mayor of Durham, and Coun Dennis Morgan, deputy chairman of Durham County Council.
The 2011 edition of the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) expo, has launched an awards program for innovators and entrepreneurs from the Middle East’s amusements industry.
“The first awards will take place at DEAL 2011, rewarding innovation and excellence in the region’s amusement industry, as well as showcasing the incredible development of family entertainment centres and themeparks across the region,” said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, president of International Expo-Consults (IEC), organisers of DEAL.
The awards are a collaboration between IEC and InterGame magazine, and will be open to companies operating in the Gulf, wider Levant and North Africa region.
Another indoor slope files for bankruptcy
Germany’s Snowtropolis indoor ski slope in Senftenberg near Berlin is currently closed as the owners file for bankruptcy.
The centre, the operator of which has changed its name from Snowtropolis GmbH & Co. KG" to "snow and active GmbH" usually closes at this time of year for maintenance, but it seems the 2010 closure may be more long lasting and about a dozen employees have been laid off.
Snowtropolis opened on 22 March 2003 as the first East German indoor ski slope and the third in Germany. The 130 metre long and 36 metre wide slope was complimented by 250 sets of ski and snowboard equipment available for rental. The complex also offered bowling, sauna, skating in the winter months, or badminton, volleyball and tennis in the summer months. Holiday homes were also offered, targeting the market of Berlin and Dresden, initially successfully but less so in recent years.
Recyled-water park defends using drinking water
Wide Bay Water in southern Queensland says it only used potable water in its Wetside Education Park during summer because local dams were overflowing.
The corporation says 6.9 megalitres of town drinking water was used in the Hervey Bay park, which is designed to use recycled stormwater to raise awareness about water conservation.
The potable water was used during the construction of the park and while waiting for replacement filtration parts to arrive.
Huis Ten Bosch to woo tourists with English-learning programs
The chief of struggling theme park operator Huis Ten Bosch Co. in Nagasaki Prefecture said Saturday it plans to attract tourists by devising programs to help students and other travelers learn English during their stay in addition to its existing attractions.
Hideo Sawada told a seminar at the park that his firm will implement the programs to turn the park into a sort of ''English-speaking zone.''
Sawada is concurrently chairman of travel agency H.I.S. Co. which became the main sponsor of the park that earlier gained court approval for its rehabilitation plan.
Xiamen's first Dinosaur Shrimp theme park opens in Jimei District
Last Friday on 9th July 2010, Xiamen’s first “Dinosaur Shrimp Theme Park” was unveiled in Jimei District.
Over 100 children from both sides of the Taiwan Strait came and visited the park, and showed great interest in the Dinosaur Shrimps.
Seeing through the glassware, the Dinosaur Shrimp look neither like dinosaurs, nor completely like common shrimp. Their bodies are narrow and slender with 11 pairs of swimming limbs, and their heads have tentacles and a pair of compound eyes.
Wahooo! Waterpark is the Coolest Place for a whole Summer of Fun
Wahooo! Waterpark, the Middle East's first ever temperature controlled, indoor/outdoor waterpark, also host to the Middle East's first Wave Academy surf school, is now providing a series of exciting events including Ladies Night, Tiny Turtles session, Corporate events and Kid's Summer Camp Outings for a cool and exciting Summer of Fun!
Wahooo! waterpark is hosting, throughout the summer, a Ladies Night on every Wednesday from 5pm – 10 pm. Further, Tiny Turtles sessions for mom's and toddlers (3 years of age and under) are held on every Monday of the week from 10 am – 11 am, before the waterpark's opening hours, and mom's can enjoy quality bonding time with their toddlers in the water along with a list of activities developed by Wahooo! waterpark professional trainers.
Coming soon, oceanarium at Dwarka
Disappointed with the closure of Pirotan island? Rejoice. The state has planned a bigger fare for you — first its kind in India, an oceanarium work. Works are likely to begin by the end of the year, say top officials.
The state government has proposed the oceanarium at Dwarka over five hectares in the Gulf of Kutch. The chief attractions will include a marine park and a glass tunnel to showcase an exotic marine habitat.
“The project feasibility report prepared by Gujarat Ecology Commission has been submitted to the Central government and we expect the go ahead within a months,” said S K Nanda, Principal Secretary to the state Forest and Environment Department.
Work on zoo extension project in progress
Work on the zoo extension project worth of 1.4 billion is in progress, sources told Daily Times on Friday. CDA has awarded this project to MS Unescom and Architect Parvez Qureshi has been appointed as consultant, who would charge Rs 31.7 million as consultancy fee.
Amusement News for July 9, 2010
Six Flags Great Adventure to close Great American Scream Machine roller coaster
The Great American Scream Machine will officially close July 18, 2010 to make room for a major new attraction in 2011. Six Flags Great Adventure will offer our guests double rides on G.A.S.M. (Great American Scream Machine) Sunday, July 11 and 18.
Six Flags Great Adventure will also offer an Exclusive Ride Time (ERT) event on July 18 from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. to invited guests. Any guest interested in the scheduled ERT should become a fan of our Facebook page, and American Coaster Enthusiast members can contact their ACE NJ Rep.
The first and last rows of the final train dispatched on July 18 at 11:30 p.m. will be auctioned off on eBay. The remaining 24 seats of the last dispatched train will also be available through www.sixflags.com for $50 each. All proceeds will benefit the NRCMA (National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives). Further details of the auction will be announced on our Facebook page.
Thousands flock to see plans for Winter Haven's Legoland
If Thursday's open house to unveil plans for Legoland Florida was a concert, then Legoland officials were rock stars.
Contractors, job seekers, children and the curious clamored for information about the theme park scheduled to open in fall 2011.
The interest was so high that Winter Haven police officers had to direct traffic to and from the Orange Dome at the Chain of Lakes Complex where Legoland officials offered glimpses of what's to come. City officials estimated that more than 3,000 people came to the open house.
Discovery Cove ready to make a splash
It hasn’t been announced yet, but SeaWorld Orlando’s Discovery Cove plans to make a huge splash for guests with an all-new, multimillion-dollar, 875,000-gallon saltwater reef in 2011.
The exotic attraction will allow guests to swim among the park’s sea life, including sharks, tropical fish, rays and eels. In addition, a planned new nature trail will allow guests to experience the reefs above water.
More than 20 permits pulled as late as mid-June related to electrical, heating and air-conditioning, and construction work to be done were filed under the project name “Discovery Cove Exp 2011” and show material costs for the expansion exceed $17 million already.
Carowinds Boomerang Bay Water Park the Perfect Antidote to Carolina Heat Wave
Here it is, Saturday morning on this beautiful day in July, and my air conditioner is on high. My daughter is oblivious to the heat.
I hop out of bed and open the blinds to get a better look at the city. Charlotte, N.C., is so beautiful and bright. I love the Carolina blue sky line. I look at my daughter playing on the living room floor and I have a great idea. Carowinds Boomerang Bay Water Park! It's way too pretty to be sitting indoors today. I'm so excited! I shout to my daughter, "Who wants to go to Carowinds?"
Scarywood’s new features foreshadow frightful fall
Last year a group of 20-something women was wandering through Scarywood – the Halloween incarnation of Silverwood Theme Park – wondering aloud how scary it would really be, when a zombie lurched at them from behind a trash can. They fled to the other side of the path, only to be jumped by another zombie emerging from behind a fence.
”They were literally like a pinball machine” running from one side to the other, said Cody Pearson, a 32-year-old Coeur d’Alene construction company owner who was among the actors playing zombies at Scarywood. Pearson said he quickly signed up to work this year, too. “It was that much fun,” Pearson said. “I was looking forward to it every night.”
This year, the North Idaho amusement park is taking haunting to a new level, fueled by a more than $1 million investment. Silverwood hired a professional design company that has created haunted features at major theme parks nationwide. Gore Galore of Illinois built dozens of “tree creatures” and “swamp monsters” – towering 12- to 16-foot-high creations – that will lurk in the new haunted swamp attraction.
Morey's two beachfront waterparks – identity crisis? Or well-kept secret?
If the annual guest polls at Morey's Piers are to be believed, the beachfront waterparks of this popular seaside amusement park face either an identity crisis or a well-kept Jersey Shore secret. While Morey’s Piers offers two distinctly different waterparks, several seasons of surveys suggest that as many as 19% of the guests to the amusement piers are not aware of both Raging Waters Waterpark and Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club.
"We may have more water slides than Disney World, but a fair portion of the public does not know they are even here," noted Jack Morey, second generation owner who along with his brother Will lead the family business in what is now it’s 41st season. "Our waterparks are on the beach, so they aren't quite as in your face as the Ferris Wheel and the Roller Coasters. To the locals it is like their own private surf beach that they do not want to tell any other surfers about….sort of like a ‘locals only’ mentality.”
Raging Waters is the original and slightly larger waterpark located on Morey's Mariner's Landing Pier at Schellenger Ave. in Wildwood. It offers tons of serpentine waterslides, activity pools, a 1,000 foot long lazy river and attractions for all ages, including two interactive children’s play areas and a picnic facility for group outings.
Couple to celebrate 50th anniversary at Cedar Point
Although they enjoy the thrill of the rides and roller coasters at Cedar Point, Bob and Mary Lou Reublin have an ulterior motive for visiting the park this summer.
This week they are returning to the amusement park to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
The Reublins are no strangers to the Sandusky area, as they lived there from 1964-68 when Bob spent one year as an assistant coach and three years as the head coach of the Sandusky Blue Streaks football team. During this time, the Blue Streaks were a football powerhouse in Ohio, going undefeated and highly ranked in the state for several years.
Theme park discounts tough to stop
While Harry Potter's wave of the wand is jolting consumers' spending at Universal Orlando this summer, most of Florida's theme-park industry is still relying on markdown magic to prop up attendance.
It's time again to ask if the industry is using this value voodoo for good or evil. At what point do Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens become so reliant on luring guests through discounts that the spell can't be broken?
Investors want to be assured that eventually the parks can return to normal pricing and the correlating bounce to the bottom line. And smaller businesses look to the parks for a read on consumer confidence and how much they may have to cut their own margins. Last fall, I predicted it would be tough for Disney and others to kick their addiction to the discount drug.
Lawsuit contends Disney discriminates against blind guests
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is facing a new lawsuit charging the theme-park operator with discriminating against blind guests. The suit, filed in May in California court and seeking class-action status, alleges that Disney violates the federal Americans with Disabilities Act in a variety of ways, including by prohibiting costumed characters from interacting with visually impaired guests who are accompanied by guide dogs. A Disney spokeswoman called the suit "without merit."
Christian music lovers will have a lot to cheer today and Saturday at Kings Island during the second and third days of Spirit Song. In addition to the music, your ticket will get you into teaching seminars and all of the rides at the 364-acre amusement and waterpark.
World famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids set to return to Ripley’s Aquarium in July
Following 12 commanding performances at Ripley’s Aquarium last summer, the world famous mermaids of Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, known for their grace and beauty for the past 63 years, will be returning to Myrtle Beach once again later this month.
The finned beauties will grace the aquarium’s waters for 12 shows, July 23-25, 2010. Free with admission to the aquarium, it was standing-room only for last summer’s critically acclaimed performances. “Reservations for the shows are not offered. My advice is to arrive early in order to secure the best view.” noted Peter MacIntyre, the aquarium’s GM.
Nashville Shores upgrades online ticketing technology
Nashville Shores, located on J. Percy Priest Lake in Nashville, TN, has selected accesso, a leading ticketing and commerce provider, as its ticketing partner. Under new ownership, Nashville Shores opened this season with its largest expansion in park history including a new wave pool and lazy river.
Nashville Shores will utilize accesso’s fully hosted ticketing and commerce solutions which are currently used by many of the country’s largest visitor attractions. Award winning accesso SHOPLAND provides a seamless, intuitive online commerce experience resulting in increased advance ticket sales and improved guest satisfaction. accesso’s onsite ticketing system includes comprehensive functionality for front gate sales, season pass sales, and group sales technology designed specifically for waterparks, attractions and zoos.
Cape Express MORE Beach Blast Soccer Tournament returns to Morey’s Piers
Once is never enough! The Cape Express MORE Beach Blast Soccer Tournament makes its second visit to Morey’s Piers and the Wildwoods’ beaches Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18.
The second round of the tournament will follow the same format as the immensely popular first tournament – which brought close to over 1,000 teams to the Wildwoods June 25-27.
“We’re thrilled that the demand for this tournament remains so strong and that we’re able to hold it twice in one summer for the second summer in a row," says Meredith Fiorucci, Director of Group Services at Morey’s Piers.
Bay Beach amusement park in Green Bay will be hosting four movie nights, starting tonight.
While the park is known for its rides tonight it will be featuring a flick. Madagascar 2 will be playing tonight, right behind the pavilion.
If the grounds are too soggy, the park will move the movie indoors to the pavilion.
Knotts Berry Farm Coupons Now Included In The LA Perks Pass
"The world's first theme park, designed specifically for kids, is a must do for families vacationing in California. We are pleased to reveal that visitors to Knotts Berry Farm will receive coupons of $19 off per adult and $1 off per child for each ticket with their Perks Pass," stated Trevor Parsons, spokesperson for LA Perks.
LA Perks Pass is a clever, amusement and attractions discount program for the Los Angeles region. The card gets you coupons to all of the included attractions, museums, tours, shopping and restaurants. Created with the help of local concierges, a Perks Pass can save a family of 4, hundreds of dollars and incorporates all the major LA attractions. It is a terrific concept for LA family travelers who are worried about keeping the cost of their trip down.
With over 165 rides, shows and attractions, Knotts Berry Farm is the place to go for family fun! With five themed areas, there is something for everyone. Knotts Berry Farm is located in Buena Vista, Orange County, California. It is roughly 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and 10 minutes from Disneyland.
Francesca Battistelli to perform at Lake Winnepesaukah July 18
Contemporary Christian artist Francesca Battistelli will perform at Lake Winnepesaukah’s Jukebox Junction Stage Sunday, July 18, with one show at 3 p.m.
All Jukebox Junction concerts are free with admittance to Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by a guest age 18 or over and must purchase either a combination $5 gate admission and $13 value strip of ride tickets or $5 gate admission and $21 unlimited ride pass. Or they must be a member of a chaperoned group.
Ride the Ducks tours suspended nationwide following Philadelphia crash
A day after a Ride the Ducks amphibious vehicle sank in the Delaware River — with two passengers still missing — the tourist attraction has voluntarily suspended operations nationwide, it said.
Wednesday’s Ride the Ducks tour started on land in Philadelphia’s historic district and entered the Delaware River around 2:30 p.m. It had a minor fire and the engine shut down, leaving the vessel adrift. It was struck by a barge being powered by a tugboat.
Of the 37 tourists on board, 35 were rescued, but the search continues for a 16-year-old girl and 20-year-old man.
Seattle Center debate turns hipsters against oldsters
The last time people opined on the Fun Forest -- and whether a Dale Chihuly exhibit should replace it -- the debate hinged on the essence of Seattle Center: Arts hub or park space?
This time, at a crowded hearing at the Center House on Wednesday night, the debate came to this: Would the city be better served by a glass art exhibit that draws the cruise-ship-type masses and their dollars, but be mostly off-limits to non-payers? Or would Seattle Center be better off with public space for watching DJs spin and hip hoppers, indie rockers and world musicians play -- for free?
Of the nine proposals on the table for replacing a part of the aging Fun Forest, which will be fully gone in September, two emerged as front runners in popularity. They couldn't be more different.
Developer adds antiques, amusement to N. 2nd plan
A new vision for the empty property at 5400 N. Second St. has emerged after plans to build a landscaping and nursery center have been abandoned.
Developer Kurt Carlson’s latest idea — one of several he’s proposed while trying to find a fit for the vacant car lot — would look much like his original concept that included a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop and a car museum.
The new twist could include antique sales and a children’s amusement park similar to Kiddieland, the once-popular park on Forest Hills Road that closed in the late 1970s.
Science, fiction fizzle at 'Star Trek Live' at Kennedy Space Center
Watching Star Trek Live is an out-of-this-world experience, and sometimes that's not a great thing.
The 30-minute show, featuring two actors on a stage and others on-screen, is running at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex several times daily through Sept. 6.
Its presence brings make-believe space exploration into an attraction dedicated to the real thing and to the folks who truly went where no man had gone before.
Morgan Park re-opens with new spray pool and playground equipment
Kids can forget about sprinklers and fire hydrants this summer thanks to a spray pool at the new and improved Morgan Park.
City officials Thursday evening unveiled $1.3 million in improvements to the park, including a water spray pool, a three-story playground structure, shade awnings and 30 more parking places.
"Everything we have here is state-of-the-art equipment," Director of Recreation and Community Development Manuel Carrillo said.
City's new water park breaks more records
After a record-breaking day for visitors and revenue last week, Murfreesboro's new water park at SportsCom continues to shatter previous records, the city reported today.
After a week of having the upgraded water park attraction from July 1-7, SportsCom operations superintendent Tommy Gregory said visitors to the outdoor pool more than doubled from 4,524 in 2009 to 9,136 this year, he reported. Revenue from outdoor pool admissions more than tripled from $5,284.10 to 15,822.39 and revenue from concessions more than tripled from $4,478.27 to $15,335.51.
Overall revenue for the week was $25,094.91 higher than the same period last year, he said.
Water park could create up to 200 jobs
Floating a proposal to build a water park in the middle of a recession is an idea you’d expect to sink faster than the price of homes after the housing bubble burst.
Manteca, though, has several suitors lined up including one promising to put at least $2 million on the table for a chance to develop a water park on municipal property immediately next to the Big League Dreams sports complex.
Manteca Mayor Willie Weatherford noted the interested firms are talking about creating upwards of 200 seasonal jobs that would be filled primarily with teens and college students much like similar positions were at the original Manteca Waterslides that closed more than five years ago after a 30-year run.
Jay Peak breaks ground on $125 million water park
Jay Break Resort broke ground yesterday in what will be the largest water park in the New England. The 60,000-square-foot park will have a retractable roof and a wave pool. The park is the last grand piece of a vision to develop a four-season resort available during any season. Jay Peak has already completed its ice arena to go along with its famous skiing and new golf course.
Senator Patrick Leahy spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the 275,000-square-foot Hotel Jay, which features 170 suites and the largest water park in New England. Leahy commended Bill Stenger, president and co-owner of Jay Peak Ski Resort, for employing Vermonters in the surrounding areas.
Stenger was able to commission the $125 million project through the federal EB-5 Foreign Investor Visa program, which Leahy helped bring to Vermont in 1997. The EB-5 program (STORY) allows foreigners who invest at least $500,000 in projects in high unemployment areas to obtain green cards for themselves and their families, as well as possible US citizenship.
Splash forward: Horizon's first water park under construction
Residents near Golden Eagle Park can soon cool off at the city's first splash park.
"I imagine that kids will end up riding their bikes or their skateboards just to get squirted with some water or have a bucket full of it dumped on them," said Robert Coleman, Horizon City's planning director.
The 2,400-square-foot splash park will be at Golden Eagle Park off Golden Eagle Drive, and it is expected be open in August.
Will they pick up the spare? A Santa Ynez couple wants to build a bowling alley and family entertainment center within Buellton's redevelopment district.
To help pay for it, they're asking the city for a one and a half million dollar loan.
Ben and Calisse Courtney are proposing to build a 16-lane bowling alley and family entertainment center complete with pool tables and arcade on the site of a former gas station along the Avenue of Flags.
Hail the Garbage Burger, state fair's top signature food
This year's Indiana State Fair signature food is not deep fried, and it doesn't come on a stick. Instead, a sandwich on a bun took the top spot.
The Garbage Burger, a pork patty topped with barbecued pulled pork and served on a bun, created by Indiana Pork, garnered the most votes in the annual contest. Indianapolis Star readers chose the winner in an online vote on IndyStar.com.
According to Sarah Ford, director of public and industry relations for Indiana Pork, the group is the fair's largest food vendor, although it has never before entered the competition.
Fair To Focus On Safety After Parade Mishaps
After incidents at two Fourth of July parades in Iowa left two people dead and 25 others injured, organizers of the Iowa State Fair said they're prepared to make sure visitors are safe.
The fair, which showcases animals at the fairgrounds and the kickoff parade, said they know that safety needs to be a primary concern.
"We do move livestock and when we do, we typically rope off that area," said Iowa State Fair spokeswoman Lori Chappell. "We do have livestock control on foot and on horseback, making sure that fairgoers stay out of the way and stay safe."
Attendance at the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro approached 750,000 for the first time in 13 years during its 2009-10 fiscal year, which ranked as the fourth-highest attendance total in zoo history.
A total of 749,627 visitors came to the zoo between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. That’s an increase of 20,000 from 2008-09. This past year’s total was the highest since 1997-98, which saw a total of 782,016 visitors.
Zoo officials credit several factors for the increase, including the opening of two new exhibits over the past year — the “Africa Station” giraffe feeding platform and the Lemur Island exhibit.
N.C. Aquarium offers new exhibit for visually impaired
Ellen Rubin let her fingers glide over a school of lookdowns, rubbed the sandpaper-rough skin of a hammerhead shark and listened closely as audio recordings filled her with information from the spadefish to the moray eel.
Rubin’s first trip through the newest exhibit at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores was one that she could enjoy on her own.
The exhibit — Fintastic! Weird and Wonderful Adaptations for Survival in the Sea — opened Thursday and offers life-size fish and marine life models built for hands-on exploration of the fins, tails, teeth and scales and the characteristics that help them sneak up on prey, hide from predators and otherwise adapt to their environment.
Premier Exhibitions Reports First Quarter 2011 Results
Premier Exhibitions, Inc., a leading presenter of museum-quality touring exhibitions around the world, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended May 31, 2010.
Nonprofit reveals ambitious plans for botanical gardens in Ventura
Inch by inch and row by row, the Ventura County Botanical Gardens at Grant Park in Ventura have been drafted, presented to the public and now await city approval. The city will decide whether leasing the entire 109 acres of Grant Park to the Ventura Botanical Gardens, also known as the VBG, a nonprofit organization, is feasible or no more than wishful thinking.
The master plans for the gardens, headed by the VBG and designed by the landscape architecture consultants Mia Lehrer and Associates, will cost between $10 million and $100 million, depending on how much of the project is actualized, according to Doug Halter, vice president of the VBG. The funds would be acquired through grants and donations.
Planetarium will be new star again at MOSH
In 1988, the last time the Museum of Science and History installed a state-of-the-art projection system, the planetarium immediately became the museum's signature exhibit, a cutting-edge place to look at the stars projected on a 60-foot dome.
After 22 years, the planetarium's projector is now an antique and regular visitors have seen the three rotating shows repeatedly. And the current laser system requires so much water to cool it that the museum has stopped doing its Cosmic Concerts.
But when the planetarium reopens in October with a new state-of-the-art projection system and a dozen new shows, it should once again be a "keystone" exhibit, Executive Director Maria Hane said.
It's A Record - Museum Attendance Tops Two Million
Museum Victoria’s attendances topped two million for the first time last year making it one of the most visited Museum organisations in the world, Arts Minister Peter Batchelor announced today.
Joining the school holiday crowds at Melbourne Museum, Mr Batchelor said the combined ticketed attendance across Museum Victoria’s four venues in the 2009-10 financial year was 2,122,227 – 23 per cent or 500,000 more people than last year’s record total.
“This extraordinary result reflects the fantastic offering at the Museum’s four venues and the Victorian community’s ever-increasing appetite for quality exhibitions and cultural programs,” Mr Batchelor said.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Martin & Vleminckx announce new element for China's first wooden racing coaster
Martin & Vleminckx have begun to release details on a new racing wooden roller coaster project the Canadian company is handling for OCT Park in Wuhan, China. Slated to make its debut in late summer 2011, the new ride will be double the length of the 3,819-foot-long Fireball, China's first wooden coaster that MVR opened at OCT's Happy Valley, Shanghai, in 2009.
Working closely with its design and engineering partners, Ohio-based The Gravity Group, MVR is developing a number of innovative elements. One of these unique maneuvers – the High Five – should prove a highlight of the OCT racing coaster. The element finds the trains (TGG's new Timberliners) on vertically banked track sections that place riders' heads and arms pointed toward each other – hence the 'High Five' reference.
According to MVR officials, the High Five is but one of the wooden coaster innovations they are working on. Others will be introduced at the upcoming IAAPA trade show in Orlando this November.
It's time to celebrate: 35 years Europa-Park
Happy birthday Europa-Park!
Legoland Malaysia targets 1.5 million visitors
Asia's first Legoland targets to attract 1.5 million visitors when it opens its doors at the end of 2012.
Located in Nusa Cermelang industrial park, within the Iskandar New Economic Region, the theme park will boast the tallest lego model in the world.
The backgrounds of the 22 young Malaysians - pioneer model builders for Legoland Malaysia - are diverse, coming from engineering, architecture, and fine arts.
Nine Suspects in June Amusement Park Brawl
Nine people are under investigation as a result of a fight at Helsinki's Linnanmäki amusement park that led to its early closure during the park's 60th anniversary celebrations in June.
Six of the suspects are women and three are men. They are all between the ages of 16 and 27.
The head of the investigation, Tuomo Lotta, says that the fight began after a heated exchange between Somalis and Kurds in a queue for one of the rides.
‘Walk-Around Clowns’ bring on the smiles at Al Bustan Centre & Residence this DSS 2010!
'Walk-Around Clowns' brought on the smiles this week among visitors and guests, as part of the DSS 2010 celebrations taking place at Al Bustan Centre & Residence, the deluxe property which offers world-class services and facilities in the city. Dressed in bright, colourful attire and wigs, with comical, painted faces, these cheerful characters happily mingled with both young and old, blowing balloons and creating shapes from balloons much to the amusement of their young and avidly keen new fans.
Al Bustan Centre & Residence is one of the most popular outlets in the city, providing the comfort and convenience of a home in a five-star hotel ambience. The property is ideally located in the heart of the city and very close to the Dubai International Airport, offering a unique and discreet setting that is ideal for the business traveler as well as the entire family. It is support sponsor of the ongoing DSS 2010 which started on June 17th and will run until August 7, 2010.
Global Park activities for July 8
Rides at Disneyland stop for moderate quake
A Southern California earthquake has Disneyland double checking its rides.
Spokeswoman Suzi Brown says the rides are being inspected before guests are allowed back on after the magnitude-5.4 quake rolled through the Anaheim theme park.
Brown says some of the rides are coming back in operation in a matter of minutes, while others are taking a little longer. There have been no immediate injuries or major damage reported from Wednesday afternoon's quake, centered 28 miles south of Palm Springs.
Universal Studios Hollywood and Rob Zombie are partnering to recognize the nation's top short-form filmmaking horror genre talent with the "Halloween Horror Nights - Rob Zombie Film Competition," offering filmmakers an opportunity to have their scariest short film judged by a panel led by the multi-media horror auteur, rewarded with a premiere showing on Chiller TV, a posting on SyFy.com, a $1,000 cash prize and a trip for two to the opening night of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Contest entries will be accepted from July 7 through August 14, 2010. Prospective filmmakers are invited to submit short films from 90 seconds to three minutes in length on DVD (two copies of each film must be submitted). Selected films will be judged by Rob Zombie, members of Universal Studios Hollywood's "Halloween Horror Nights" team and horror industry professionals. Criteria will be storytelling skill, originality and the degree of a "good scare." The top 10 shorts will be posted online at Halloween Horror Nights from September 3 – 17, 2010 for public voting.
Disney California Adventure to remake coaster with Goofy theme
Goofy’s Sky School will add a new look to an old ride when the re-themed roller coaster replaces the unimaginative Mulholland Madness that earned Disney California Adventure its on-the-cheap reputation.
Making its debut in 2011, the complete makeover will mark the third ride in three years that Disney California Adventure has retooled in an effort to add more classic Disney characters to the under-performing Anaheim theme park.
The “Disneyfication” strategy has worked wonders on Mickey’s Fun Wheel and Silly Symphony Swings, which now blend seamlessly with the surrounding 1920s and ’30s seaside amusement park motif and Victorian and Craftsman architecture of the re-imagined Paradise Pier.
Animals at Great Adventure, Popcorn Park get help with heat
The denizens in one part of Lacey are doing what many do to keep cool during a heat wave, get doused by sprinklers outside or have fans blow on them inside.
That these measures are being taken for the residents of Popcorn Park Zoo is no surprise to animal care experts. The special attention given humans in hot weather is also required for animals, experts say, especially old and overweight creatures.
"We are cooling off some of the animals, like deer, by having sprinklers running on them, and we have the chore of moving the animals out of their areas to clean them, but they don't want to move — they like the fans that are blowing on them," John Bergmann, Popcorn Park Zoo general manager, said Wednesday.
Joyland Amusement Park to reopen after recent flood
Joyland Amusement Park announced today that the clean up and safety inspections have been completed and they will be reopening Thursday, July 8th at 7 p.m.
Joyland is open through the summer weekdays 7-10 p.m. and weekends 2-10 p.m. The flood caused them to close temporarily for repairs.
David Dean, whose family has owned the amusement park since the early 1970's, was very pleased with the record speed at which crews were able to restore the park to pristine condition. "We got a break with weather to allow us to clean the park ," says Dean, "all the rides are ready and we are on schedule to open tomorrow night."
Universal launching online Potter store
Universal Orlando is launching a new online store that will offer some of the same Harry Potter-themed merchandise on sale at its new Wizarding World attraction at Islands of Adventure.
Theme park officials said the decision to create the website was driven in large part by the amount of Potter merchandise already being snatched up by guests visiting the attraction, which officially opened June 18.
Prior to the opening of Wizarding World, Universal staff worked with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling to create 600-plus products based on the items mentioned in the book series.
Amusement Park Brings Some Of Genre's Biggest Names To Area
Sixteen contemporary Christian acts will perform at Kings Dominion's Kingsfest this weekend, including artists named Chap Stique, Crouton, Soul Glow Activatur, Fatty and NaDaddy.
Those are the nicknames for the five members of the Christian rock band Family Force 5 from Atlanta, Ga.
They originally came up with the nicknames as a joke, said Chap Stique, whose real name is Derek Mount.
Children with life threatening illnesses enjoy day at Kings Island
Concerned about her son’s safety, Becky Fusco researched each ride at Kings Island before her family attended the amusement park.
Bobby Fusco, 5, has MPPH Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes seizures, mental retardation, and confines him to a wheelchair.
But, as Fusco and her husband, Jeff, entered the park on Wednesday, July 7, they threw caution to the wind and boarded the water log flume ride, carrying their son. A few minutes later, they emerged, dripping with water and all smiles.
Thomas wins Griskus Sprint Triathlon
A slight breeze finally hit Quassy Amusement Park close to sunset Wednesday near the conclusion of the 24th annual BMW of Watertown Pat Griskus Sprint Triathlon.
Still, the brutal triple-digit temperatures didn’t deter this midweek event consisting of nearly 500 participants, including 97 first-timers, and thousands of spectators who lined the grounds with videorecorders, cameras and cowbells, in the least.
Just ask Easton’s Chris Thomas, who tackled the half-mile swim, 10.5-mile bike and 3.1-mile run to capture the race in a time of 57 minutes, 29 seconds.
Beech Bend sends two more to the big dance
Beech Bend is closer to finding their "Superstar" of 2010, as the park found two more talented young singers in their fourth week of auditions.
Fourteen year old Amber Sewell of Bullitt County, KY and 8 year old Dominique Dy of Hendersonville, TN were the top scorers of the last competition and will advance to compete in the September 11 finale of the season long singing competition.
Saturday's show featured thirteen contestants and a surprise visit and impromptu performance from Nashville recording artist Jeremy Parsons, who braved the nearly 100 degree heat to follow the contestants with a performance of his current radio single "Doggondest Feelin'"
Developer pushes $1 billion resort, but some say talk is cheap
What better last name than Winters for a man who dreams of building a $1 billion indoor ski resort along I-75?
Stephen R. Winters has titillated state and county officials for more than three years with plans to bring year-round skiing to north Georgia. His latest would have visitors water skiing on Lake Allatoona's 12,010 acres in the morning, and schussing down indoor slopes overlooking the reservoir in the afternoon.
Some people who worked with Winters three years ago think it has a snowball's chance in a Georgia July of being built, but Winters is dogged. He continues attracting interest from those hoping to land the deal, including state legislators. He has said he is waiting for tourism legislation that would give the billion-dollar development tax breaks of up to $250 million. Then he will break ground.
Public weighs in on Fun Forest proposals
For the first time, the public gets a chance to weigh in on what should replace the Fun Forest Amusement Park at Seattle Center. An open house is providing the public with the opportunity to view nine proposals on the table, including a Northwest Mystery Museum, a Native Cultural Center and a Dale Chihuly Glass Exhibit.
KEXP 90.3 FM is also proposing to move its facilities onto the Seattle Center campus and provide hundreds of live performances free to the public.
"We'll have viewing windows so folks can actually watch the in studio performance being prepared. We'll have a barn door that will open to a green space so people can watch the actual live music as well," said Executive Director Tom Mara.
Blacklight golf coming to DeSoto mall
Saturn 5, a family entertainment center opening in the DeSoto Square mall, will feature a 20,000-square-foot complex with an 18-hole indoor blacklight miniature golf course.
The entertainment complex also will have an inflatable bouncy obstacle course, more than 70 arcade and prize redemption games. and more than a dozen plasma screen televisions. The facility, which is expected to open in mid-July, will have a billiards area and three private party and meeting rooms.
Water parks aren't just for getting wet anymore? Dixie Landin'/Blue Bayou Water Park has long been known in the Baton Rouge community as one of the premier entertainment venues in the area; the plunge, the snake, and the wave pool have drawn in tourists and locals alike since its conception in 1989. While the amusement park is a well-known place to hang out on a hot summer day, the Coca-cola stage, located inside the park, has become an increasingly popular place to spend those long summer nights. And, with big-name artists like Clint Black, Kris Allen and Creedence Clearwater Revisited, it's easy to see why.
Performing this weekend, July 10th, will be Clint Black. The country singer and guitarist, known for his traditional style of country music, has received many awards in the country music world and will be a performance that country music lovers will not want to miss.
NH priest to look for Jesus in water park flag
A Catholic priest in New Hampshire is planning to visit a Candia water park to see if he can see the face of Jesus in the park’s lifeguard flag.
The owner of the Liquid Planet Water Park says that when the flag was unfurled earlier this season staff saw what looked to them like a shadowy image of Jesus Christ.
Kevin Dumont says he had been praying for a miracle to improve business.
When Will Andersen Water Park Open?
When will the new-look Andersen Water Park Open?
That’s the question Saginaw residents have been asking as a five-day heat wave as pushed Michigan temperatures into the mid-90s.
City officials expected to reopen the 4-acre park on June 30, but Saginaw City Manager Darnell Earley decided to keep it closed so newly planted sod could properly grow. The decision has not sat well with water park enthusiasts and people just looking to get a break from the heat.
The news coming from General Squier and the Mill Race Water Park this summer is good. According to Lapeer County Parks Director Ken Elwert, attendance is up, revenues are doubled from a year ago and the new work crew is energized.
Elwert attributes the success to a number of factors, including the weather and some new promotions.
"We've had more days above 80 degrees in June than all of last summer," Elwert said.
The Wapakoneta WaterPark started the week off with a record day and ends this week with Wapakoneta hosting its first-ever Western Ohio Aquatic League championships.
The Wapakoneta WaterPark set a new single-day admissions record with 1,720 patrons visiting the park on July 5, part of a three-day Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Not your grandmother's state fair
The state and county fair season is in full swing, and the times they are a-changin'. Segway rides are replacing tired old pony rides, hands-on clean power demonstrations have taken over petting zoos and people are waiting to ride a vegetable oilpowered car instead of an elephant. Cruel animal displays are making way for fresh and innovative exhibits that appeal to a generation that cares about animals and our planet.
Mobile solar panels, hybrid water heating systems and wind-powered generators are drawing tens of thousands of fair visitors who leave entertained, informed and empowered. This year's Green Long Beach (Calif.) Festival showcased an art project with 23,000 water bottles representing the wild dolphins who are killed for food in Japan each year. The Spring Green Expo in downtown Los Angeles featured student-designed sustainability projects and panels on organic gardening. Similar "green" fairs are sprouting up all over the country.
Ultimate guide to the California State Fair
I’ll admit it: I’m obsessed with the baby animals. I’ve been going to the California State Fair faithfully every summer since 1995, and during that time, I’ve snapped hundreds (OK, thousands) of pictures of tiny piglets, palm-sized chicks, gangly foals, and doe-eyed calves and kids.
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
My state fair experience may center around the baby animals, but it starts the very second I buy a ticket and pass through the gates into the Cal Expo fairgrounds, where it’s been held since 1968 (previous locations include Midtown and Stockton Boulevard).
Loss of some union jobs at New York State Fair raises questions
Once upon a time in the dysfunctional kingdom of New York, King David appointed a mean lord to watch over his faire. This lord was known for his arrogance, disregard of the bidding process, minstrels for his concerts and a rather glib attitude toward his maintenance staff. He demanded fealty, and although his guilds did their jobs around his faire and palace, he decided to make a few changes.
“Just have to make a few changes,” (“Let them eat cake!”) he glibly stated as he drove his carriage off the faire grounds, completely disregarding the lives and livelihoods of these workers, some employed for decades!
MATT Construction picked for $10.5M zoo project
MATT Construction, a Southern California-based contractor with offices in Fresno, has been selected to build a new $10.5 million attraction for Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
MATT Construction will be building Sea Lion Cove, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo's first major exhibit funded by Measure Z, the one-tenth of one percent sales tax approved by voters in 2004. The exhibit's design is based on the Central Coast's Point Lobos, and will feature a face-to-face viewing window, an above-water viewing area to overlook the entire pool, a 36-foot-long underwater viewing window, a shallow water encounter area and large demonstration area with naturualistic seating.
Attendance Up At Lake Superior Zoo
The Lake Superior Zoo’s attendance is up by 21 percent so far this year.
The zoo has seen an additional 7,153 visitors through the gates compared to this time last year.
The Zoological Society, community organizations and volunteers have recently embarked on several projects to improve the zoo, including the repainting of the barn, new flooring on the lower level of the main building, blacktopping of footpaths and the establishment of a wolf exhibit, which is scheduled to open the end of July.
Aquarium Attendance Numbers Increase
A good year for the Oklahoma Aquarium as it posts an increase in attendance numbers. It is not bad for a state and nation in the middle of a economic downturn. "We've been increasing the last three years," says Oklahoma Aquarium Executive Director Teri Bowers. The facility closed the fiscal year, that ended on June 30th, about 7% ahead of the previous year.
"It will be interesting to track the numbers further and try to gauge whether we are drawing more and more people because we are growing or because they were not going to Disney," says Bowers. The aquarium opened in Jenks 7 years ago. Bowers has not had time to break down all the numbers and says there could be one or two reasons. "It is really hard to say whether the increases that we are experiencing are the stay-cation phenomenon or if they are some of the more specific target marketing we are doing especially to out of state visitors specfically in Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri because we have seen an increase in those visitors," says Bowers. She adds the increase in visitors is a trend seen in other cities with tourism numbers and dollars up across the state.
Expanded Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria to Open in January
The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria will open its expanded and redesigned home — featuring a new glass entrance, grand staircase and lobby video wall — on January 15, the museum is to announce on Thursday.
“I had always felt that a museum about the movies should have some sense of glamour,” said Rochelle Slovin, the museum’s director. “That is part of what we’ve now gotten from this project.”
The museum also gained space it needed for the students who come through each year — a number expected to double to 60,000 from 30,000. The $67 million renovation, designed by architect Thomas Leeser, added three stories — nearly doubling the square footage to 97,700 from 50,000.
City approves $7.1 million for mob museum exhibits
The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday approved $7.1 million for the exhibits that will go into the downtown mob museum, which is expected to be open in less than a year.
"What we've been doing over there up to this point is simply rehabbing the building to accept the exhibits that make it a museum," Scott Adams, the city's chief urban redevelopment officer, told the city council.
"This next phase will really make it become the Mob Museum," he said.
National Law Enforcement Museum Announces Acquisition of J. Edgar Hoover Estate
When the National Law Enforcement Museum opens in Washington, DC, in 2013, it will house one of the most extensive collections of objects related to the life and work of long-time FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, Museum officials announced Wednesday.
Through a donation from the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation, the Museum has acquired more than 2,000 items from Director Hoover's estate, including his office desk, chair and telephone, presentation items, awards, photographs, correspondence, books, recordings of Mr. Hoover's speeches and numerous other items that relate to his personal and professional life, specifically his tenure as director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972.
"The mission of the National Law Enforcement Museum is to tell the story of law enforcement in America. You can't tell the story of American law enforcement without telling the story of the FBI, and you certainly can't tell the story of the FBI without telling the story of J. Edgar Hoover," said Craig W. Floyd, chairman and CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the DC-based non-profit that is leading the creation of the Museum. "We are very proud that when the doors of the National Law Enforcement Museum open, we will be able to tell the story of Director Hoover and the FBI like no one has been able to tell it before," he said.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Offers New Preschool
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis announces the opening of the new Children’s Museum Preschool, a dynamic program for children ages 3 through 5 utilizing the resources of the world’s largest children’s museum. The new Children’s Museum Preschool will invite children to explore, discover and create using the museum’s galleries while also having fun and making friends.
“The new Children’s Museum Preschool is another extension of our mission to offer unique family learning opportunities,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, museum president and CEO. “Attending preschool within the museum allows children to be immersed in our world-class exhibits dedicated to the arts, sciences and humanities. The program will offer each child an unparalleled experience and prepare them for lifelong learning success.”
AROUND THE GLOBE
Mid-Air Dislocation Caused Amusement Park Tragedy
A new breakthrough in the investigation of last week’s deadly theme park accident in Shenzhen reveals that one of the ride’s four-person compartments broke off from the ride’s axis at high-speed and smashed to the ground before being struck by three of the other carts. The information is the first official word as to the cause of the stunning crash that had baffled experts.
Milkshake ready to give Alton Towers a Workout
Five strand to hit theme park with new live show in August and September.
Five's popular pre-school programming strand Milkshake is joining up with Alton Towers theme park for a special live concert.
The Milkshake Workout show will be fronted by presenters Derek Moran and Amy Thompson, alongside characters such as Fifi and Bumble, Little Miss Dare Devil and Noddy and Tessie Bear.
11 detained over fatal amusement park accident
Eleven people have been detained over the amusement park ride accident in south China that killed six people and injured 10, including five still in serious condition, local authorities said Wednesday.
The deadly accident occurred on June 29 after the Space Journey ride malfunctioned at the Overseas Chinese Town East (OCT East) amusement park in Shenzhen, a boomtown neighboring Hong Kong.
A total of 11 people, including equipment operators, maintenance workers and managers of the equipment supplier and amusement park, were under police interrogation, the Shenzhen city information office said in a statement.
Ebbw Vale Megafobia fan takes on Oakwood rollercoaster marathon
A theme park fanatic from Ebbw Vale is planning a seven-hour rollercoaster marathon today (Thursday) to raise money for injured servicemen and women.
Mark Lewis, from Newtown, is aiming to spend seven hours on the Megafobia wooden rollercoaster at Oakwood Theme Park to raise funds for the Golden Grove Mansion Appeal.
The appeal aims to raise £200,000 to purchase and restore the 16th century property, for use as the first Welsh convalescent home for servicemen, women and veterans who have been wounded physically and mentally.
Disney powers ahead with English schools in China
Walt Disney plans to rapidly expand its language schools across mainland China with the aim of teaching English to 150,000 children by 2015, a newspaper reported Wednesday.
After a successful trial phase that began in 2008, the number of schools will expand from 11 to 148 in five years, Russell Hampton, president of Disney Publishing Worldwide, told the Financial Times in an interview in Los Angeles.
"It is a very sizeable opportunity, something that can deliver operating earnings of well over 100 million dollars in the next five years," Hampton said.
SEC suspends theme park’s permits
In an order dated July 6, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said: “[KidzWorld Theme Parks Amusement and Recreational Club, Inc.’s] registration of securities and permit to sell securities are hereby suspended for a period of 60 days from receipt of this order.”
“Records on file with the SEC show the continued failure of the company to pay for the penalties due [after] notice and hearing,” the agency added.
KidzWorld is part of the leisure business of the Ponce group of companies headed by Vicente C. Ponce. The SEC said the company had failed to pay P3.083 million in penalties due to its failure to amend its registration statement prior to an increase in the offering price of its membership certificates. KidzWorld was also late in filing its 2008 annual report, costing P191,000 in fines.
Compagnie des Alpes expands into other areas
Around this time last year we reported that the world's largest lift operator, Compagnie des Alpes, was to sell its share in Verbier.
We now hear that they are refinancing their debt and raising a further €100m in order to expand the other areas of their business, which include theme parks and aquariums. It claims the time is now ripe for expansion.
It is reported that the re-financing deal is going well and the new share issue has received much favourable interest. The Compagnie des Alpes has interests in La Plagne, Les Arcs, Val d'Isere, Meribel, Avoriaz, Les 2 Alpes, Tignes, Serre Chevalier amongst others.
Dolphins to help treat autistic children in China
A marine amusement park in China has purchased four dolphins, but they are not intended for amusement. The mammals will be used for treating children suffering from autism.
Autism is a neural disorder characterised by impaired social interaction and communication as well as repetitive behaviour.
The dolphins, bought from Japan with five million yuan ($738,000), have begun working with young patients after a month's adaptation and training, Chen Rujun, chief inspector of animals at the Royal Ocean World in Fushun city in Liaoning province, was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
Formula 1 Dubai adventure on hold
To the outside world, Formula 1 appears to be booming, with a sell-out crowd expected at this weekend's British Grand Prix, and a tight title race. However, even F1 and its supreme controller, Bernie Ecclestone, can't avoid problems elsewhere in the world.
Bernie tells City Spy that the sport's plan to build a £1 billion theme park in Dubai has hit the buffers — due to the crash in that country's real estate market. Union Properties, Dubai's third-largest property developer by market value, got the contract to build the F1 park in 2006 and it was scheduled to open in 2009.
However in February last year, Union announced that the park's opening would be delayed until 2010 and in December, Ernst & Young was appointed to raise finance to finish the project which is 50% complete.
Sony science museum attracts curious minds in Tokyo
Three-dimensional images of a polar bear and a whale shark leaping out from 160-inch screens are among exhibits that attract tourists and science enthusiasts to a Sony Corp. museum in Tokyo's Daiba district.
Sony ExploraScience, with the number of visitors topping 1 million since its opening in 2002, has consoles featuring state-of-the-art light and sound technologies by the Japanese electronics giant that have been used in its products.
After viewing 3-D images of the popular animals in Hokkaido's Asahiyama Zoo and Okinawa's Churaumi Aquarium, visitors can also take part in ''Smile Fight'' competitions at a game booth with a built-in machine capable of detecting and rating people's smiles, a function applied from Sony's digital cameras.
Global Parks
New attraction opens at Morey's Piers in Wildwood
Some years ago, Jack Morey, co-owner of Morey’s Piers, came to a realization about his seaside amusement park. “It is NOT a theme park,” Morey said over the phone.
The rides at Wildwood’s seaside resort aren’t usually “high-tech or digital” like the ones at Disney World or Six Flags Great Adventure, he said. Rather, the park is more an “air-in-your-face” kind of place, much like New York’s Coney Island — the original seaside resort. “Theme parks are very planned and organized, but we’re much more like a city’s downtown. So the kind of attractions we do tend to be different.”
There were two important factors that had to be considered by a creative team looking to develop a new attraction at the piers, Morey said. One, the piers and boardwalk are a public place where anyone is welcome and, two, the park sits right next to the ocean. “We always say, ‘Don’t try to outdo the ocean,” he said. So keeping those things in mind, Morey, along with a team of designers, set out to build a new “ride” for guests to enjoy — the first new big attraction to grace the piers since 1977. And after two years of planning and six months of construction, Ghost Ship, a haunted walk-through attraction, was born.
Star Tours 2.0 will be ever-changing journey at Disneyland and Disney World
Imagine a theme park ride that is never the same experience twice.
Riders aboard the new Star Tours attraction coming to Disneyland in Anaheim and Disney’s Hollywood Studios near Orlando, Fla., in 2011 will have the power to change the storyline throughout the simulator ride, resulting in a different beginning, middle and end for every journey.
Star Tours 2.0, taking place between the “Star Wars” prequels and the original trilogy, will update the 1980s simulator ride with high-definition 3-D technology and special effects.
REVIEW: King Kong 360 3-D is too little of a good thing
This is about the 800-pound gorilla in the room or, in this case, the one shaking the tram. (Man, those things can take a beating; dinosaurs, earthquakes and Whoopi Goldberg.) It's great that King Kong -- this time in 360 3-D and with some special toothy guests, no less -- is back on the list of star attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood. I, for one, missed the big, snorting palooka.
But, you know, what about the little people?
On opening weekend, we decided to conduct our own mini focus group, which consisted of my two sons -- an 11-year-old eager to prove nothing scares him (except girls) and an 8-year-old who continues to derive great pleasure from exceeding the height requirements for amusement park rides. Not only was I curious about their reaction for the purposes of plotting future impromptu excursions (we live about 20 minutes away), but also for the invaluable intel that might be gathered and passed on to various relations scattered across the country whose interests, children and travel plans will eventually turn to our local theme park.
Grand Prairie move puts Six Flags Entertainment closer to its flagship park
Two months after emerging from bankruptcy as a new corporation, Six Flags Entertainment Corp. is moving its headquarters to North Texas.
The amusement park company will move several corporate positions, including its chief executive, from New York to office space the company already has in Grand Prairie, a spokeswoman said Friday.
It's at least the third corporate relocation announced for North Texas in recent days.
Kings Island goes dark for 3 hours
A power outage at Kings Island on Sunday evening shut down roller coasters, stores and fountains, a venue spokesman said.
Most of the rides, shops and restaurants that closed about 6:30 p.m. were reopened by 9:30 p.m., said Don Helbig. Some park visitors had to be escorted off stopped rides, he said. No injuries were reported, and a 10 p.m. fireworks show was expected to go on as scheduled, even as some power still was being restored.
“Now it’s just like a normal night at the park,” Helbig said.
Flood waters force local amusement park to close
The weekend rains forced Joyland Amusement Park to close its gates and clean up the mess Mother Nature left. In some places around the park water was higher than the height requirement for some of the rides.
Crews are inspecting rides like the Paratrooper, Galaxy and the Bumper Cars. There is no electricity at the park. Owner David Dean says all of the equipment must first dry out.
"This is probably the second worst flood we have ever had the first was about two years ago and it was pretty bad. I've been here since 1973 so we've seen high water before," says Dean.
The Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green is optimistic they will have a very good summer. There is certainly reason for that optimism.
The park's waterpark is under renovation, and Louisville's Six Flag Kentucky Kingdom is closed for the summer.
Park manager Charlotte Gonzalez says with Six Flags closed, they are getting more visitors. "You know we are getting a lot more, louisville and e-town, elizabeth town crowd. I had a big group here yesterday from louisville having a family reunion here at beech bend park and it was the first time they had been here in many years so we're definitely seeing more traffic come down from that louisville area," she said.
Let the coasting begin: Timber Twister opens to rave reviews
About 100 people showed up Thursday morning for a ceremony to mark the opening of Spirit Mountain’s newest attraction: the Timber Twister mountain coaster.
“This is an incredibly exciting day for Spirit Mountain,” said Renee Mattson, executive director of the alpine recreation area. She noted that the $2.3 million ride sped from concept to reality in about one year.
Mayor Don Ness praised Mattson’s leadership in helping to turn around Spirit Mountain. Ness recalled that, while he served on the City Council, there were times when Spirit Mountain’s future looked uncertain. Now, he said, the recreational area appears to be on much firmer footing — thanks to renewed investments not only in the Timber Twister but also in the ski chalet and the lift system.
Playland's new fees: Reactions mixed
On a day made for tank tops, flip-flops and cooling off in the giant splash of water rides, what could be better than an afternoon at Playland Amusement Park? The answer, say some Playland regulars and a longtime concession stand owner, is a return to the old pricing structure in which admission to the amusement park was free.
"We don't come as much now," said Jill Garland of Dobbs Ferry, near the entrance gates at the fountain plaza. "Before when we came, we could walk around and go on as many rides we wanted to, but now when we come, we have to make those hard decisions upfront about who is going to go on what rides."
At issue is the new admission prices that include unlimited rides that were instituted for the first time last year. Admission is required even for those who have no plans to go on the rides.
Mom Upset After Losing Children At Nashville Shores
Lesley Mitchell took her two sons and two cousins to Nashville Shores Monday afternoon.
In a busy crowd, she became separated from two of the children. She said how she was treated after that happened will keep her from returning to the water park.
SeaWorld Orlando unveils after-3 p.m. ticket
SeaWorld Orlando is offering a theme park ticket that allows entrance after 3 p.m. at a discount. The Twilight Ticket runs $39.95 for adults and children. (The usual, all-day price is $79 general, $68 ages 3-9.). The promotion runs through Labor Day — Sept. 6, 2010.
The offer overlaps with the park’s SeaWorld AfterDark offerings, which include “Shamu Rocks” (the nighttime killer whale show), “Sea Lions Tonite” show and “Reflections,” the nighttime fireworks and fountains finale. AfterDark ends Aug. 15.
An amusing ride: Family turns carousel into business
When Will Harris of Lexington was a little boy, he rode Taylor Amusements’ classic wooden carousel at local carnivals and loved it. Loved it. He never stopped wanting one.
“They’re works of art,” he said. “Every horse is an individual.”
In 2007, Will heard that Dick Taylor was looking to sell his 1915 model Allen Herschell carousel. He jumped at the chance, even though it meant he had to buy the other six vintage — most built before 1970 — amusement rides that came with his business. It includes several faster-spinning machines and a Ferris wheel that had been exclusively ridden in Gypsy Hill Park for years. He set up his own company, Buffalo Brothers Amusements, with his two sons, Lee, 25, and Tommy, 22.
Harry Potter’s magic wins Universal awards
More evidence of Harry Potter’s magic for Universal Orlando: Islands of Adventure was voted best theme park and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was voted best new ride by riders of ThemeParkInsider.com.
Islands bested Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virgina and Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the survey. Forbidden Journey topped the World of Color show at Disney California Adventure and the Intimidator roller coaster at Carolwinds, a Cedar Fair amusement park in Charlotte, N.C.
Disney World took a pair of awards. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge was voted best theme-park hotel, beating out Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. And Bistro de Paris in Epcot won best theme-park restaurant, edging out Les Chefs De France (also at Epcot) and Mythos (at Islands of Adventure).
New Busch Gardens ticket includes all-day eats, drinks
This offer grabbed my attention and made me a little hungry. Would you buy a theme-park ticket that included food for the day? That's what Busch Gardens in Tampa is offering through Sept. 6, Labor Day. Here's an important note: It must be purchased online, not at the gate.
The "Play & Dine All Day" eTickets are the same price as a single-day, regular admission ($74.95 general, $64.95 ages 3-9), but you print them out at home and head directly to the turnstiles instead of the ticket counter.
According to the fine print, guests with these tickets are allowed one entree, one side item (or dessert), one fountain drink (or 20-ounce bottled water) every time they get in line at specific Busch Gardens restaurants: Zagora Cafe, Crown Colony Plaza, Bengal Bistro, Garden Gate Cafe, Zambia Smokehouse and Desert Grill.
GameWorks managers prep similar concept at Easton
The management team formerly behind GameWorks will open a similar restaurant-game concept, but for a slightly older crowd, in the Easton Town Center space that GameWorks vacated in late March.
KDB (short for Kitchen, Den, Bar) plans to open Aug.5, four months after GameWorks abruptly closed that location and others. Ron Lam, a managing partner in Los Angeles-based Trifecta Management Group, which is behind KDB, said his company is excited to re-enter the Columbus market, which he said was one of GameWorks' best.
"This is going to be a high-energy, localized concept with a sports bar and lots of new games," Lam said. He said Trifecta's investors purchased assets of the Columbus GameWorks, and KDB will feature some of its former equipment.
Coca-Cola to build New York retail and tourist facility?
Trade journal Beverage Digest is reporting that Coca-Cola Co. is considering building a large retail and tourist facility in part of a building it owns on New York City's Fifth Avenue.
A final decision has not been made, according to the story. The possible new Coke facility, in one of the nation's priciest districts, would be at the corner of 55th Street and Fifth Avenue, where a Disney store was located until early this year.
The spot is near Tiffany and Co., a large Apple store and the Trump Tower, among other swanky destinations. Beverage Digest reported that Coke executives have considered expanding the company's visible presence in New York for some time.
It's summertime, and the fair's in town: Stay safe, healthy at amusement parks
Thousands of Canadians will visit amusement parks and fairs this summer, strolling through sun-drenched grounds and clambering onboard to experience the hang-onto-your-stomach thrill of the rides.
From a health and safety point of view, there are a few things worth keeping in mind so that the day remains enjoyable, experts say.
Health services manager Cathy Sobuliak is in her 23rd year at the Calgary Stampede and has seen it all, from small boo-boos to people who feel unwell after a ride, and worse. Anywhere from 12 to 18 nurses and paramedics are on site during the Stampede, tending to the ailments of guests and staff at a park that's "like a small city every day."
Carousel in Oak Meadow Park celebrates 100th anniversary
There's a party at Oak Meadow Park and everyone's invited to come out and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the W.E. "Bill" Mason Carousel. July 10 is the day that's been selected for the carousel's birthday, with a balloon artist, face painters, coloring booths and free carousel rides all day.
"Will there be cake?" 4-year-old Abigail asked. Well, there will be cookies and the snack shack will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers.
Abigail and her twin sister, Madalyn, were visiting Oak Meadow last week along with friends Emma and Lauren. Asked if the carousel is fun, the girls enthusiastically cried out, "Yes!"
For residents near Disneyland, nightly fireworks shows have lost their spark
For most people, fireworks are a special treat — loud, luminous displays to savor on Independence Day or New Year's Eve.
But for some who live near Disneyland, where fireworks blossom in the skies above Sleeping Beauty's Castle almost every night, the rockets' red glare has worn out its welcome.
Action packed Independence Day around the county
Independence Day activities are planned around Santa Cruz County, most free and geared toward families with children, such as Lumberjack Days and a parade in Boulder Creek, the World's Shortest Parade in Aptos, the area's only fireworks show in Scotts Valley, a flag-raising ceremony at the county fairgrounds and a parade down Main Street in Watsonville.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has started a new shuttle service for beach area visitors on select weekends this summer. The free shuttle will run between the County Building on Ocean Street and the Boardwalk, including 1-11 p.m. today.
Displays go on despite tough economic times
Cities across the country canceled fireworks shows this weekend because of struggling municipal budgets. In a year in which many cities considered cutting workers and raising taxes, a big fireworks show just didn't seem prudent, many city leaders said. Mid-sized cities such as Redwood, Calif., Ridgefield Park, N.J., and Jersey City, N.J., all scrapped fireworks shows because of the cost, USA Today reported this week.
But in Chattanooga and several other places around the region, the annual July 4th fireworks shows will go on.
At Lake Winnepesaukah, the Rossville theme park, a massive evening firework show packs the park, spokeswoman Talley Green said. "It's not just the fireworks, it's the whole package," Ms. Green said. "People can enjoy the park and the food all day, and then they'll get a first-rate, beautiful fireworks show at the end."
More Plan July 4 Travel As Recession Loosens Grip
The Fourth of July is traditionally a weekend for hamburgers, hot dogs and heavy traffic, and there are predictions of a big boost in road travel on Independence Day this year.
That's right – if you're planning a road trip getaway this year, you're not alone. Analysts predict more people are planning to get away.
The American Automobile Association says 34.9 million people will take a trip at least 50 miles away from home this weekend – a 17.1 percent increase from last year's 29.8 million.
Plans sliding into place for Tri-City water parks
Water park projects still are in the works in Kennewick and Pasco, even though developers say it will be at least a year before the Tri-Cities will have one to call its own.
The proposed Shark Reef for Southridge still is on track to open by Memorial Day 2011, and it has grown in size and moved to a different site west of Highway 395, says developer Mike Hillman.
And in Pasco's rapidly growing west end, the Bahama Bay Water Park project on 27 acres on Sandifur Parkway still has as target launch date of Memorial Day 2012, said Jim Hale, a Florida developer with family ties to the Tri-Cities.
Second boy dies at Quebec water park
A 14-year-old boy died on Monday after collapsing at a Quebec water park that was crowded with bathers trying to escape the torrid temperatures of a July heat wave.
The boy lost consciousness while climbing the stairs to a popular waterslide attraction at the Mont St. Sauveur Water Park north of Montreal, the second death of a youngster at the park in less than two weeks.
On June 23, a nine-year-old drowned in a wave pool at the Laurentians park while on a school outing.
Manhattan opens world-class water park
Manhattan officials dedicated the new City Park Pool on Monday. The rain didn't dampen the enthusiasm for the new water park, which features the only Stingray half-pipe in the world for surfers and wave boarders. Another feature is the bubble slide. Officials say it is one of three in the world. Other features include a lazy river, drop-tube slide, zero-entrance pool, a full 50 meter lap pool, and a separate infants section.
Water park breaks attendance mark
Thursday's opening day for Murfreesboro's new water park attractions at SportsCom broke attendance and revenue records for the city's Parks and Recreation Department, the city announced in a press release Friday.
"We had 1,300 people pay to use SportsCom today," Tommy Gregory, SportsCom Operations Coordinator, said in the news release. "We had 1,161 people pay to use SportsCom from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and we had about 350 people come through between 10 and 11 a.m.
"There were two lines for people to pay to get in," he added. "(SportsCom superintendent) Bart Fite and I took customers with correct change in one line with the help of some of the ladies from the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce helping put on wristbands and the rest of the customers went through the regular entrance.
Water park attendance on pace to set record
The cars parked on the grass are aggravating, the empty drink machines irritating and the wait for rafts annoying. But those are the consequences of success at the Point Mallard water park.
“The numbers right now are unbelievable. The water park is way ahead of where it was last year and the year before,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Dunlap.
After a down 2009 season, the J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center rebounded and is vying to set a new single-season attendance record. A month into the season, the water park is almost halfway to the 150,000 record.
Traffic tangles visitors to Calypso Waterpark
They wanted a lazy, cool ride down the tropical Jungle Run.
But what hundreds of people at the new Calypso Waterpark near Limoges got instead Saturday was a hot, sticky traffic jam.
Cars clogged Highway 417 east of Ottawa as people flocked to the $45-million park on the first truly hot day of summer. With daytime temperatures expected to reach 30C, a long line of eastbound traffic was backed up for at least four kilometres at Exit 79 near Limoges between 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as hundreds of vehicles waited to get in.
Council to consider bowling alley funding
The city’s economic development task force is recommending that the Buellton Redevelopment Agency either buy land on the Avenue of Flags and lease it to a local couple who want to build a bowling alley there, or pay for public improvements for the project such as sidewalks, curbs, gutters, trees and possibly the parking lot.
However, the couple, Ben and Calisse Courtney, have asked instead that the city lend them $1.5 million to build the building, and that option might also be considered when the Redevelopment Agency meets July 8, Planning Director Marc Bierdzinski said.
The five members of the RDA board are the five City Council members.
Bass Pro Shops Contract Released
The Wharton administration has posted a copy of the city’s 52 page contract with Bass Pro Shops for development of The Pyramid.
The contract is posted on the city’s website.
Among the terms of the contract are a timetable that gives the city up to 240 days or eight months to get The Pyramid ready for Bass Pro Shops to build its super store and other attractions.
Aquarium of the Pacific opens exhibit tank to divers
For the first time, general certified divers are invited into the Aquarium of the Pacific’s largest exhibit tank, the 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef Habitat. With the new pay-to-dive program, guests will have the opportunity to interact with more than 2,000 tropical fish and animals, including an olive ridley sea turtle, bonnethead and zebra sharks, cownose rays and a queensland grouper.
In this 2 1/2-hour experience, divers will also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Aquarium’s dive program, including a look at what it takes to manage one of the largest aquariums in the United States. As part of their dive inside the Tropical Reef Habitat, participants will have full use of an underwater camera and will receive a certificate of completion, souvenir towel and a data stick with their photos. All equipment is provided (though divers are welcome to bring their own mask, booties and underwater camera).
Orlando cop, wife illegally traded in black-market theme-park tickets, records claim
Orlando police Officer Wendell Robey was a high-school resource officer who moonlighted at Universal Orlando.
Investigators said he had another side business: illegal Universal and Walt Disney World ticket sales on the classified advertising website craigslist.com.
On Friday, Robey, 40, and his wife, Shaton, 35, surrendered at the Orange County jail on several felony and misdemeanor charges relating to the business, including grand theft, trafficking in stolen property and identity theft.
3 Injured at Six Flags Discover Kingdom
Saturday night, around 9:30 PM at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, a parking lot tram was making its routine circuit when it was struck by a swinging metal gate that had been bumped by a park guest, injuring three passengers.
A 34 year old man was airlifted to the UC Davis Medical Center with a protruding injury to his left leg and a 2 year old girl was sent to the Children's Hospital in Oakland with lacerations to her stomach. Both are said to be in serious condition. An adult woman was also treated for minor injuries on site.
Gettysburg sees decline in visitors, expects rebound during battle anniversary
People traditionally flock to Gettysburg for the Fourth of July. Those who wear blue and gray woolens are joined by throngs in shorts and breathable cotton who brave the July heat in remembrance of the bloody three-day clash that is arguably the most famous and important battle in American history.
Yet annual visitation to Gettysburg National Military Park has been dropping.
According to the National Park Service website, more than 820,000 fewer people visited the park last year than in 2002. That’s a 45 percent drop in eight years.
'Age of Mammals' at the Natural History Museum
How do you squeeze 65 million years of mammalian history into an eye-popping, mind-bending, crowd-pleasing exhibition?
Not easily, even if you have a stellar collection of prehistoric specimens and a talented team of curators, scientists and designers who like to tell big stories with the help of interactive technology. Or if the showcase is part of a $107-million architectural restoration project.
But after years of planning, seismic retrofitting, construction and fine tuning, "Age of Mammals" will open July 11 at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park.
The evolution of Exposition Park
How do you squeeze 65 million years of mammalian history into an eye-popping, mind-bending, crowd-pleasing exhibition?
Not easily, even if you have a stellar collection of prehistoric specimens and a talented team of curators, scientists and designers who like to tell big stories with the help of interactive technology. Or if the showcase is part of a $107-million architectural restoration project.
But after years of planning, seismic retrofitting, construction and fine tuning, “Age of Mammals” will open July 11 at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Terra Mitica, the Benidorm theme park which opened in 2000, has been reasonably popular with the public without managing to fulfil the ambitions of its creators. By the mid-1990s, Benidorm was established as one of Europe’s principal holiday destinations but the local tourist industry nursed the objective of attracting “quality tourism”. A full-blown theme park was thought to be the answer.
But Terra Mitica has never made money and now the park’s three major investors – CAM, Bancaja and the regional government, the Generalitat Valenciana - who hold 66 per cent of the shares are negotiating an exit.
In order to get shot of what is essentially an expensive encumbrance they have been negotiating for months with the Benidorm-based company Aqualandia-Mundomar which owns and operates an immensely popular water park and a nature park in Benidorm’s Rincon de Loix. Parques Reunidos, which runs Valencia city’s l’Oceanografic and Parque Warner in Madrid, has also been approached, as has Aspro, an international leisure company already operating in mainland Spain and the Canary Islands.
The First Hershey's Chocolate World in Middle East Opens in Dubai
The Hershey Company, known as The Chocolate Company in the United States, has appointed Retail Is Detail L.L.C. to open its first Middle East Hershey's Chocolate World store in the world's largest shopping and entertainment destination in the world, The Dubai Mall. U.A.E. Hershey's Chocolate World represents fun, happiness and excitement and offers a wide array of Hershey products for people of all ages.
Retail Is Detail L.L.C. has signed exclusively with Hershey's for the expansion and franchise rights of Hershey's Chocolate World in the Middle East and South East Asia. The company intends to launch more Hershey's Chocolate World concept stores in both continents within the coming months.
Fun, sweetness and adventure awaits at Dubai's Hershey's Chocolate World. You'll be greeted by a giant Hershey bar & Kisses character as you enter this delightful world of excitement and entertainment devoted to all things chocolate. The store offers more than 300 Hershey's products including giant chocolate bars, Hershey memorabilia, and even customized products.
Consumer protection agency calls for clear amusement park rules
The Executive Yuan's Consumer Protection Commission said Monday it and the Tourism Bureau will meet amusement park operators in two weeks to discuss issues concerning setting out clear refund rules and "outside food" regulations.
The announcement came after the commission reported at a news conference that in its recent checks on nine amusement parks, three did not pay refunds to consumers when some of their facilities were undergoing maintenance, and five imposed bans on bringing outside food and drinks into their premises that are in violation of the Consumer Protection Law.
The three amusement parks that failed to pay refunds were Leofoo Village Theme Park in Hsinchu County, Yamay Resort in Taichung County and Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in Nantou County, said Wu Cheng-hsueh, a section chief at the commission.
Disney could start work on Shanghai park in Nov
Disney could start building its planned theme park in Shanghai as early as November, a year after Chinese authorities gave the green light for the project, a report said Tuesday.
"Talks on the Disney project are in the final stages and the construction is expected to start as early as November," the China Business News reported, citing an unnamed source.
The park would be Disney's fourth outside the United States and its third in Asia, after Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong -- the last to open in 2005.
Firms Queue Up For EUR2B Theme Park Ride
Private equity firms are preparing one of Europe's biggest buyouts since the credit crisis by circling Candover Partners' EUR2 billion Spanish theme park business Parques Reunidos.
Sources have named Advent International, Apax Partners, CVC Capital Partners and Permira as interested parties. One said first-round bids were due by the end of the summer.
All's fair as amusement parks vie for greater market share
Thrill-seekers will be able to check out a batch of new rides at Beijing's biggest amusement park - Happy Valley - when the fairground unveils them on Saturday.
Beijing Happy Valley's second phrase will be launched with a trial run that will end July 17.
The admission fee during the trial period will remain at 160 yuan per person but when the trial is over and the enlarged park officially opens, admission is set to rise to 180 yuan, according to its website.
Cash boost for Margate's Dreamland park
Repairs to an iconic funfair ride in Margate that was severely damaged by fire have been given a major cash boost.
The world's largest club of amusement park enthusiasts, the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), has donated $5,000 towards the restoration of Dreamland's Scenic Railway.
The Grade II-listed ride, which is the country's oldest rollercoaster, was partly destroyed by fire in 2008.
Thorpe Park urged to get wooden rollercoaster
Rollercoaster enthusiasts are urging Thorpe Park to consider a traditional wooden rollercoaster in its latest development plans.
The top Surrey attraction has recently submitted an outline planning application to Runnymede Borough Council for its Medium Term Development Plan, which includes proposals for the installation of five new 'round rides' and two new rollercoasters to be built between 2010 and 2016.
However when news of the plans was published on our Egham & Thorpe community website last week, 'coaster' fans, including members of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain, bombarded the site with comments, pleading for Thorpe Park to consider installing a traditional wooden rollercoaster, known as a 'woodie', rather than a modern steel ride.
Deadly Chinese Amusement Park Mystery
A deadly accident at a Chinese amusement park last week has spawned a mystery that officials are still trying to unravel.
The accident happened on Space Journey, a ride at Ecoventure Valley of Overseas Chinese Town in Shenzhen. The rise is designed to simulate the experience of a rocket launch, including acceleration twice that of gravity.
Normally, under a dome 24 meters in diameter built to suggest the vast expanse of the universe, Space Journey’s 40-some passengers spin and bob in four-person carts. But last Tuesday, something went horribly wrong, leading to the deaths of six people on the ride and injuries to 10 others.
Doha Summer Amusement Park promises fun, family entertainment during the summer months
Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) announced at a press briefing today the details of Doha Summer Amusement Park which will be held at the Doha Exhibitions Center. The 8-week spectacle of activities opens on July 20 and runs through Ramadan, ending on September 14.
Speaking at the press briefing, Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, acknowledged the recent criticism in the media about the delay in announcing the plans for the activities, but promised in return an extended summer of fun activities and entertainment. He said: "Qatar Tourism Authority is proud to organize such important domestic tourism event as Doha Summer Amusement Park. We are pleased to announce several changes that will take place this year, which will benefit everyone, making it a fun summer experience for families and especially children, from Qatar and around the region." The changes in the program this year, from the timing of the event to the special surprises QTA has planned, are in response to visitors suggestions and complaints about prior years' events.
The most popular change in this year's festivities is sure to be the extended period, with the amusement park remaining open nearly 2 months through the Ramadan period and part of Eid Al Fitr. Special activities will be organized for Ramadan, to be announced closer to the dates. The other popular change to this year's event is that entry is free for all. As part of a focused marketing campaign to the region, Qatar Tourism Authority has worked with many hotels around Doha to arrange special packages for visitors from neighboring countries.
Mesa Verde plans for visitors center
Mesa Verde National Park officials are making plans for a September groundbreaking ceremony for the new visitors center and curatorial facility.
The park took the first step toward construction of the multimillion dollar project at a pre-bid meeting last week.
Contractors, subcontractors, vendors and suppliers were invited to visit the construction site and learn more about the bidding process for the $22 million facility.
A bird park at Powai on the lines of Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. That’s the latest idea Mayor Shraddha Jadhav is dreaming of after returning from Singapore on Friday.
“It will be an icon for Mumbai. There is a municipal corporation garden at Powai which can be converted into such a park,” she told Hindustan Times.
The garden, along the Powai lake and once a famous picnic spot for Mumbaiites, is currently not in use.
Giant indoor park opened for Kazakh president's birthday
Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev began his 70th birthday with the opening of Khan Shatyr, a giant indoor park capable of holding 10,000 people, with a tropical beach and amusement park.
To celebrate, the city had Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli singing Nessun Dorma, seven national Presidents and the King of Jordon in attendance, and three days of circuses, theatre, ballets, and fireworks. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was scheduled to attend, but canceled at a day's notice.
The celebrations alone have cost more than $10m, according to the organisers.
U.S. pledges $15 million to Auschwitz preservation
The United States pledged $15 million to preserve the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp memorial.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced the five-year pledge Saturday during a visit to Poland.
The pledge, subject to congressional approval, "illustrates the significance of the Auschwitz-Birkenau site, helps commemorate the 1.1 million victims who perished there, and demonstrates America’s commitment to Holocaust education, remembrance and research," a State Department statement said.
Amusement parks must give refunds for unavailable rides
Three out of nine amusement parks probed by the Consumers' Protection Commission do not offer refunds for thrill rides or attractions unavailable due to maintenance although they are bound to do so, the government agency announced yesterday.
Five amusement parks also violated related regulations for not allowing food sold outside the parks, the CPC said in a press conference.
All nine amusement parks passed the architectural safety inspections and all nine also qualified in fire safety inspections after some minor improvements such as fixing malfunctioned emergency lights, CPC's section chief Wu Cheng-hsueh said.
Thames cable car plan to link Olympic venues in time for 2012 games
The Thames has been spanned by bridges (both solid and wobbly), crossed by ferries, and even the occasional ice skater, but a proposal unveiled today would see cable cars gliding 50 metres above the river and transporting thousands of people an hour between the Greenwich peninsula and the Royal Docks.
The £25m scheme, devised by Transport for London (TfL), would increase the number of river crossings east of Tower Bridge, serve as a tourist attraction, and cut travel times between two major Olympic and Paralympic venues – the O2 and ExCeL – ahead of the 2012 games.
According to TfL, the cable car system could provide a crossing every 30 seconds and carry up to 2,500 passengers an hour in each direction — the equivalent of 50 busloads. It would be fully accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and pushchairs.
Dinosaur exhibit a roaring hit
Covering 25,000 square meters, Dino Dino Dream Park provides both the fun of a theme park and the learning experience of a museum. Despite the drizzling sky, kids still showed their enthusiasm at the park's opening on Thursday.
Inside the park, there are three exhibition tents that all aim to recreate the prehistoric dinosaur era.
At the Back to the Jurassic exhibition, Asia's largest mechanical dinosaur models move their tails, have glowing eyes and make sounds. Infrared systems detect human presence, making the models roar as soon as people approach. Some children shouted with delight on seeing the models while others cried.
Tate Britain plans get go ahead
Westminster City Council has approved plans for a significant refurbishment of one of the world’s most famous art galleries The Tate Britain.
Westminster City Council’s planning and City Development committee last night granted permission for the works which are “intended to extend the repertoire of social spaces inside the gallery”.
The improvements will be the first phase in a programme the Tate has called ‘Transforming Tate Britain’.
Parks Globally
Busch Gardens stirs up buzz about new attraction
Busch Gardens has raised construction walls on the southeast side of its property but has yet to reveal what’s going up behind them.
Meanwhile, the Tampa theme park’s marketing team has initiated a “teaser campaign” to scatter clues and stir up excitement about the secret attraction slated to open in 2011.
“Quick response” codes, similar to bar codes, appeared on the construction walls on Saturday.
Repair & reopen Blue Streak wooden coaster - historic Conneaut Lake Park
The Blue Streak is Conneaut Lake Park’s signature attraction, but only one of many treasures the 1892 Park offers.
Across from the Blue Streak sits the Tumble Bug, which holds the high distinction of being the OLDEST of only 2 remaining full-size rides of its kind still operating in the world.
Vote for it at the Pepsi Refresh Project to help raise funds for the repair work!
Public can get Legoland Florida preview next week
Legoland Florida officials will hold an open house for the public Thursday and will share plans for the new theme park in Winter Haven.
Julie Estrada, the media relations director for Legoland Florida, said the open house will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Orange Dome on Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven.
Legoland's parent company, Merlin Entertainments Group, is turning the former Cypress Gardens theme park site into Legoland Florida. An opening is planned for late 2011.
PARC Management announces new smartphone app for Darien Lake and Elitch Gardens
PARC Management launched brand new smartphone applications for two of its top parks: Darien Lake Resort in Darien, NY and Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO. The free application, created by Macroview Labs, gives users instant access to hundreds of pages of interactive maps, ride information, phone directories, dining and shopping information, weather updates, concert information, and more.
Using cutting-edge technology, the app incorporates both illustrated park maps and satellite GPS maps, so a user can see where rides and other key places are located while also being able to bookmark to remember things as specific as a parking place.
'World of Color' Goes Online and On Tour
Viewers around the world will join a one-of-a-kind, online phenomenon in July to experience the extraordinary magic of "World of Color," the new after-dark spectacular presented nightly in Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim. The interactive tour will feature live shows in four California cities, and the online audience will travel "virtually" to each location to watch the shows and interact with the webcast.
In each city, specially produced animation will be projected onto a familiar city landmark, using a sensational mixture of special effects, high-tech projections and one of the storytelling themes presented in "World of Color."
The public is invited to participate online only at the "World of Color" Road Show website, where viewers will enjoy a rich experience that includes Disney animation and music, video entertainment and a "viewer's choice" opportunity to vote for the starring color in that evening's show. Each city will have a broadcast location designed for media only.
Legoland Florida Makes Three Hires
Legoland Florida has its first Model Citizens - the company's term for its employees. The tourist attraction has filled three positions in its marketing department.
Kim Isemann, previously general manager of the Daytona 500 Experience at Daytona International Speedway, has been hired as director of sales and marketing. Isemann has also worked for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in various marketing jobs.
Isemann heads what will eventually be a 20-person marketing team, Legoland Florida said in a press release.
Maine's favorite theme park makes donation to Saco Food Pantry
After a successful Food For Fun Weekend, Funtown Splashtown USA donated $2,011 to the Saco Food Pantry. A portion of each guest's entry fee on Saturday June 26 and Sunday June 27 was donated to the pantry's food purchasing fund.
"In these tough economic times, we need to remember that there are still families struggling to make ends meet and put good food on the table," said Ken Cormier, president and CEO of the park.
Bob Nichols, president of the Saco Food Pantry said this donation will go a long way to helping the 600 families who call on the Food Pantry every month.
Plans Announced to Bring Back Old Ohio Carousel
History and preservation groups say a century-old carousel that outlived an Ohio amusement park will go round again if they can come up with the money.
Cleveland's Western Reserve Historical Society and two other groups on Wednesday announced an effort to raise $6 million to restore and maintain the carousel from Euclid Beach Park, which closed in 1969. Plans call for installing the attraction within the historical society building and have it operating in 2013.
Texas Giant's new 79-degree first drop installed
The enhancement project on the Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas took another major step forward today, or in this case a forward drop, as in the coaster's steep first drop being installed. Workers from Rocky Mountain Construction Group installed the steepest sections of the Giant's new first drop, now measured at 79-degrees, with the anchoring of the steel Iron Horse coaster track to the coaster's wooden structure. The super hybrid coaster was topped off several weeks ago and now stands 10 feet taller than before, pushing the ride to beyond 150-feet in total height. When the ride reopens in 2011, it will reach speeds in excess of 65 mph and feature the 79-degree first drop and 95-degree banked curves.
Fourth of July rocks at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando offer illuminating fireworks shows this Independence Day, amping up all the wonder and spectacle that the parks’ offer every night during the summer.
At Busch Gardens, fireworks light up the sky over the Tampa theme park on July 3 and 4. That’s in addition to the nightly rock spectacular, Kinetix, each night at 9 p.m. in Busch Gardens’ Gwazi Park. Kinetix brings together live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world for an original, non-stop 30-minute contemporary rock experience that delivers awesome lighting effects, modern music and high-energy performances.
Cedar Point's Shoot the Rapids makes a splash
Cedar Point says its new water ride is making a splash following a delayed opening so its boats could undergo more work.
Spokesman Robin Innes says Shoot the Rapids has the makings of a popular attraction at the amusement park in Sandusky. Innes said Wednesday that people who want to experience the $10.5 million flume ride are waiting in line up to an hour at peak times.
He did not have ridership numbers from the ride's first few days.
Alabama Adventure prepares for July 4th fireworks extravaganza
Alabama Adventure is excited to host the 13th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza on Sunday, July 4th at 8:30 pm. Everyone is encouraged to come out to the park all day to enjoy family fun in both the Theme Park and the Water Park for one low price. “Alabama Adventure is a great place for the whole family. We have thrill rides for those looking to pump up their adrenaline, a lazy river for you to kick back and relax and a great children’s area with rides for everyone. Don’t forget you can cool off in the air conditioned comfort of the Star Theatre and watch the all new Beat Street, a musical review of the 60’s, 70’s and beyond,” said EJ Randolph, General Manager of Alabama Adventure.
'All American Thrill Spectacular' at Quassy
They're nerveless, to say the least, and prove it hundreds of times a year while performing in front of mesmerized audiences. Meet the family of Michelangelo Nock, also known as the "Nerveless Nocks."
From motorcycle stunts to a variety of breathless highwire acts and the graceful aerial chiffon, the "Nerveless Nocks" are synonymous with staging spine-tingling shows.
Billed as the "World's Greatest Circus Stunt Man," Michelangelo Nock brings his "All American Thrill Spectacular" to Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury this summer.
US theme park introduces eMoney card
A US theme park has introduced a new eMoney card which will allow users to make cashless payments.
Visitors to Waldameer Park in California will be issued with contactless Wally Cards, reports news-herald.com.
The cards can be used to pay for food and drink at stores around the park, resulting in reduced queuing times as transactions are quicker to process.
They sneaked it into the newspaper. It appeared in the print edition of the Intelligencer. Not online. An article called, “County Water Sought”. By Shelley Hanson. On June 18th. Hanson wrote, “Meanwhile, Wheeling resident Charles Ballouz asked about the status of the planned Wild Escape Theme Park at The Highlands. Stewart said he recently had a meeting with the theme park’s developer, Steve Minard. ‘We’re making progress a little at a time,’ Stewart said.” Nothing more. No projections. No plans. Nothing more. Have they hired the engineers? The story last July 22nd was “Engineers Interviewed For Planned Theme Park”. In the Intelligencer. By Shelley Hanson. So. It’s nearly a year later. Have they hired the engineers yet? We don’t have a clue. And the County isn’t talking. Yet anyway.
But there is news. It looks like permit wars begin again.
Harrah’s to Build Retail Strip in Las Vegas in 2011, CEO Says
Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., the world’s biggest casino company, plans to build a postponed retail development next year between its Flamingo and O’Sheas casinos in Las Vegas that includes a giant Ferris wheel.
The street of bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment will cost “a lot less” than $1 billion and revives the Project Linq development first envisioned in 2006, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Loveman said in an interview.
Harrah’s has “dusted off” the plans in a bid to draw more visitors to the neighboring casinos as Las Vegas begins to recover from a record two-year slump in gambling and room rates. Loveman sees “modestly encouraging trends in gaming,” and an improvement in the convention business in 2011.
Reservations to begin at Disney Ko Olina
Disney’s Aulani resort in Ko Olina in West Oahu will start taking reservations and time-share inquiries a year before it is set to open.
The first Disney hotel not near a theme park plans to begin accepting reservations for its Ko Olina resort on Aug. 2, according to the Disney website. The resort is scheduled to open on Aug. 29, 2011.
When completed, the resort will have 360 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom Disney Vacation Club villas. It also will include an 18,000-square-foot spa, two restaurants, a 14,545-square-foot conference center, and 48,685 square feet of outdoor venues including pools, hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon and a variety of programs for children.
SportsCom water park making a big splash
The scent of sunscreen and peals of delighted laughter filled the new water park at SportsCom Thursday morning.
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation opened the $3.6 million water park following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., just in time for the Fourth of July weekend.
"This is a great amenity to our community," parks director Lanny Goodwin said.
Daily attendance at Cape water park close to 1,300
In its first full month of operation, Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center saw more people than anyone expected.
Penny Williams, recreation division manager for Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation, said the department used the water park in Farmington, Mo., as a model for estimating daily attendance, but those estimates fell short by 500 people a day.
"We are so excited about the success we've had with Cape Splash. We've exceeded what our expectations were. We thought we would average about 800 a day, and we've been close to 1,300, if not more, a day, so we're just really pleased. People are really happy about it," she said.
More bids sought for splash pad at East Side park
While the cost of installing a splash pad at Luis Muñoz Marin Park in the East Side continues to rise well above the anticipated estimates, two bid proposals received by the city during the first invitation to bid have been dismissed because they surpassed the project's budget.
Mayor Bill Finch's spokeswoman, Elaine Ficarra, said the city only received two bids for the splash pad, not enough to consider the competitive process successful. And even those two offers were above the city's $200,000 budget for the water park.
A second round of bids was requested this week and the new submission date was set for July 7.
Sun Splash offers free admission to active U.S. military and veterans on July 4
In honor of Independence Day and those who have fought for America's freedom, Sun Splash Family Waterpark will be admitting all active U.S. military and veterans into the park for free on Sunday, July 4, when a proper military ID is presented.
In addition, there will be a patriotic theme with festive dcor and All-American food specials throughout the park.
"Fourth of July Weekend is the perfect time for families to spend quality time together, appreciate the great country that we live in and the brave men and women who have served, and just have some fun," said Sandie Greiner, waterpark manager. "Sun Splash provides a safe, affordable, and refreshing place for people to do this before it's time to go see fireworks."
Taylorville fireworks set for Sunday night
On Sunday, skies across the nation will explode with color.
At 9 p.m. at Taylorville Family Entertainment Center, city of Selma and Taylorville will partner up to bring residents their own July 4 fireworks show.
“We will be tailgating throughout the day,” said Vanessa Mott, an employee at Taylorville. “But the fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. and should last between 30 and 45 minutes.”
State fair kicks off in a week
Organizers are counting down the days until an old-time Chippewa Valley tradition kicks off.
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair opens for the 113th year in Chippewa Falls in less than a week. This year's festivities feature lawn mower racing, a free video arcade and, of course, cream puffs. The event will also bring back some of the history of the fair with antique tractors and farm equipment on display.
"We need to get back to our roots a little bit more about what the fair is," says Rusty Volk of the fair association. "The fair has always been that competitive exhibit experience so that families and neighbors can get together to share ideas and to learn about each other."
Mystic Aquarium Launches New Train-A-Whale Program
For those who have ever wondered how – or why – trainers teach beluga whales various behaviors, Mystic Aquarium is now offering a way for guests to find out firsthand. Launching July 1, the new Train-A-Whale program offers a side-by-side, intimate learning experience with a trainer during a beluga whale feeding and training session. The program begins in the Beluga Encounter Room, where a maximum of two guests meet a whale trainer and learn about the belugas at the aquarium and in the wild, as well as training concepts and current conservation issues. From there, they are led to the Arctic Coast exhibit, home to New England’s only beluga whales and one of the largest beluga whale exhibits in North America. The program takes place on the exhibit’s "beach", an area typically only accessed by staff.
During this portion of the program, participants will shadow a trainer to get an up-close look at how they build relationships with the animals and teach them behaviors. These behaviors are taught for regular close interaction that includes daily physical examinations, research, exercise, playtime and learning with the whales. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the training and interact with the whale one-on-one.
Warrant out of Orlando officer's arrest
Orlando Police on Wednesday confirmed that the State Attorney's office has filed charges against Officer Wendell Robey.
As of Thursday, Robey had not turned himself into authorities and was considered a wanted man by law enforcement.
The veteran officer is accused of running what appears to be an illegal business dealing with theme park tickets and stolen property. The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation has had their eye on him for a while.
Met Museum Reports Highest Attendance Since 2001
A day after MoMA announced that it had set an all-time annual attendance record, the Metropolitan Museum of Art reported that it has also had a banner year for visitors, with 5.24 million people coming to the institution during the fiscal year ending June 30 — the highest total it has recorded since 2001.
The museum’s current Picasso exhibition proved to be one of its most popular exhibitions, notching about 381,000 visitors in its first two months on display. The show, which includes nearly every work by the artist in the museum's collection, still has one and a half months left in its run. The Met’s previous jewel-box show devoted to Vermeer’s Milkmaid, on loan from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, came in at a close second, attracting 329,000 visitors.
AROUND THE GLOBE
'Space Journey' disaster not human error: park official
Mechanical problems caused a deadly theme park accident in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province that killed six passengers and injured 10 on Tuesday, authorities said without identifying the specific problem.
"Space Journey," a space shuttle simulator ride located in the Overseas Chinese Town East Theme Park in Shenzhen, encountered a mechanical problem and lost its balance with 48 people aboard the high-speed spin operation, the Guangdong-based Dongguan Times reported Thursday.
There are 12 space ship cabins with four enclosed seats on the ride that slammed against the ground several times after losing its balance, Zhang Jie, a sales manager of Overseas Chinese Town Holding Co (OCT Holding), which owns the theme park, told the newspaper Wednesday. "The manufacturer should take responsibility for the accident because we bought the device from them," said Zhang.
Fujifilm to Launch the World's First 3D Photo Service at Universal Studios Singapore
FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO: Shigetaka Komori) has made its first overseas introduction of the “FUJIFILM 3D Print System”, which offers an instant printout of high-quality and natural 3D photographs, to the “Universal Studios Singapore” theme park that soft-opened at Sentosa Island, Singapore, on March 18, 2010. Amidst growing global interest in 3D technology following the launch of 3D television / PCs and screening of 3D movies, the latest theme park directed its attention to a commemorative 3D photo service, resulting in the system's introduction this time.
The 3D photo service is launched today. Fujifilm plans to further expand worldwide deployment of the 3D Print System in a continued drive to offer printing services of high added value.
FUJIFILM Singapore Pte. Ltd. has entered into an official imaging partner agreement with Southeast Asia's first integrated resort "Resorts World Sentosa", tapping into the company's broad know-how in photography to provide a range of services including ride photos and studio photos at Universal Studios Singapore and other facilities.
How to enjoy the Shanghai World Expo
When it comes to travel planning, I’m of two minds. I plan the logistics — plane tickets, hotel room, transportation from the airport — down to the last detail. But once I’ve checked into the hotel, my favorite plan is no plan at all. My best travel memories don’t involve guided tours or guidebook itineraries; they’re all about unexpected delights, like stumbling on a great little cafe.
I discovered the downside of poorly planned travel when I went to Expo 2010, the world’s fair being held through Oct. 31 in Shanghai. After seeing an ad for the expo, I skimmed one article about it, coughed up a $30 rush fee to hastily secure a visa, booked a hotel that was near the subway and headed for China.
My slapdash spontaneity was no match for the expo, a sprawling, massive undertaking that requires the precision of a military campaign to conquer. I had no plan and no idea what to expect. I vaguely pictured a larger version of the “Taste of” festivals every city holds. What I found was more like a larger version of a fourth-grade geography fair, where each student is told to make a booth with facts about their assigned country and its environmental efforts. Some kids (Sweden) spend weeks on elaborate displays that rigidly hew to the theme; others (Holland) print out a list of facts from the tourism board the night before; and some just write the country name in glitter glue on poster board. (Cuba’s pavilion consists entirely of a bar selling Havana Club rum drinks.)
Summer Carnival at Shijingshan Amusement Park
A summer carnival will be held from July 3 to August 31 at Shijingshan Amusement Park in western Beijing, Qianlong.com reports.
The carnival blends entertainment with foreign culture through exotic performances such as Brazilian dances, French clown shows, American hip-hop dances and daily parades of floats.
Will There Ever Be A Nintendo Theme Park?
Just imagine it: Like Disneyland, but with video games and Nintendo characters. During a recent meeting with investors, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata discussed the topic.
"Countless times, the idea of a theme park has been debated and discussed, and there have been rumors in various forms," Iwata said. "But at the present moment, there are no concrete plans."
Iwata went on to speak hypothetically about theme parks, saying, that simply building a theme park with Nintendo characters in it would be copying all current theme parks. For Nintendo, the important thing is to do something differently and unique, and that is one of the strengths the company has with the the development of its games.
English Heritage to press on with Stonehenge plans
English Heritage has said it will plough ahead with plans for a new visitor centre at Stonehenge despite the Government’s decision to cancel funding for the project.
The Government announced on June 17 that it will no longer be stumping up £10million promised towards the cost of the £27million centre by the former Labour administration.
But English Heritage, which manages the World Heritage Site, says it hopes to find other ways of raising the money.
Huge boost for St Albans butterfly dome
The completion of the ambitious Butterfly World project on the edge of St Albans has taken a giant leap with a promise of a £6 million investment from a mystery backer.
The project's founder, butterfly enthusiast Clive Farrell, who needs £13.5 million to start work on the centrepiece, a giant transparent dome filled with thousands of colourful tropical insects, has found a backer prepared to put in £6 million.
Mr Farrell said: "I can't say who it is yet, but he is an individual who owns a whole stable of companies.
Global Park News
SeaWorld Responds To OSHA Review
Wednesday morning Sea World is responding to reports that it may be trying to head off a potentially scathing review by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the amusement park could be trying to do what is called a "pre-citation settlement."
If that was the case, it would allow SeaWorld to change its policies without a possibly lengthy critique from OSHA.
The forecast looks nice for the holiday weekend. Workers at an amusement park near Elysburg are hoping it means a boost in business.
Joe Muscato is part of the family who owns Knoebels Amusement Park. He hopes good weather and a holiday weekend will bring an even bigger surge in visitors.
"Last year through June we had so much rain. This year has been good weather wise. This looks like a good holiday weekend for us weather wise," said Muscato.
King Kong roars back to life at Universal Studios Hollywood — in 3-D
For more than 45 years, the defining experience for Universal Studios Hollywood has been the venerable tram tour through the production facilities and backlot. Now the ride is being brought to the 21st century by filmmaker Peter Jackson and the world's most famous gorilla.
Beginning Thursday, the tram will take a detour that transports guests to Jackson's version of Skull Island, where they will be attacked by dinosaurs and rescued by the three-story-tall silverback gorilla.
The new attraction, "King Kong 360 3-D," replaces the original, which burned in a June 2008 fire that also destroyed several famous backlot sets.
What’s old is new again as ‘Captain EO’ returns to Epcot
The film, which ran at the theme park from 1986 to 1994, returns July 2 for a limited run, although Disney has not announced when it will stop the show. EO fans will see a familiar production through their special glasses.
“It’s a 3-D film, 70 mm, two projectors. We are showing it the same way we showed in 1986,” says Joe Tankersley, show producer.
“It’s also one of the first ‘4-D’ films, one of the first 3-D films with in-theater effects — wind, water and lighting,” he says. “That’s part of what makes it so special.”
Robbie Knievel attempts jump at Wild Adventures
A motorcycle daredevil will attempt the first jump of its kind inside a theme park.
You can watch Robbie Knievel, the son of the late Evel Knievel try to jump over the lake at Wild Adventures this weekend.
He's cleared 250 jumps in his career.
Historic Euclid Beach Carousel Rides Again
A piece of Northeast Ohio history is about to be unpacked and brought back to life. A plan was announced Wednesday to reassemble a century-old carousel that spent decades at a famous Cleveland amusement park... and start it spinning again in University Circle.
Judgement awarded against Freestyle Music Park
A federal court awarded a Utah company nearly $14 million in a judgement against Freestyle Music Park.
Tetra Financial Group filed the motion last week.
The suit claims the amusement park failed to make payments to Tetra on leases of restaurant equipment and other property.
Holiday World has 'app' to go with the map
Indiana-based Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is the latest amusement park in the country to give iPhone users a way to stay interactive -- using an app instead of just a fold-out map.
The Santa Claus, Ind. theme park said today its "Holiday World & More" application is available free in the iTunes App Store. The app is also available as a mobile site for use on other smart-phones, using the address: http://m.holidayworld.com.
Visitors can learn the speed of a roller coaster or height of a water slide, where to find the nearest funnel cake or the closest location for free soft drinks.
Duluth invests in new thrill ride as tourist attraction
The city of Duluth will welcome a $2.3 million tourist attraction, when the Midwest's first alpine coaster begins accepting riders on Thursday.
Dubbed "Timber Twister," the coaster will carry passengers in individual cars down a wooded part of Spirit Mountain ski area. The 6½ minute winding trip reaches speeds of 26 miles per hour and covers about 3200 feet and includes views of Lake Superior.
"I think the biggest thing is that it's different," said Briana Johnson, marketing director for Spirit Mountain. "In Minnesota in terms of theme parks, you've pretty much got Valley Fair and the state fair; there's not a lot else going on in terms amusement thrill rides."
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company Launches Mobile Visitor Initiatives with Hipcricket
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, has selected Hipcricket to further engage park visitors with discounts, promotions, event notifications, and more delivered via mobile devices. The solutions from Hipcricket, the one-stop mobile marketing and mobile advertising company that empowers brands, agencies and media properties to engage customers and drive sales and loyalty, are in place in eight of the Company's amusement parks across the country.
Cedar Fair has begun integrating mobile into its overall marketing initiatives including traditional and non-traditional channels. The parks, which include Kings Island, Kings Dominion and Dorney Park, among others, are promoting their mobile clubs via Facebook, radio, email newsletters, and in-park signage. These channels leverage the power of Hipcricket's hyperlocal 6.0 platform and prompt current and potential park visitors to opt-in and receive special offers from Cedar Fair and their local amusement parks. Cedar Point -- the flagship park in the Cedar Fair system -- will be rolling out its mobile strategy in July.
Long before the days of giant theme parks, the United States had many amusement parks where families gathered for a cool escape on a hot summer day. "Great Old Amusement Parks" celebrates these pre-Disney parks, visiting Playland in Rye, New York; Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana; and California's Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where vacationers can still reach for the brass ring on the merry-go-round. The special also checks out some old wooden roller coasters and other classic rides. Rick Sebak narrates.
Statue of Liberty Tourism up 10 Percent
The crown of the Statue of Liberty was reopened exactly one year ago, and tourism to the popular destination has risen 10 percent since then. Lady Liberty received 313,222 additional visitors between June 27, 2009, and June 27, 2010. Approximately 85,000 visitors have gone up to the crown since its reopening, and tickets have been sold out every single day. The statue was shut down following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the tourists were not allowed back on the island until 2004.
“It’s a wonderful sign for New York’s economy and for our national pride that the crown reopening has reinvigorated tourism to our nation’s most cherished and symbolic landmark,” said Rep. Anthony Weiner.
Owner hopes families will have fun and Go Bananas
A sign hangs from the ceiling near the entrance of Go Bananas, an indoor family-oriented amusement park in Norridge: "Go Bananas hopes no one leaves unhappy unless they're unhappy to leave. If your visit was not great please see a manager."
Owner Jerrold Marks said Go Bananas, 4516 N. Harlem Ave., Norridge, has been in business for five years and there are no other locations besides Norridge.
Romo, Chace Crawford Spend The Day At Six Flags
Cowboys' quarterback Tony Romo spent Tuesday at Six Flags Over Texas with, among others, Gossip Girl actor and alleged cannabis enthusiast Chace Crawford.
Crawford, whose younger sister Candice is reportedly dating Romo, has been seen with the quarterback regularly through the off-season, including on the Cowboys Stadium sidelines during a session of organized team activities.
Water park evacuated after reports of gunshots
After an evacuation Wednesday afternoon, people are being allowed back into a water park in Westmont.
People were ordered out after a report of shots fired near Ty Warner Park.
No gunman was spotted.
Slip sliding away: Water slides offer a wave of thrills
Some people go to water parks to escape the scorching summer temperatures. Others go to relax and spend time with family.
Then there are those like Jessica Kern, who seeks the adrenaline rush of a super-fast slide like the Waimea at Raging Water. “It’s really scary,” said 14-year-old Park City resident. “I thought I might flip off the slide.”
Latisha Hardy of Brigham City likes the fear factor, too. “You get a little adrenaline on that roller coaster. It’s so scary.”
Rustic water park jumping with summertime activity
The rustic Green Springs water park along the Neuse River tempts teenagers into spending endless summer hours playing in the river.
The park offers multiple levels of jumping towers, a tether line, swings and picnic tables for friends to gather around.
Teenagers from several counties in Eastern North Carolina come to James City to enjoy the area.
Hotel and water park hope to make a splash in Garden Grove
Plans are under way to develop a 600-suite hotel with a 100,000-square-foot indoor water park and 30,000 square feet of meeting space in Garden Grove’s InternationalWEST Resort development area.
Wisconsin-based Great Wolf Resorts – which owns or operates the largest family of indoor water parks in North America – has signed a license and management contract for the Great Wolf Lodge, which will be located less than two miles from the Disneyland Resort area. Construction on the property is set to begin next year.
CA State Fair Looks to Reverse Lower Attendance
California State Fair organizers are hoping that reduced prices and an earlier start date will draw bigger crowds after a decade of flagging attendance.
Paid attendance at the fair has been down 46 percent since 2001, when the state fair brought in nearly 850,000 people, organizers told The Sacramento Bee. The venue, Cal Expo, also is facing a $1 million shortfall this year.
To help turn that around, the state fair is opening a month early — July 14 — so it won't overlap with the start of school, and organizers are cutting food prices and offering discount packages. The basic entrance fee will remain the same at $12 for adults.
Tornado damage won't stop Wadena County Fair
When Don "Red Dog" Strayer first saw the tornado damage at the Wadena County fairgrounds, he cried.
Strayer, a longtime fair supporter and volunteer, saw the once heavily wooded fairgrounds strewn with debris, buildings and school buses. Trees were denuded or toppled. Several buildings lay in ruins and others had roof damage.
The storm destroyed 75 percent of the fairground's buildings and 99 percent of the trees, this year's fair is a go, said fair board member Jeff Nardello. The July 29 to 31 event will obviously have a different look. Instead of all brick and mortar exhibit and vendor buildings, tents, many offered by other fairs, will be used, he said.
Bass Pro signs lease for Memphis Pyramid
In a moment many thought would never happen, the president of Bass Pro Shops stood alongside the mayor of Memphis Wednesday to seal the deal that will bring the outdoor retailer to the Pyramid.
"You've heard of the big one that got away," Memphis Mayor A C Wharton said. "Folks, we got the big one that came to stay."
Wednesday's moment was more than five years in the making. Bass Pro President Jim Hagale flew to Memphis to sign the dotted line on a lease for the Pyramid Arena for the next 20 years.
Phoenix Zoo close to meeting $20 million remodel goal
The Phoenix Zoo turns 50 in two years and about $13 million has been raised to give the 125-acre site a major facelift.
That's more than halfway toward the $20 million capital campaign goal, and zoo officials believe individual donors will come through by year's end for the remaining money.
It's a major remodel being revealed in stages; as more money comes in, more projects can be completed.
Louisville Zoo opens new Seal and Sea Lion Habitat at Glacier Run
Today the Louisville Zoo and Mayor Jerry Abramson gave their final “seal of approval” to the Zoo’s new Seal and Sea Lion Habitat at Glacier Run during a public Grand Opening.
“The Louisville Zoo is known for its award-winning, innovative exhibits and Glacier Run continues that tradition with a world-class zoo experience right here in our own back yard,” Abramson said. “Glacier Run is an investment that will provide a major boost to our community and region’s quality of life and will be a tourism attraction for years to come.”
In September 2008, the Zoo began construction on the Glacier Run Village, the “heart” of Glacier Run, which now features pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) and will feature polar bears in the spring of 2011.
OPD Officer Linked To Fake Theme Park Tickets
An Orlando Police Department officer has been linked to fake theme park tickets and identity fraud, police said Wednesday night.
Prosecutors charged Officer Wendell Robey with several counts, including possession of fraudulent theme park tickets.
He has also been charged with failure to register a business and criminal use of personal identification.
'Mummies of the World' at California Science Center uncovers history
A well-dressed miller from Hungary, a 6,500-year-old child found in Peru, a baby crocodile — these aren't your mother's mummies. You can see all three of them, along with more than 40 others, at the world premiere of "Mummies of the World," starting Thursday at the California Science Center.
Don't worry, there are a few linen-wrapped Egyptian mummies too. But this exhibit isn't limited to one ancient civilization. Made up of specimens lent from 20 international institutions, it showcases the incredible variety of mummies, highlighting how they're created and all that can be learned from these relics of the past.
"It's a matter of understanding the big wide world of mummification and how it works," said Heather Gill-Frerking, director of science and education for the exhibition. "People will see things that they've never encountered before."
Ticket price to rise at presidential museum
An increase in ticket prices and some rental fees as of Thursday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum shouldn’t harm attendance, museum officials say.
“Even though attendance remains good, our costs continue to go up,” said museum spokesman David Blanchette. “The amount we receive from the state isn’t going up. … We have to slightly raise prices in several areas to keep pace with expenses.”
On July 1, regular adult admission will increase from $10 to $12. Seniors and students will pay $9 instead of $7. Children ages 5-15 will pay $6 instead of $4. Military personnel will continue to pay $7. Children under 5 continue to be free.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Thorpe Park plans new rollercoasters by 2016
Two new rollercoasters could be built at Thorpe Park in the next six years as part of a new development plan.
Thorpe Park Operations Ltd has submitted an outline planning application to Runnymede Borough Council for the proposals, which form part of the Theme Park's Medium Term Development plan for 2010 until 2016.
The plans include the installation of five new 'round rides' which could be up 25m tall, as well as two new rollercoasters, one which could be upto 40m tall, the other upto 50m tall - currently the park's flagship ride, the huge white Stealth rollercoaster, is 62.5m tall and can be seen several miles away.
The loss-making Benidorm theme park has seen a recent recovery in cash flow.
The Terra Mítica theme park in Benidorm is up for sale with the main shareholders in talks to sell either their shares or the running of the park.
Those shareholders are the Caja Mediterrándeo CAM, Bancaja and Sociedad Proyectos Temáticos, and any deal reached could be joined in with by smaller shareholders. Chairman of Terra Mítica, David Lladró, told a shareholders’ meeting that they had assembled 84.31% of the capital for the sale.
Bodies of victims identified after park ride malfunctions
The six people killed in an amusement park ride that malfunctioned were all identified on Wednesday.
The six dead include two men and four women aged between 24 and 48. Five of the six dead were from Guangdong province and the other casualty was from Hunan province.
The ten injured have been sent to one district hospital and two municipal-level hospitals in the city of Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province. Five of them were severely injured, but are in stable condition.
Second city firm wins Drayton Manor job
Birmingham-based building services provider JS Wright is set to help turn a theme park's new hotel into an 'overnight' success.
The company has won a £2.4-million contract with A&H Construction to install mechanical services for the new 150-bed Drayton Manor Theme Park Hotel.
Designed to blend in with the leisure venue's woodland setting, the three-storey hotel is to be built in two sections bridged by a central atrium and will feature Thomas the Tank Engine themed rooms to complement the park's Thomas Land.
Michael Jackson's 'Captain EO' returns to Tokyo Disneyland
"Captain EO," a 3D film attraction starring the late "King of Pop" Michael Jackson, returned to Tokyo Disneyland on July 1 for the first time in 14 years.
The 17-minute adventure musical film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and executive produced by George Lucas, was screened at the theme park's theater from March 1987 to September 1996. In September 1987, Jackson visited the attraction himself.
In the film, Captain EO -- performed by Jackson -- and fellow crew members fight against the queen of a planet of darkness to bring back lost colors using the powers of singing, dancing and light. The film features two songs written by Jackson.
Expo lures 1m foreign visitors, and counting
A count of tour groups shows that at least 1.07 million foreigners had visited the World Expo since it opened on May 1, the head of the Expo bureau said yesterday.
The actual number of foreigners touring the world's fair in Shanghai would be far bigger if individuals, whose nationalities are not recorded at the gate, were factored in, Hong Hao, director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, told a press conference.
To help the rising tide of tourists from abroad, Expo officials have recruited another 2,000 volunteers who can speak a foreign language besides English, Hong said.
EyeClick Adds Special Touch to Blue Fin Tuna Exhibit at Palma Aquarium
The Palma Aquarium located in Mallorca, Spain is spearheading a campaign to “Save the Blue Fin Tuna.” The aquarium features sharks, a tropical aquatic tank, and even a jungle environment, but they place a particular emphasis on the Mediterranean aquatic system and conservation.
The Blue Fin Tuna became a special project for the aquarium as overfishing, illegal fishing and bad management led to alarming drops in fish stocks in the Mediterranean.
It is extremely difficult to raise Blue Fin Tuna in an aquarium so EyeClick was brought on board to help build, together with the Palma aquarium designer, a virtual interactive experience with the fish. Palma visitors are engulfed in a one-of-a-kind deep water atmosphere amid schools of Blue Fin Tuna. The exhibit includes 5 wall projections. The large interactive floor features dozens of fish swimming below your feet, while the fish on the interactive wall spook if you get too close! EyeClick CEO Ariel Almos stated, “EyeClick was very proud to work on such an important project with the Palma Aquarium. This was a fantastic solution to the delicate nature of the Blue Fin Tuna plus it is a unique way to engage visitors.”
Water Cube to Become Water-themed Amusement Park
The National Aquatics Center in Beijing will become a high-end, water-themed amusement park when its current renovation project started last October has been completed, the "Beijing Times" reports.
With no more ticket sales for public tours, the renovated facility, known as the Water Cube, will operate as a general swimming facility. The new admission fee has not been confirmed, according to Wang Chun, Director of the Beijing Olympic Park Administration Committee.
Wang said apart from the Water Cubic, other Olympic venues, including the archery range, tennis courts and hockey rink in North Olympic Forest Park, also will open to the public at the end of this month.
Pink fans blast for Alton Towers
Pink fans have started a campaign against Alton Towers after hectic scenes following a concert at the Staffordshire theme park.
The multi-award winning pop star performed to a crowd of 28,000 on Sunday, but thousands found themselves in traffic chaos after the show, some unable to leave until 2.30am.
Disgruntled fans have set up a group on Facebook to voice their anger over how the event was managed.
Fearsome Moby Dick whale packed a mean bite 13 mln years ago
Researchers have discovered the fossilised skull of a mighty whale with a killer bite. According to the team, the beast could have shared the Miocene oceans with a giant shark.
Klaas Post of the Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam, the Netherlands, came across the sea monster's bones in Peru's Ica desert. These bones are nearly 12 to 13 million years old.
The giant whale, whose skull is 3 metres long, has now been named Leviathan melvillei after Moby Dick author Herman Melville.
At the Parks
Kennywood launches Sky Rocket roller coaster
Sky Rocket, Kennywood's new roller coaster, launched today at the West Mifflin amusement park. "We're confident our guests will enjoy this new addition to Kennywood's collection of great roller coasters," said General Manager Jerome Gibas.
Riders will go from 0 to 50 mph in less than 3 seconds up a 95-foot vertical ascent, down a 90-degree drop and then will lean forward in their seats and feel like they're flying when they go through the upside-down loop, the first for the park since the Steel Phantom.
This is all before the cork screw, barrel roll and second vertical drop jam packed into the 65-second roller coaster ride.
Dolly, Dollywood or Harry Potter on your radar? Take the pets, too
Going to crash the party and help Dolly Parton celebrate 25 years at Dollywood this summer? Or thinking about checking out the new Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios?
There are accommodations nearby for your pets. Doggywood is part of Dollywood in Pigeon Ford, Tenn. Space is limited (12 kennel runs and four cottages) but prices start at $15 daily.
We know that Dolly Parton is the dog-friendly type. She did a funny (but very serious!) spoof for PETA "I never should have left him," encouraging people to spend more time walking their dogs. And Purina has dog shows at Dollywood.
Active duty gets free Six Flags passes
This holiday weekend, Six Flags St. Louis will host its first Salute to Heroes, honoring the men and women serving our country with free admission into the theme park.
In addition, displays and booths will also be set up in the park representing the United States Military.
All active military personnel and reservists will receive a complimentary admission ticket to Six Flags St. Louis on July 1to 4 with valid military ID.
EarthQuest Adventures: An Eco Green Resort Coming to New Caney!
Ok, this is truly exciting news. Maybe you've heard about plans for Earth Quest Adventures, a resort due to open in New Caney (25 miles north of Houston) in 2013. I hadn't until recently and I couldn't wait to find out more. Not only is it going to be an amazingly cool theme park, which will be the ONLY Eco Green theme park in the world, but the three-phase development plans include so much more.
Approximately 1,600 acres has been secured for the entire project. The theme park, which will include five themed areas: sky, life, water, land and pangea, will cover 500 acres and offer 50 different rides to thrill seekers. "We expect to see 1.5 million people come through the theme park gates each year alone," said Chris Brown, president of Contour Entertainment (the resort's master planner and lead designer). "This will be much bigger than Astroworld."
Cedar Fair Announces 2010 Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment will hold its quarterly conference call with investors to discuss second quarter earnings results on Tuesday, August 3 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Participants on the call will include Dick Kinzel, chairman, president and chief executive officer, and Peter Crage, vice president – finance and chief financial officer.
WonderWorks Bridges the Gap Between Education and Entertainment for Vacationers
With summer vacation in full swing, parents and educators are singing the praises of WonderWorks – one of Pigeon Forge’s premier vacation destinations. By combining fun, completely interactive zones with science, art and physical challenges, WonderWorks is a comprehensive learning experience where visitors’ imaginations can run wild.
WonderWorks, is an amusement park for the mind or an easier way to describe it is as an indoor theme park that opened in 2006 and has nearly 60,000 square feet of fun for all ages. Housed in an upside down building (you have to see it to be believe it), WonderWorks appears to have been ripped from its foundation and set back down on its roof. Beneath its fascinating exterior, WonderWorks features a myriad of hands-on learning experiences, demonstrations and activities utilizing some of the most sophisticated graphic and audio presentation techniques available.
Disney opens first revamped Disney Store
The Walt Disney Co. opened the first of its revamped Disney Store locations at The Shops at Montebello on Tuesday.
The new-look Disney Store, word of which first surfaced in October 2009, is heavily reliant on interactive technology. Among the features are an interactive Disney Princess Castle, which has a "magic mirror" in which a Disney Princess appears to tell a story to children wearing a crown or holding a magic wand.
Each store will have a Disney Store Theater that will show animated and other short-form features, as well as help facilitate special in-store events.
Looff's roof making way for condo project
Some call it a historic structure, others call it an eyesore.
Love or hate it, Looff's roof, the old carousel top that sat idly for years in an empty downtown lot, will be cleared out this week to make way for a condominium project.
Assistant City Manager Suzanne Frick said Camden Property Trust, which owns the Looff and the property it sits on near Pine Avenue and Seaside Way, has begun removing the structure and should have it cleared within the next few days.
Do the Right Thing honorees celebrate at Seabreeze
Nick Reiss of East Rochester wasn’t trying to be a hero last year when he jumped from his car to help four people who’d been struck by a bus. He was just trying to do the right thing.
Reiss, now 18, was honored Tuesday with a $1,000 college scholarship at the Rochester Police Department’s annual Do the Right Thing picnic at Seabreeze Amusement Park.
$100 million waterpark proposed for New Baltimore
A $100 million hotel and indoor waterpark is being proposed for land in the Greene County town of New Baltimore.
The Greene Business Alliance announced this morning that MAR Holdings LLC has been granted a six-month option to acquire property where the park would be built. The development, the "Greene County Lodge and Waterpark Resort," would include 400 guest rooms, an 80,000 square-foot indoor water park, two restaurants, an arcade and meeting space.
It would be part of a new destination retail and entertainment park that Greene County officials are planning for just off the Thruway. According to state records, MAR Holdings is run by Michael Robinson of Medusa.
Premier Exhibitions Announces Preliminary Financial Results
Premier Exhibitions, Inc. today announced that the Company's results for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, which ended May 31, 2010, will be released after market hours on Thursday, July 8, 2010.
On a preliminary basis, the Company anticipates revenue for the first quarter of approximately $11 million, which is essentially flat compared with the first quarter last year, and reflects an approximate 7% increase compared with the preceding sequential quarter. Gross profit for the first quarter is expected to be between $4.4 million and $4.6 million, compared with $5.8 million in last year's first quarter and $2.8 million in the fourth quarter.
Can water park make an economic splash?
Greene County officials hope a $110 million indoor water park proposed for a site near the Thruway will kick off additional development and help lure a big-name retailer.
The water park plan -- unveiled Tuesday by the Greene County Industrial Development Agency -- calls for a 400-room hotel, two restaurants, and, of course, a water park. It is the first concrete proposal for a 325-acre site that county officials have targeted for massive development aimed at tourists and shoppers.
That project was first proposed in 2006 and won local approval two years later. Greene County has targeted outlet stores for the site, along with outdoor retailer Cabela's -- a company whose stores often draw heavy crowds.
New water park to open Thursday
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation will open the new water park at SportsCom at 10:15 a.m. Thursday. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Admission will be $3 for adults and $2 for children.
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department wants the public to be aware of a few things before coming to the new water park.
Patrons should bring their own chairs, and no coolers will be allowed.
Roanoke closing in on water park deal
An Hawaiian Falls water park proposed for Roanoke inched closer to reality this month as officials approved terms for an agreement between the city and Hawaiian Falls' parent company.
"This is a positive for Roanoke," said Mayor Carl "Scooter" Gierisch Jr., commenting on the council's motion after a brief executive session at the June 22 regular City Council meeting.
By 5-1 vote, the council approved the execution of an agreement between the city and Harvest Family Entertainment, which also owns and operates Hawaiian Falls water parks in Garland, The Colony and Mansfield.
New Germany, Minn. water park offers new cable-towing system for water sports fun
A high-flying tool is offering a new twist on water fun at a wake park west of the Twin Cities.
The 10K Wake Park in New Germany, Minn. includes a pond with an overhead cable system that pulls a rider across the water on wakeboards. The computer-controlled cable system has been hailed by coaches and riders as the future of wakeboarding.
"It's a cable that runs down and back. It gives a continuous ride," 10KWakes Director Kris Jedda explained. "It has a natural upward pull, so it pulls you up and out of the water."
Brenner Real Estate Group Closes Sale Of Don Carter All Star Lanes In Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Brenner Real Estate Group, a full service commercial real estate firm based in Fort Lauderdale, has announced that Bert Freehof, Vice President, Brokerage, has negotiated the sale of a family entertainment center, complete with a state-of- the- art, 64-lane bowling center in Baton Rouge, LA.
Promanas, an investment company, has purchased the Don Carter All Star Lanes located at 9829 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA. According to Mr. Freehof, the sale of the 62,500-square-foot center was a sale and lease-back transaction purchased expressly for return on investment. Mr. Freehof was exclusive agent representing the seller of the property, Don Carter All Star Lanes – Baton Rouge.
“Family Entertainment Centers that have been modernized have proven over the years to be fairly recession proof, which was what attracted the investment company to purchase the center in Baton Rouge,” said Mr. Freehof, who is now in his 37th year of representing investors and owners in commercial real estate transactions. The sale marks the fifth transaction over a six-year period that Mr. Freehof has managed for Don Carter All Star Lanes involving a family entertainment center featuring bowling lanes, and the seventh transaction overall.
State Fair Grandstand, Speedway to be demolished this summer
The city's only venue for car racing will be demolished later this summer.
The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to seek bids on the demolition of the State Fair's grandstand and speedway.
The 2010 racing season was canceled after the city cut off electricity to the grandstand last summer because of concerns the 56-year-old electrical system was out of code and posed a safety risk to fans and workers at the track.
Military, veterans get in for free at State Fair
The Wisconsin State Fair will be recognizing members of the military and veterans with free admission Sunday, Aug. 15. The promotion is being sponsored by Walmart.
A special Military and Veterans Recognition Day voucher is available at the Fond du Lac County Veterans Service Office, 50 N. Portland St. A military ID, VA ID or a discharge (DD Form 214) form is required to redeem the voucher at the fair. The voucher is only valid on Sunday, Aug. 15. The voucher and ID are both required for free admission.
Statewide Fair Passes Grant Admission to All New York County Fairs
New York State's fair season kicks off this weekend as the first of 54 county and youth fairs gets underway.
This year, the State Fair Associtation is selling a pass that grants access to every county fair in the state - from Long Island to Watertown to our own fairs in the Western New York area.
The pass costs $100 and covers entrance for two guests and any parking costs.
The California State Fair's new start date is just two weeks away, and fair officials are on edge.
Paid attendance is down 46 percent since 2001. Adding to the sense of urgency are numbers showing Cal Expo is facing a $1 million shortfall this year.
Fair managers are counting on the new July 14 start date, a month earlier than usual, to help attract more visitors.
Funds available to renovate Tulsa Zoo giraffe barn
City councilors were told Tuesday that there is roughly $500,000 in sales tax funds to go towards renovating the aging giraffe barn at the Tulsa Zoo.
The council also received an update on the privatization of the zoo that is currently under way.
In the past six months, the zoo has had two young female giraffes die - one who died of hypothermia and the other from a broken neck.
New Space Gallery at The Seattle Museum of Flight Breaks Ground
Seattle’s Museum of Flight broke ground today on the first phase of its new 15,500-square-foot “Human Space Flight Gallery.” While the Museum has long planned to expand its space exhibits, the new state-of-the-art gallery is a precondition to being awarded one of the retiring United States Space Shuttles, which may be delivered on the back of a Boeing 747 as early as July, 2011.
Joining retired astronaut and Museum CEO Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar and Interim President and former President of Microsoft, Michael Hallman, was Washington State Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen. Lt. Governor Owen spoke to the importance of the Space Gallery to Washington State and the greater Northwest, as both an educational beacon for science and engineering, as well as a stimulus to tourism, the fourth largest industry in the State.
The new Space Gallery, costing approximately $12 million, will be located on the west side of East Marginal Way, across the street from the main museum campus. The State legislature earlier approved $3 million in capital support to build the Gallery, with the remaining coming from private foundations and individual donations. While a decision has not yet been made on where these last Shuttles will retire, having a climate-controlled building in place for the Space Shuttle is among the requirements that NASA established in its 2008 and 2009 Requests for Information (RFI) to the public.
Mummies of the World exhibit opens Thursday
Very few symbols from the ancient world inspire our curiosity as much as "mummies." What did those ancient living beings see and experience? The highly anticipated Mummies of the World exhibit opens in Los Angeles this week.
The California Science Center may feature the latest modern technology, but its new exhibit is digging deep into the past. Really deep in some cases.
"Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real mummies ever assembled, and it's having its world debut at the California Science Center," said Dr. Diane Perlov, California Science Center.
Broad Files for Permit for Grand Avenue Museum Site
Philanthropist Eli Broad has filed for a permit that would pave the way for grading at the Grand Avenue site he has targeted for a new art museum. It is the strongest indication yet that Broad will choose Downtown Los Angeles as the location for the Broad Collections.
Additionally a person with intimate knowledge of the proceedings, who asked not to be named because they do not have permission to comment publicly, told Los Angeles Downtown News that the plan is to begin construction on a parking garage for the museum by August or September. Broad has said the museum, which still needs approval from the County Board of Supervisors and the joint powers authority overseeing the Grand Avenue project, would be set on top of the garage so it could face Grand Avenue. He said in May that he hopes to open the $200 million facility in 2012.
Tut exhibition opens at Denver Art Museum
A traveling exhibition of relics from the age of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun opened Tuesday at the Denver Art Museum.
“Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs,” at the DAM's new Frederic C. Hamilton Building, runs until Jan. 9, 2011, and is expected to draw big crowds.
The exhibition contains some 100 objects from the tombs of King Tut and other pharaohs — including stone sculptures, clothing and burial items — that rarely leave Egypt.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Amusement-Park-Ride Accident in South China Kills Six
An accident on an amusement park ride in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen yesterday killed six people and injured 10 others.
Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Holdings Co. disclosed the accident on the “Space Journey” ride in a Shenzhen stock exchange filing late yesterday, without giving accident details. The company will shut parts of the Overseas Chinese Town East park for three days, according to a statement on the park’s website.
The ride collapsed at about 4 p.m. local time yesterday, trapping 48 people, said the Southern Metropolis Daily newspaper, based in the nearby city of Guangzhou. A power shortage struck the ride, a simulated rocket-launch experience, before the accident, the official Xinhua News Agency said late yesterday, citing a rider who survived the accident, identified only by the surname Zhang.
Theme park set for £180k upgrade
Pleasurewood Hills is investing £180,000 in its facilities for the summer season.
The money is being spent upgrading soundproofing and the park's layout, and on new computer systems and conferencing facilities, along with a number of cosmetic improvements.
The attraction at Gunton in Lowestoft won 'Best Visitor Experience' award in the 2009 Tourism in Suffolk Awards, but its managers say they are keen to keep 'making progress' and developing its facilities.
Al Majaz Park in Sharjah set to undergo makeover
One of the most populated residential areas in Sharjah, Al Majaz, will soon witness a beautification project, it was announced on Tuesday.
Marwan Jasem Al Sarkal, chief executive of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), told Gulf News that the park in Al Majaz was chosen to be developed since it is a populated area that is close to the city's main attraction of Al Buhairah Corniche.
"Shurooq will start its construction work on a project to develop Al Majaz Park, one of the emirate's leading tourist attractions, after completion of the preparatory works," Al Sarkal said.
The Parks Worldwide
Peter Jackson's King Kong 360 3-D ride opens Tuesday at Universal Studios Hollywood
On Tuesday, King Kong 360 3-D, which is billed as "the world's largest 3-D experience," makes its grand opening at Universal Studios Hollywood and, if the attraction lives up to the advance buzz, the park's venerable tram tour will never be the same. The attraction's creative team included Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, who brought the world's most famous ape back to theater screens in 2005, and the visual effects wizards at Weta, but the jungle spectacle is far more than moving pictures on a screen.
Core Cashless installs cashless system at Luna Park
Kansas-based Core Cashless has announced the installation of their comprehensive cashless system at Luna Park in New York's Coney Island, which opened Memorial Day weekend. The Core system installation was completed just prior to opening and has already greatly impacted the efficiency and expediency of admissions and the total guest experience along with enhanced management of park operations.
All aspects of Luna Park’s operations, including ride admissions, concessions, merchandise sales, group sales, season passes & employee time management, are administered by the use of Core Cashless’ cutting-edge technology.
The partnership between Core Cashless and Luna Park is a strong example of improving efficiencies in park operations and the attractions industry. The two organizations have developed a valued working relationship that have both excited about the favorable results each will recognize.
Seaside Heights landmark began its life elsewhere before making boardwalk home
For something that only moves in a circle, it sure has a lot of mileage on it.
Monday marked the centennial of the Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Historic Dentzel/Looff Carousel, "the heart and soul of Casino Pier," according to Josh Karu, the amusement center's operations manager.
The anniversary celebration included a Dixieland band, a face painter and a balloon artist. There also was a special cake, which was a smaller version of the carousel, from Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, home of the "Cake Boss" on the cable television channel TLC.
Six Flags announces launch of new game for Facebook
Six Flags Entertainment, the world's largest regional theme park company, today announced the launch of its newest adventure, Mascot Park for Facebook. Mascot Park delivers fun for gamers of all ages who are looking for more social interaction, creativity and zany antics in their daily playtime. Fun seekers can start their own Mascot Park mayhem by going to facebook.com/mascotpark.
As the game begins, players enter the Mascot Park world as a customizable mascot with a single goal, to become the star of the show. Players put on performances to entertain friends. Better shows gain more fans and coins, thus giving players the ability to buy new costumes, unlock new mascots and add stage props and sets. Participants can invite their friends to join the show and add their own personal flavor by dropping a cartoon-style TNT box that splats a friend's mascot or by choosing the classic pie-in-the-face maneuver. In Mascot Park, social collaboration exists on every level.
"We designed this game to be inherently more social than other Facebook games because players actually interact with their friends' shows and mascots," said John Welch, CEO of Making Fun. "If fans are so inclined, they can throw an ax at a friend's mascot while putting on a show or dazzle them with pyrotechnics. Players can decide the level of interaction."
More legal troubles for Freestyle Music Park
One of Freestyle Music Park's creditors has asked a federal court for a default judgement against the park, totaling nearly $14 million.
Tetra financial group filed the motion and claims the amusement park failed to make payments to Tetra on leases of restaurant equipment and other property.
Tetra accelerated the payment of all amounts due under the lease, which adds up to $13.9 million.
Crews Demolish What's Left Of Kiddieland
The Kiddieland amusement park in west suburban Melrose Park closed its gates for good in September after 81 years of thrilling kids.
Now comes the wrecking ball. Demolition of what remains of the shuttered amusement park begins today, finishing off a process that has caused heartbreak for its fans.
And just as the Riverview amusement park gave way to a shopping center on Western Avenue, Kiddieland also will be replaced by shopping – a Costco store, to be precise. The bulk retailer signed a letter of intent to build on the old Kiddieland site in October. The store is expected to be open by November.
Discover named Six Flags' official credit card
Discover has been named the official credit card of all of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s U.S. theme, water and animal parks. The multi-million dollar exclusive partnership agreement spans 11 markets, includes multi-platform branding through in-park and online media, and provides Discover cardmembers with money-saving benefits and exclusive experiences.
“Many of our cardmembers are already big fans of theme parks, so this partnership with Six Flags, the world’s largest regional theme park company, is a terrific benefit,” said Julie Loeger, senior vice president of brand and product management at Discover. “Plus, delivering value is part of Discover’s DNA, and that’s exactly what cardmembers will find through the rewards and benefits in this program.”
The core of the program is a five percent instant discount incentive for Six Flags park guests and their families when they use a Discover card, in-park or online, to make purchases of admission tickets and season passes, as well as food, retail, games and attractions.
Great Wolf to Bay at Disneyland's Door
The park-centric state of California will join the craze and get its first indoor water park. According to Great Wolf Resorts, the company has signed an agreement to bring a Great Wolf Lodge water park resort to Garden Grove, just minutes from Disneyland. At a planned 100,000 square feet, the indoor water park would be the largest in the chain's portfolio of North American resorts and one of the largest indoor water parks in the world. Plans also call for a 600-suite hotel, 30,000 square feet of meeting space, and other indoor entertainment features. The Great Wolf Lodge properties typically include a spa, restaurants, and attractions such as MagiQuest interactive games, miniature golf, and a children's club with a full range of activities. Pending approval, Great Wolf and its partners expect to break ground in 2011.
Kings Island to offer free tickets for military personnel Independence Day weekend
The Kings Island amusement park prides itself on providing world-class thrills, fun and family entertainment for guests of all ages.
Kings Island is also proud of the brave men and women who serve in the United State military and the park will show its appreciation with a free regular admission ticket to any past or present military personnel Sunday, July 4, and Monday, July 5.
As part of Kings Island 'Tribute to the Armed Force' program, military service men and women will be able to purchase discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family. The discounted family price (maximum of six tickets) is $29.99, according to the park, and a valid military ID must be presented.
State eases rules on Disney’s liquor license
The state recently eased up restrictions on Disney’s liquor license, making it simpler for the company to sell alcohol in more areas within Disney California Adventure.
The new rules allow the park to put up temporary bars and stands, such as the ones at the new nightly Glow Fest, without getting further permission from the state Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Previously, Disney had to get approval from the state every time the park added a new bar, said Dan Hart, the Alcoholic Beverage Control district administrator who is in charge of Orange County. Now, Disney officials can put up short-term serving spots whenever they wish.
Putting the new Harry Potter theme park to the test
Harry Potter fans from London to Lincoln Park have been eagerly waiting for Universal Orlando Resort’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to open its doors to muggles (that’s us non-wizards).
The 20-acre project at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park brings the popular Harry Potter books and movies to life with rides, shops and replicas of the famous Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade village. It took 2½ years and a reported $265 million to build. The jam-packed grand opening was June 18.
But does it live up to the hype? Three young Chicago fans rated the newest mecca for Harry Potterphiles on a scale of one to five broomsticks, with five being the best.
Fireworks, Food and Fun Highlight Cedar Point's Fourth of July Weekend
Special entertainment, delicious meals, and money saving deals will be available at Cedar Point during the Fourth of July Weekend, Thursday through Monday, July 1-5.
Guests will even have a few extra hours to enjoy the Independence Day festivities at Cedar Point as the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort will be open until 1 a.m. on Sunday, July 4. That leaves nearly three hours to enjoy all of the park's rides and attractions after the fireworks display ends. Plus, Starlight Admission, beginning at 5 p.m., is only $29.99 for eight hours of fun and excitement!
Canada Day Fireworks and Fun at Canada's Wonderland
Canada's Wonderland will celebrate Canada Day in true Canadian style with a spectacular fireworks display. The Park will light up the sky with a world-class fireworks show by FXWORXS. This year's show will feature over 4000 explosions and custom fireworks designed just for Canada's Wonderland, set to a soundtrack of some of Canada's biggest hits. Beginning at approximately 10:00pm, weather permitting, this show is included with Park admission!
Canada Day will also see the premier of the Park's 2 exciting dive shows. Kinet-X - a brand new acrobatic dive show, follows the rhythms of urban acrobats as they dive, twist, and fly above Arthur's Baye. Catch one of four shows daily from July 1 until September 6.
The Victoria Falls High Divers will also astound guests with competitive dives off Victoria Falls to the base of Wonder Mountain beginning on July 1.
New Caney residents split over theme park plans
A state of the art theme park is coming to Montgomery County, and it will mean thousands of jobs for the area. The park, which is set to be built in New Caney, is said to be the only "green" theme park in the world. Even though it will create new jobs and be a boost to the economy, not everyone is happy about the plans.
It's a massive project that will dwarf what Astroworld once was. And while it's expected to provide a boom to the local economy there, some residents are not excited about the growing pains that will come along with it.
Residents in the New Caney area, of east Montgomery County, have heard it's coming. And the billboard is up touting what local officials hope is a global destination theme park.
You’ll soon be able to catch a wave in Kissimmee at Fantasy Surf
Catching a wave in landlocked Kissimmee doesn’t seem likely. But soon tourists and locals will be able to experience the rush of sliding, riding and surfing waves when Fantasy Surf opens this October.
The new $4 million indoor aquatic recreation venue will be located near U.S. 192 and State highway 535 on FantasyWorld Resort property. Fantasy Surf will feature the patented FlowRider system that has the look of surfing and wakeboarding, ride of snowboarding, and tricks of skateboarding in a controlled environment. The thrills and techniques developed from this water experience have even spawned a new competitive sport – Flowboarding.
A merchant in the Florida Mall used to offer indoor surfing, but they recently closed. Besides Fantasy Surf, the only other option for surfing in the Orlando area are the early lessons sometimes offered at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
Low Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury from Roller Coaster Rides, Researcher Says
With July 4th around the bend, if you’ve ever feared a head injury from a roller coaster ride, it’s time to stop worrying and enjoy your local amusement parks. Although a significant body of scientific research has long contended that the physics behind gravitational force isn’t enough to cause problems, misconceptions have abounded anyway, said Bryan Pfister, PhD, an assistant professor in the department of biomedical engineering at NJIT.
Pfister recently set out to disprove such misconceptions in his paper “Head Motions While Riding Roller Coasters: Implications for Brain Injury,” (The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Dec. 2009). The paper makes the case that “there appears to be an extremely low risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to the head motions induced by roller coaster rides.”
“The risk of TBI while riding roller coasters has received substantial attention. Case reports of TBI around the time of riding roller coasters have led many medical professionals to assert that the high gravitational forces (G-forces) induced by roller coasters pose a significant TBI risk. Head injury research, however, has shown that G-forces alone cannot predict TBI,” said Pfister.
Canada's Wonderland Find the Flag Contest
here’s something sneaky going on at Canada’s Wonderland! Meteorologist Anthony Farnell is hiding the Global Toronto flag throughout the amusement park, and it’s your job to find it!
If you do, you could win the ultimate Canada’s Wonderland VIP experience for four!
Tune into the News Hour at 6pm every Friday from July 2nd to August 27th when Anthony reveals where he’s hidden the flag.
Licensing Expo 2010 Attendance Up 15 Percent
Licensing International Expo 2010's attendance was up 15 percent over last year. The Advanstar Global Licensing Group reported pre-registered attendance of 21,000 for the trade show, which concluded on June 10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
International visitors were also up by more than 14 percent at the three-day expo, including key representation from Japan, France, Mexico, United Kingdom, Russia, Spain, Singapore and China.
"The 2010 show was our highest attended show in many years with our opening day receiving more visitors than the entire three days of last year's show," says Liz Crawford, show director with Advanstar Global Licensing Group. "We were thrilled with the quality of attendees, the quantity of key retailers and international visitors to the show. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive."
Miley Cyrus To Help Dolly Parton To Celebrate 25 Years Of Dollywood
Dolly Parton’s Dollywood may be older than Miley Cyrus, but that does not stop her from joining the celebration. Recently it was announced that Miley would help Dolly Parton to celebrate 25 years of Dollywood, which is Dolly’s own theme park along with a few other country stars. This would include Miley’s own father Billy Ray Cyrus. The show will air on the CMT station, July 3rd.
Reinventing malls, one entertainment attraction at a time
Shopping centers — struggling to get sales back on track after the recession — are no longer relying just on stores to drive traffic.
More and more, malls in the Kansas City area and elsewhere are turning to “retail-tainments” — bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, outdoor concert series, doll beauty salons, aquariums, giant Lego playgrounds and model train displays — to entice customers to come back, to come more often and to stay longer.
And, of course, to do some shopping.
Operator Named for Garden Grove Water Park
Colorado-based hotel developer McWhinney Enterprises LLC has tapped Great Wolf Resorts Inc. to operate the developer’s indoor water park planned for Garden Grove.
Wisconsin-based Great Wolf announced Monday its plans to oversee the water park, which is part of the $300 million, 10.3-acre water park hotel set to go up in Garden Grove.
The Great Wolf Lodge will be part McWhinney’s International West Resort, which in addition to the water park is set to include 600 suites and 30,000 square feet of meeting space.
Witness: Water Park Lifeguards Not Prepared
A 4-year-old boy is in serious condition at Kosair Children's Hospital after nearly drowning Sunday at Atlantis Water Park in Clarksville, Ind.
Some parents are saying lifeguards at the park were not prepared.
The water park was quick to defend itself and its lifeguards, but also admitted there were some shortcomings.
Former splash park owner cries foul over land deal
The former owner of the defunct Niagara Splash Water Park wants the 20-acre site back, asserting that the Empire State Development Corp. and the Seneca Nation of Indians violated a 2006 agreement in which the land was taken through the state's eminent domain powers.
John P. Bartolomei said Monday that he's gone to court to get the 2006 deal overturned because the site at John Daly and Rainbow boulevards isn't owned by the Seneca Nation, as the deal envisioned.
Bartolomei said Empire State Development pledged to turn that land over to the Nation, but instead it's owned by the Seneca Niagara Falls Gaming Corp., officially a private entity.
Grand opening of Saginaw's renovated Andersen Water Park is delayed
Saginaw residents will have to wait a little longer for some wet fun in the sun.
Jeff Klopcic, Saginaw's technical services director, said aqua-enthusiasts will have to wait before the newly renovated Andersen Water Park will make its grand opening.
He said the decision to delay the opening was made after a meeting with City Manager Darnell Earley earlier this morning found the park's hydroseeded grass has not grown. Opening the park before the grass is grown could ruin its landscape because of foot traffic and may force a reseed of the grass according to Klopcic, coordinator of the park's planning.
Sienna Plantation Opens Third Resort-Style Water Park
Sienna Plantation has opened its third resort-style water park in the Johnson Development Corporation community – The Resort at Sienna Springs. Sienna Plantation’s addition of The Resort at Sienna Springs is 9,000 square feet of water features with the ability to accommodate 750 residents.
The Resort at Sienna Springs is divided into specific zones for adults and children. The children’s zones feature two water slides. One is a large, tunnel drop slide, and the other is a slower, meandering slide. Both slides empty into a plunge pool that features a waterfall.
Other amenities for children include a giant lily pad obstacle course and life-sized water cannons that emerge from the pool. A zero entry beach provides easy access for smaller children and features bubbling water jets.
Swimmers feel difference in new Wild Island filter system
Swimming pools and chlorine can be an irritating mix for swimmers' skin and eyes, but a new filtration system at the Wild Island Family Adventure Park in Sparks offers clean water without harsh chemicals.
Before opening May 15, the park installed an ultraviolet filtration system, making it the first outdoor water park in North America with all pools fully UV protected, officials said.
The new system, made by Engineered Treatment Systems, eliminates parasites and microorganisms such as cryptosporidium and giardia that are resistant to chlorine.
Zoo presses ahead with penguin exhibit
Tough criticism of the Calgary Zoo's approach to expanding its collection won't stop the facility from plunging ahead with a new, $24.5-million penguin exhibit.
Construction is already underway on the Antarctic Landing exhibit, which will eventually feature as many as 90 penguins from four species.
"It's been thoroughly planned out and it's well underway," said zoo spokeswoman Laurie Herron.
Man to be arraigned for groping at theme park
An arraignment date has been scheduled for a San Francisco man accused of groping three girls at a Santa Clara amusement park.
Authorities say 64-year-old Siegfried Gramatzki, also known as Frederick Stein, faces two felony counts of child molestation and one count of battery when he appears in Santa Clara County Superior Court on July 6.
Santa Clara police say the girls ranging in ages from 10 to 17 complained to the staff at California's Great America that they were touched and groped by a man on June 6.
There is a decidedly frisky feel to a recent series of advertisements promoting the scholarly joys of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Pictures taken by visitors show friends posing hammily in front of the museum’s exhibits: a young man plays air guitar next to some exotic lutes, an amorous couple lock lips before a Rodin sculpture. The most irreverent of all shows three grinning children in a gallery of Egyptian mummies, with a friend satirically swathed in toilet paper. “It’s time we Met” proclaims the poster, cheesily. It’s a happy scene, with a subtext: the austere museum known throughout the world for its academic rigour and its peerless collections is these days not above slumming it in the marketing jungle with a larky pun or two.
In his handsome office overlooking the city skyline, Thomas P Campbell, the museum’s British director, 18 months into the most prestigious job in world culture, extends the joke, talking faux-ominously of the “security issues” that allowed the children to execute their prank.
But there is a serious issue at play. Museums are having to reinvent themselves in the 21st century as they compete with the dizzying variety of audio-visual stimuli on offer. As a portentous New York Times commentary put it on the announcement of Campbell’s surprise appointment nearly two years ago: “In a culture of American Idol and Damien Hirst, the Met can no longer rely on the singularity of its objects to justify its existence.”
MoMA Attendance Hits Record High
What do you get when you combine a mischievous filmmaker, a cache of floral masterpieces and a handful of nude performers? A record box office.
The Museum of Modern Art attracted its highest-ever number of visitors, 3.09 million, during its 2010 fiscal year, according to estimates released Monday by the museum. (The tally is an estimate because the museum's fiscal year does not end until June 30.) The figure represents an increase of 250,000 over the previous year's attendance, and a 530,000 increase over the museum's first full year of operation in its new building (fiscal year 2006).
Despite a slow economy and MoMA's relatively high ticket price of $20, a number of exhibitions generated heavy traffic, including "Monet's Water Lilies" (857,386 visitors) and "Tim Burton" (810,511). A retrospective of the work of performance artist Marina Abramovic, during which the artist sat silently on a chair in the museum for the entire course of the three-month show, attracted 561,471 viewers.
Hannibal, Mo., is celebrating 175th anniversary of Mark Twain's birth
If anyone ever had a hankering to find out more about Mark Twain, this could be just the summer to do it.
Hannibal, Mo., is celebrating the 175th anniversary of the famous writer's birth, the 125th anniversary of publication of his masterpiece, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and the 100th anniversary of his death.
Mark Twain was the pen name for Samuel Clemens, who was born in 1835 in a two-room, rented cabin at nearby Florida, Mo. He was the sixth of seven children. When he was 4, the family moved to Hannibal. His father died when Clemens was 12.
AROUND THE GLOBE
CVC Capital buys £2.25bn stake in Merlin
Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners has acquired a 28 percent stake in theme park operator Merlin Entertainments for £2.25bn.
The deals sees private equity firm Blackstone reduce its stake and Dubai International Capital (DIC) dispose of its remaining shares.
Merlin is now owned 36 percent by family-owned investment company KIRKBI, 34 percent by Blackstone and 28 percent by CVC. Its management hold the remaining shares, with the owners ‘setting aside a further significant stake’ for a staff incentive plan.
Nick Varney, Merlin chief executive, said: “We are delighted that CVC has decided to invest in Merlin Entertainments as we continue to pursue our exciting plans to expand this unique business.”
Shanghai World Expo attendance hits 20 mln mark
More than 20 million people have visited the World Expo Park in Shanghai since its official opening on May 1, organizers said Monday.
The number of Expo visitor arrivals broke the 20-million mark Monday, the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination said in a statement, adding that the number of visitor arrivals passed the 10-million mark June 5.
A new daily attendance record was set Saturday when 553,500 people visited the Expo Park.
New Amusement Park to Increase Number of Visitors in Bojnice
A new amusement park construction is set to take place in Bojnice (Trencin region) in 2011, with Kastor company as the project developer.
"This entertainment, relaxation and educational complex is estimated to enhance the number of tourist visits to Bojnice already in 2013, a date by which we plan to open the premises to the public," said Kastor managing board chairman Jan Badzgon.
The project was preceded by complex and lengthy expert discussions, with all the documentation weighing 4 kilos. Finally, Bojnice became the final choice of location. However, the crisis and problems surrounding land issues extended the preparation phase of the project by a year and a half.
Science Museum asks 'Who am I?'
The Science Museum in London opened its refurbished ‘Who am I?’ gallery this weekend to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the announcement of the first draft of the human genome.
‘Who am I?’ - refurbished in part through a £2.5 million capital award from the Wellcome Trust - presents the latest in biomedical research, from neuroscience through to genetics, allowing visitors to explore how science is transforming our understanding of what it means to be human. It contains a number of exhibits about the work of Trust-funded scientists including Professor Mike Stratton, Director of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, and neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott from UCL.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Chris Rapley, Director of the Science Museum, said: "the 'Who am I?' gallery addresses some very big questions, which we know fascinate our visitors - such as 'what makes each of us unique' - through a fascinating mix of up-to-date research, historical objects, exclusive art works and hands-on, multimedia exhibits. The interactive multimedia exhibits have been inspired by the research projects under way now in research laboratories across the globe."
Las Vegas isn’t the only place where colossal casino resorts wage war for market supremacy. The latest battle is unfolding in Singapore.
How big is this fight? Marina Bay Sands, which cost about $5.5 billion and just had its grand opening on June 23, is the second most expensive casino property ever and has 2,560 hotel rooms spread among three towers. (Only CityCenter in Vegas, at about $8.5 billion, cost more to build.) It’s going toe-to-toe with Resorts World Sentosa, which cost about $4.4 billion and opened its casino in February. Resorts World Sentosa has four hotels (including the first designed by Michael Graves) already open, with 1,350 rooms combined. Two more hotels with 500 rooms are planned.
More news from the Parks
Kennywood Debuts New Sky Rocket Roller Coaster
Kennywood Park debuted its new roller coaster, the Sky Rocket, to the media on Monday morning.
Channel 11 has crews at the park, riding the ride. Check back for videos and photos. The slideshow in the left corner is from a couple of months ago.
Kennywood describes the Sky Rocket as “a seriously twisted, pulse detonating, supercharged, stratospheric new ride experience.” The amusement park said riders will “vertical climb and say adios to gravity as (they) go over-the-top and plummet 90-degrees due south.”
The day has finally come! We opened Shoot the Rapids this morning to a crowd of excited fans. Came on a perfect day, too - hot & humid. Perfect for a new water ride!
Cedar Point's New Shoot the Rapids Water Ride Opens for the Summer!
The newest ride at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort, Shoot the Rapids, opened for the season earlier today, Saturday, June 26.
"The first hill rocks," said Jeff Braschares, from Delaware, Ohio, who rode the new water ride with his wife and 9-year-old daughter. "You get super wet at the bottom of the first hill!"
Located on the Frontier Trail, Shoot the Rapids is Cedar Point's third water ride. The new family thrill ride features two hills and two splash landings. The first hill is 85 feet-tall, one of the tallest water ride hills in the world, while the second hill crests 49 feet above the ground. At the bottom of the first hill, boats are traveling nearly 50 mph! To ride Shoot the Rapids, guests must be at least 48 inches tall or 46 inches tall and accompanied by a responsible adult.
Wrecking ball poised to finish off Kiddieland
The Kiddieland amusement park in Melrose Park closed its gates for good in September after 81 years of thrilling kids. Now comes the wrecking ball.
Demolition of the shuttered amusement park begins today, finishing off a process that has caused heartbreak for its fans.
And just as the Riverview amusement park gave way to a shopping center on Chicago's North Side, Kiddieland also will be replaced by shopping - a Costco store, to be precise.
Making Fun CEO John Welch on Six Flags Mascot Park, developing for Facebook
Last month theme park giant Six Flags announced that it was riding onto Facebook with Six Flags Mascot Park, a game where players can create colorful mascots and make them dance and perform. The game is being developed through a collaboration between noise and Making Fun, whose co-founder is none other than casual gaming veteran and former PlayFirst CEO John Welch. Gamezebo chatted with Welch about Six Flags Mascot Park and what it's like going from Diner Dash to social games.
Disney finds big savings in Buzz Lightyear’s spacesuit
One of the original attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the Jungle Cruise is a tongue-in-cheek voyage that, on both coasts, carries riders past robotic lions, zebras, snakes and hippos. And yet, for years, the boat captains in California wore different costumes than their Florida counterparts.
That changed just a few years ago, when Disney adopted identical outfits for both Orlando and Anaheim — the same ones, in fact, now used in Disney’s Animal Kingdom by drivers in the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction.
Such moves are discreet examples of the cost-cutting under way at Walt Disney Co.’s domestic theme parks in an effort to merge many operations at Disney World and Disneyland. Dubbed “One Disney,” the initiative rapidly accelerated early last year when Disney, its profits under pressure amid the global recession, eliminated 1,900 jobs at its U.S. resorts.
Dallas-based Dave & Busters eatery, entertainment chain to enter Orlando
Dave & Busters Inc. finalized a deal this month to enter the Orlando market, after years of flirting with the idea.
The Dallas-based company operates 57 restaurant/bar/entertainment complexes nationwide and in Canada serving burgers, pastas, salads and other American fare. It also features arcade games, virtual sports and pool tables.
It will be the sole tenant on the shuttered Race Rock restaurant site on the International Drive tourist corridor with landlord National Retail Properties LP.
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., North America's largest family of indoor waterpark resorts, announced that it has signed License and Management Agreements related to the development of a new 600-suite Great Wolf Lodge resort in Garden Grove, California's world famous International West Resort. The resort will be located less than two miles from Disneyland, near Anaheim and Los Angeles, and will be developed by McWhinney.
Great Wolf Resorts will receive license fees for use of the Great Wolf Lodge brand name and other intellectual property at the resort, and will receive management fees to operate the resort on behalf of the owner. It will also advise on certain development-related matters. The resort will be owned by a joint-venture, with Great Wolf Resorts receiving a minority equity interest for its development-related services. Additionally, the City of Garden Grove will contribute cash and bond proceeds to the resort, as well as establish a financing district to develop an adjacent parking structure.
Downtown Disney: No Fixes Needed
In 2001, Walt Disney Co. opened a billion-dollar Anaheim expansion that included a second theme park, a third hotel and a mall.
Nearly a decade later, the company is dropping another billion dollars to fix parts of the expansion, mainly the disappointing Disney California Adventure Park.
Another piece of the 2001 expansion, the Downtown Disney District mall, seems to be doing just fine. Nestled between California Adventure and the original Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney has a waiting list of tenants wanting to get in.
Short-Term-Rental Mangers Get Lesson on Legoland
Those who work in the short-term-rental industry got an education in Legoland recently.
On June 17, Mark Jackson, Polk County's director of tourism and sports marketing, hosted members of the Central Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale.
Jackson gave the attendees a background in Legoland Florida, scheduled to open next year at the former Cypress Gardens site in Winter Haven, bringing with it 50 rides, up to 1,000 jobs and a hotel.
Water show adds some splash to Disney after-dark hours
With the launch of the “World of Color” water show earlier this month, there’s finally a reason to stay at Disney California Adventure after dark.
The 26-minute show keeps you wondering how they did it as 200-foot-high streams of water, bursts of laser beams and flashes of fire (hot enough to feel onshore) bring Paradise Bay alive.
The play of 1,200 fountains synchronize with the music and visual clips from recent Disney and Pixar cartoon features.
Kings Dominion Continues Its 'Tribute to the Armed Forces' for the Independence Day Weekend
Kings Dominion, is pleased to announce that it will offer FREE admission to active, retired and former United States military personnel on Sunday and Monday of July 4th weekend as a part of its Tribute to the Armed Forces program. The exact dates are July 4 and 5, 2010 and include all branches of the service, including National Guard and Reserves.
The free ticket offer will be available on the Sunday and Monday and a valid military ID or discharge papers must be presented at Kings Dominion on one of the dates of the program.
Also as a part of its Tribute to the Armed Forces program, active, retired and former members of the U.S. military will be able to purchase discounted admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) at a special military discount price of $33.99 at the park. Many of the MWR and ITT Recreation offices located in the Mid-Atlantic region also offer discounted admission tickets, as well as, a special picnic package for these dates at their locations (picnic packages must be purchased in advance).
At tourist attractions nationwide, cellphone apps can enhance your visit
What did I want to do, my adoring family asked, on Mother's Day? Go to Six Flags! I said.
I know: It's a nontraditional alternative to brunch and spa treatments. But as a lifelong roller coaster addict, I was eager to try out the amusement park's new iPhone app, Fun Finder, and see how it might enhance a day among the rides. We downloaded the app onto three devices and roped in some friends, and off we went to Six Flags America in Largo.
I had two main hopes for Fun Finder: that it would help me avoid long lines for the biggest coasters and would let my 12-year-old son be a little more independent in the park. The app is divided into two main features: Park Pal and Fun Wheel. Park Pal is an electronic substitute for the poster-size paper map we've all struggled with. It includes all of the app's navigational tools: hours and events in a calendar format; ride descriptions, including minimum height and "thrill rating"; an interactive map of the park that interfaces with the phone's GPS (turn on iPhone Location Services) to show your location; and Friend Finder, which is supposed to help you keep track of the others in your party. Fun Wheel has two game areas: the Big Scream, a scavenger hunt that seems designed to steer you to the pay-to-play games, and Social Club, which "helps you find the best places to hang with friends."
New Monthly Payments Program Begins at Walt Disney World
Attention Florida residents … we’ve got some great news to share for those of you looking to spread out the cost of buying Walt Disney World annual passes. Our annual pass monthly payment program is now available online. And how it works is simple. Florida Residents make a down payment equal to the price of a non-discounted one-day Magic Your Way base ticket and then pay the remainder through 12 recurring automatic monthly payments scheduled for the year. It’s interest and finance charge free.
Wave of the future? $250M in waterpark projects could re-brand Poconos
The outdated "Honeymoon Capital of the World" moniker of the Poconos could be surpassed with a new title: "Indoor Waterpark Capital of the East."
If current plans come together, five indoor waterparks could call the region home — four in Tannersville alone — with about 13 acres of indoor waterpark space and a total of nearly 2,500 hotel rooms between planned and existing resorts.
Two of the three prospective groups already have submitted plans to Pocono Township proposing an indoor waterpark and hotel, and another has told the township of its intention to build one.
Water Parks Reach Full Capacity In Summer Heat
Tourists flocked to Orlando's water parks to beat the heat this weekend.
So many people showed up at SeaWorld's Aquatica on Saturday that they had to close the park.
Officials had to shut the doors at 12:45 p.m. when the park reached its maximum capacity.
The Comet at the Great Escape was once even scarier…
Let’s face it. The smartest thing Charles Wood ever did with that park – besides building it – was acquiring the Comet roller coaster from the Crystal Beach Amusement Park in Ontario. Anyone who’s been to the Great Escape can testify that the Comet is the best roller coaster in the park – and I’d argue it’s the best roller coaster in the Northeast.
When "St. Elmo's Fire" director Joel Schumacher arrived in Santa Cruz in the mid-1980s to scout locations for his next big film, "The Lost Boys," he took one look at the historic Beach Boardwalk and "saw the whole movie in my mind." Bordered by the forest and the beach, Schumacher thought the town gave off a transfixing aura that would provide the perfect cover for a bunch of vampires disguised as a band of motorcycle-riding punks.
"The movie didn't come together until I saw it," Schumacher said. "At the time, there was an enormous amount of transient kids moving through Santa Cruz. This is exactly where I would come if I was a teenage vampire."
Longtime fans of the 1987 film will get another opportunity to revel in the city's starring role when the Boardwalk screens "The Lost Boys" on the beach Wednesday. Actor Corey Feldman, who at 14 starred as one of the Frog brothers determined to kill the vampires, will introduce the movie.
Luxury pet hotel to open at Walt Disney World
Pets are soon to get their own hotel alongside their owners' at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
A new hotel catering to dogs and cats is scheduled to go into operation at the massive theme park on August 27, taking care of cats and dogs while their owners stay in one of the resort's 33 more traditional hotels.
The new "one-of-a-kind" Best Friends Pet Care Resort describes itself as a "luxury pet resort," offering everything from walkies to grooming for pampered pets.
Discovery Place reopens to huge crowds
The new Discovery Place in uptown reopened to crowds wrapped around the building. By the first hour, the museum was already at its 2,500 person capacity.
On Sunday, nine new exhibits were officially unveiled. For the past 18 months, the museum has undergone renovations with a $31 million price tag. The new additions include a diverse aquarium, 3-D digital theater and more hands-on activities.
According to Discovery Place President and CEO John Macakay, the public was invited to attend for free as a way to thank them for their patience during construction. Due to the economy, he said the museum never closed its doors, but cornered off areas that were undergoing renovations.
Life-size dinosaurs being built in Edmonton
Like a scene out of the movie Jurassic Park, 40 dinosaurs are coming to life in the woods north of Edmonton at the new Jurassic Forest attraction, which will open next month.
Jurassic Forest will be an educational and entertainment facility featuring 40 animatronic, life-size dinosaurs placed along more than two kilometres of boardwalks.
The park is on 16 hectares of land near Gibbons, Alta.
Child Nearly Drowns At Atlantis Water Park
A child is in critical condition after nearly drowning at Atlantis Park in Clarksville.
The boy's cousin said the child was supposed to be in the baby pool but went to the wave pool without anyone noticing.
Lifeguard manager Megan Rainville said one of her lifeguard's saw the 4-year-old boy not breathing in the water.
Get wet and wild at Coney this summer
You won’t have to jump in the ocean at Coney Island to get wet and wild this summer.
Three inflatable water slides will open during the July 4 weekend on the beach across from the Parachute Jump as part of a new “Water Slide Beach.”
The main attraction will be a 35-foot “Steeplechase Slide” — the largest of its kind in the world, according to its owner, Anthony Gach.
Strikes Bowling special supports Rocklin schools
With school over for the year, Rocklin families can have fun in a special way this summer – and support Rocklin schools.
Strikes Family Entertainment Center is making a special offer this summer for Rocklin families to enjoy bowling, pizza and games for a special price of $39.99 – with $10 going to the Rocklin Educational Excellence Foundation, which supports Rocklin Unified School District schools.
KC Zoo to add aerial tram over Africa plains exhibit
Purists may groan, but the kids will be wild about it. And isn’t that what zoos are about?
The Kansas City Zoo plans to build an aerial tram ride to give visitors an awesome view of African plains animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, lions, rhinos and one of the largest herds of scimitar-horned oryx in captivity.
“Yeah, we’re going to have a sky ride,” said a beaming Carol Hallquist, chairwoman of Friends of the Zoo, after a unanimous vote this week that will fundamentally alter the zoo experience.
AGO attendance set record in 2009-10
Toronto's Art Gallery of Ontario had record attendance of 878,478 visitors in 2009-10, the first full year since it reopened with a renovation by architect Frank Gehry.
About half that total — 404,364 people — attended the blockbuster show King Tut: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, which was held over into May of this year because of its popularity.
The AGO also reported strong financial performance at its annual general meeting Wednesday, with a surplus of $1.5 million at the March 31 year end. King Tut alone brought in profit of $1 million.
Cleveland museum unveils $350M expansion
The Cleveland Museum of Art has opened its doors on its massive new $350-million US space after an eight-year renovation.
Seventeen new galleries showcasing objects going back 5,000 years, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and African pieces, were unveiled to the general public on Saturday.
"The objects do look fresh, and new and different with this installation," said Stephen N. Fliegel, the museum's medieval art curator.
Children's Museum, Eiteljorg refresh images
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis launched a new logo and rebranding initiative this summer.
Officials say the images reflect the Children’s Museum’s status as the nationwide leader among its peers. The Indianapolis museum counted 1.3 million visitors in 2009, and it boasts 31,000 member households.
The new logo will appear on out-of-state billboards and television commercials this summer. Later in the season, the material will appear in local advertising and on museum signs.
River museum gets bigger, better
It's hard to believe the Port of Dubuque was once a pile of rusty industrial equipment.
It's now a gleaming tourist attraction that just keeps getting bigger and better. Today, a $40 million expansion of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium opens; the 50,000-square-foot Diamond Jo National River Center doubles the size of the lauded complex.
The original $56 million museum was built in 2003 with the help of $8 million from Vision Iowa. It became the centerpiece of a riverfront project that included a convention complex, the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark and a riverwalk flanked by the Diamond Jo Casino.
AROUND THE GLOBE
New Alton Towers ride TH13TEEN gets coated in bug repellent
Alton Towers Resort announced today that it is introducing a natural insect repellent coating to its new rollercoaster TH13TEEN in a bid to stop riders swallowing an estimated 20 bugs a day at the theme park.
With the average man consuming 500g worth of insects in a lifetime, the park has revealed that visitors can swallow up to 5% of this during one day at the theme park because of the time spent open mouthed on rides. While swallowing insects is not often dangerous, the majority are likely to be flies and these can carry bacteria that cause illness. They are also surprisingly calorific with 20 flies the equivalent to a small bag of jelly beans.
In a move that coincides with National Insect Week, the park will begin trialling the use of natural essential oil of the lemon eucalyptus on its new ultimate ride TH13TEEN, in a bid to minimise the amount of insects swallowed and killed.
New amusement park will be built in Bojnice in 2011
A new amusement park is set to be constructed in Bojnice in Trenčín Region in 2011, with Kastor company as the project developer, the TASR newswire reported.
“This entertainment, relaxation and educational complex will enhance the number of tourist visits to Bojnice already in 2013, the date by which we plan to open the premises to the public,” said Ján Badzgoň, Kastor’s managing board chairman.
The project was preceded by complex and lengthy expert discussions, with all the documentation weighing 4 kilos and finally Bojnice became the final choice for the park’s location. However, the crisis and problems surrounding land issues extended the preparation phase of the project by a year and a half.
Merlin premieres £4.5m 4D Marvel Superheroes experience at Madame Tussauds
Merlin Entertainment has premiered its £4.5m Marvel Superheroes 4D experience, which will be a regular addition at the old Planetarium venue in Madame Tussauds.
The installation, built by Kraftwerk Living Technologies, screens a custom made animated 3D film starring Marvel superheroes including Spiderman, Captain America and The Hulk.
A range of sensory experiences are timed to coincide with the film's action, including mist rising from the floor, air blowing from the head rests and chair vibration.
Ocean Park attendance shows strong rebound
Ocean Park has bounced back from a setback during the economic crisis by breaking its own attendance record for the sixth time in seven years Friday.
After dips in attendance brought on by tough economic times narrowed the gap between the city's amusement parks, Ocean Park has emerged from the doldrums. Yeung Kwok-man, his wife, mother-in-law and son were greeted with a fanfare as they made their way into the park, bringing total attendance at the park to 5,033,385 just days away from the end of Ocean Park's fiscal year.
The family was rewarded with lifetime admission passes.
Good times return to Al Ain fun park
The number of visitors to Al Ain’s Hili Fun City – long a popular summer hangout despite its aging attractions – is expected to increase by 30 per cent this summer after a multimillion-dirham revamp by the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).
“We’re expecting very good numbers this year. Between 25 and 30 per cent more than last year,” said Ahmad Chaouk, the deputy general manager of the amusement park in the oasis town.
“We have new rides and a better landscape, so of course it will be better.”
Pink plays to sell-out crowd in the heat at Alton Towers
Alton Towers says it has not ruled out holding more music concerts after successfully playing host to pop superstar Pink.
The 30-year-old American singer-songwriter performed in front of a sell-out crowd at the theme park as part of her first stadium tour of the UK and Ireland last night.
An audience of 28,000 people attended the event, which was staged on a lawn close to the park's entrance.
Singapore Haw Par Villa Theme Park
Haw Par Villa, a Chinese mythological theme park located in Singapore, is famous for its “beyond your wildest imagination” statues, sculptures, and exhibits. Most of everything at Haw Par Villa is based on famous Chinese historical personalities, mythology and legends. From a statue of a woman nursing her father-in-law, to a statue of a woman’s head and face attached to the body of a crab, this place has it all. So, if you somehow find yourself tripping on mushrooms in Singapore, Haw Par Villa is the place to visit.
Originally called ‘Tiger Balm Gardens’, it was constructed in 1937 by brothers Aw BoonHaw and Aw Boon Par, who are developers of Tiger Balm. Later on it was sold to the Singapore Tourism Board and renamed as Haw Par Villa. A must see exhibit is the Ten Courts of Hell that features the ten steps of judgement before reincarnation.
Brazilian celebration at Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City Theme Park will be hosting a Brazil showcase on 3 July jam-packed with colourful celebrations, vibrant music and exciting activities.
The celebration forms part of a series of events that the Brazilian government has commissioned to create awareness and generate excitement about the 2014 FIFA World Cup that will be hosted in Brazil.
It's likely to be an electrifying day for Brazil, which will feature in a football game that might put it firmly on the road to the 2010 World Cup final. Brazilian supporters are expected to start arriving in South Africa to support their team as it fights for World Cup glory just as this event takes place, meaning that there will be plenty of atmosphere and excitement.
Aquariums' novel ideas lure visitors
In the period spanning the tsuyu rainy season into summer, aquariums serve as indoor leisure spots and are popular destinations for family outings.
Aquariums nationwide are going the extra mile to not only display rare fish but also make visitors feel closer to the popular creatures of the sea and rivers.
Aquamarine Fukushima, a marine science museum in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, which attracts the largest number of visitors in the Tohoku region, is popular for its Aquamarine Egg life-form educational facility for children.
Tokyo Dining
It used to be that the restaurants of the pavilions that line Epcot’s World Showcase were the only places in Central Florida to offer a glimpse of the
Tokyo Dining features female sushi chefs. Photo by David Roark; courtesy Walt Disney Worldhost countries’ cuisine and traditions.
That’s hardly the case anymore. Most of the cuisines can be found outside the theme park these days. And even the cultural exchange of meeting young people from the various nations brought over to work in the pavilions holds less allure as they become more Americanized in their behavior and attitudes toward the guests.
But the restaurants in the Japan pavilion remain the exception. Although the food is no different -- or for that matter any better -- than any you can find at dozens of area sushi bars and Japanese steakhouses, the staff does more to transport the guests to another land. The bowing alone is enough to provide a cultural shock for the uninitiated.
But the restaurants at Japan also offer a contrast to the traditional. At Tokyo Dining, the austerely decorated but oddly serene restaurant that specializes in sushi, the sushi chefs both times I visited were all women. Although no longer unheard of, women as sushi chefs are still a rarity.
The atmosphere here is a bit quieter than at Teppan Edo, the teppanyaki-table restaurant next door, but the sushi comes out at a fast pace. The sushi chefs work at a station framed by a proscenium that gradually changes color. Most of the specialty rolls seem to be based on California rolls with other fish and toppings added. That probably helps move things along quickly.
My rainbow roll ($12) with salmon and avocado was delivered promptly but did not have a premade quality at all. It tasted fresh and delicious. Even more impressive was the pieces of nigirizushi ($4.50-$18.50) I sampled. The slices of fish were expertly pressed on the pads of vinegared rice and stayed put even when flipped over to dip in the soy sauce. That’s the sign of a good sushi chef.
The highlight of Tokyo Dining’s room is the row of windows that offer an expansive view of the lagoon, even to those seated farther inside the room. It just may be the best view in the park. In the other direction a large-screen television displays serene and colorful scenes of Japan.
Women were the only servers in either restaurant – gender barriers don’t fall in both directions, apparently – and they were all charming and proper, thanking guests for waiting for too long even for food brought too quickly, and bowing when approaching the table and when leaving. It causes one to wonder how to respond. A nod would be the appropriate response if you were in Japan, and for the time you’re dining in either restaurant there’s no reason to believe you’re not.
Tokyo Dining is in the Japan pavilion at Epcot. It is open for lunch and dinner daily. The phone number for reservations is 407-939-3463. Click here for the Tokyo Dining pages of Walt Disney World’s Web site.
The Global Parks
Ready, set, flow: Shoot the Rapids could launch Saturday
The wait for the inaugural splash has ended. Leaders at Cedar Point said they plan to launch the new Shoot the Rapids water ride on Saturday.
“GREAT NEWS! Shoot the Rapids is scheduled to open THIS SATURDAY, June 26 RT PLZ!” the park announced at about 3:50 p.m. Thursday on its Twitter feed.
The last two abbreviations are Twitter-speak, translated into English as, “Please spread around this announcement.”
Granite Park decay dampens hopes for rebirth
It was a Saturday afternoon, sunny and warm, the type of Saturday afternoon Granite Park was envisioned for. But there were no kids squealing on amusement park rides, no softball games, no bustling restaurants and bars.
There were a few birds chirping, a city of Fresno graffiti removal truck and a handful of cars over by Me-N-Ed's Victory Grill, the only pillar of Granite Park still standing.
Without that, it would have been a ghost town. Windows in the front of the never-opened Memphis Blues restaurant were cracked, like someone tried to punch their way through. A "for sale" sign hung under another sign that read "The Public House."
Coaster group's gift boosts fundraising efforts for Conneaut Lake Park's Blue Streak
Conneaut Lake Park's historic Blue Streak roller coaster attracted more than 400 of the nation's most passionate roller coaster riders Thursday.
The bad news for the group was that they couldn't ride famed coaster designer Edward Vettel Sr.'s classic out-and-back design because the 73-year-old thrill ride has been mothballed since 2006.
The good news for the park is that members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts came bearing gifts to get the Blue Streak back on track.
Six Flags Entertainment, the world's largest regional theme park company, today announced a new partnership with Jive Records, a top record label in the U.S., to host its first-ever online talent competition – Pop-Tarts Toaster Pastries presents Fame, Fortune, and Flags – where one lucky winner will get their shot at becoming America's next pop sensation.
Fame, Fortune, and Flags kicked off June 15 with talented entrants competing for a chance to record a single and music video on the Jive label to be sold exclusively on iTunes. Contestants will be judged on showmanship, entertainment value, vocal ability and overall talent. To enter, guests may upload videos of themselves singing an original or pre-approved Jive artist song to sixflags.com/music. One exclusive Pop-Tarts artist will be chosen by Pop-Tarts fans to join the competition. The top 3 video entries from each of the 9 participating Six Flags theme parks will go on to open for Jive recording artists JLS and Hot Chelle Rae at a Six Flags concert. A panel of Six Flags and Jive executives will judge the final live performances to determine the final winner.
Hooray for Dollywood! Theme park turns 25
Dolly Parton had an odd request for the audience. "Act like you never saw me," she said.
She flubbed the lyrics to a song she was performing for her latest cable special, "Dolly Parton Celebrates 25 Years of Dollywood" (airing 8 p.m. EDT Saturday, July 3, Hallmark Channel). So Parton did the song again and asked the audience, seated outside during a recent afternoon at Dollywood, to pretend like the next take was all-new to it.
With enthusiastic applause, it did.
8-Year-Old Gets Stuck on Rollercoaster
Eric and Tiffany Dillingham of Auburn are furious at the Funtown Splashtown amusement park, claiming their 8-year-old daughter got stuck on one of the Saco park's roller coaster for 15 minutes over the weekend.
The next day, the Dillinghams say, the girl had to be taken to the emergency room and has been waking up nightly with nightmares.
Funtown Splashtown has apologized, given the family free passes, and offered to pay medical bills. The park says it has an impeccable safety record, without ever having an accident related to a mechanical malfunction.
Some Muggles Too Pudgy for Harry Potter Ride
When most people get in line at Orlando, Fla.'s new Harry Potter theme park, they're worried about the wait -- not their weight.
But according to some Harry Potter lovers, pudgy muggles -- those who weigh about 265 pounds or more -- are getting tossed from line at the most-hyped ride in Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter amusement park.
For them, the ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" is truly living up to its name -- and that's a big disappointment for fans who resemble Harry's rotund cousin Dudley.
A new twist at Davis County amusement park this summer
A taste of Las Vegas is coming to Lagoon this summer in the form of two speciality acts that will be included in the amusement park's regular-priced all-day passport.
The Extreme Parrot Show of Las Vegas, and Cirque Innosta presents L'Orage, with performers from Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas, will be part of Lagoon's summer attractions this year, according to J.D. Dumas, operations/production manager for Lagoon entertainment.
"We just felt we needed more options in the park," he said.
Corey Feldman to make 'Lost Boys' appearance in Santa Cruz
In the 1987 film "The Lost Boys," Santa Cruz takes on the name Santa Carla, the "murder capital of the world." Blood is mistaken for wine and vampires fly through Santa Cruz skies at night.
Twenty-three years later, the night-crawlers are still thrilling. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will hold a free screening of the film at 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 30. Corey Feldman, who starred in the cult classic, will perform with his band the Truth Movement at 6:30 p.m.
Around 5,000 spectators came to the Boardwalk to watch the film in 2007, kettle corn and funnel cake in hand. "Every time they showed the vampires flying over the boardwalk, everyone started cheering," said boardwalk publicist Carly Pope.
Worker Loses Leg In Sonoma-Marin Fair Accident
A Sonoma-Marin Fair worker lost his leg below the knee Wednesday afternoon when he stepped in front of a ride that was in operation, the fair's marketing director Vicki DeArmon said.
"We believe his leg was severed," DeArmon said. The worker is an employee of the Midway of Fun, which operates the fair.
DeArmon said the man, who is in his 30s, was not the operator of the ride, the "Wacky Worm," which is a ground-level roller coaster that rises 10 feet in one section.
Glow Fest dance party livens up Disney California Adventure
I had incredibly low expectations for Glow Fest, the new nightly summer dance party at Disney California Adventure. The description sounded ill-conceived. The photos looked horrid. The concept seemed desperate.
A Disney-fied version of a psychedelic rave was designed to keep the tourists entertained while they waited endless hours for the Anaheim theme park’s popular new nighttime water show to begin.
Earlier this week I visited Glow Fest, which takes over the Hollywood Pictures Backlot nightly through Aug. 22. I fully expected to walk into a massive holding area filled with families aimlessly waiting for the 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. “World of Color” shows to begin — long since finished with the limited rides that DCA has to offer and bored out of their minds. Boy, was I wrong.
Click of wooden coasters attracts enthusiasts
For a city built on steel, some of the most sought- after attractions in Pittsburgh are actually made of wood.
Just ask the more than 400 members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, who have come to Kennywood amusement park for the 7,000-member group's annual convention. The highlight will be riding three of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world — over, and over, and over again.
"There are very few, maybe no places, in the world quite like it," said Bill Linkenheimer, of Pittsburgh, the group's secretary and lifelong lover of the thrill of zooming over the rails, who joined the club in 1980 at age 13.
Centreville closes for weekend. No gondola ride for the Obamas.
Pretty soon, it's just going to be me and the security guards in the downtown core. Adding to a raft of closures that have been announced by everyone from the TDSB, to the AGO and Mirvish Productions, the Centreville Amusement Park will be closed to the public Friday June 25, Saturday June 26, and Sunday June 27.
Anticipating that the security measures will impact ferry customers, the park has decided to shut down, depriving city residents of teacup rides and petting zoo fun.
It will reopen on Monday.
Boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy gets Theme Park Wish Granted by Kids Wish Network
National charity Kids Wish Network and some local Minerva sponsors gave a 7-year-old boy a memorable experience he won't soon forget. In May of 2008 Cade was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life-threatening condition that affects every muscle in the body. Cade is unable to walk long distances and must use braces at night. Despite his daily struggles, Cade's mom, Amanda, said that her son is outgoing, happy and loves life.
When Amanda's brother told her about Kids Wish Network, a charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, she decided she wanted to refer Cade. After filling out an application and speaking to a wish coordinator, Cade and his family were soon on their way to the Florida theme parks.
Kids Wish Network made arrangements for Cade, his mom and his step-dad to travel to Florida to visit the Magic Kingdom , Universal Studios and Sea World. Meals, accommodations at the luxurious Royal Plaza Hotel, theme park tickets, attractions and spending money were included in the wish.
Vehicles broken into at Carowinds
Police are looking for the person, or people who broke into several cars at Carowinds theme park on Wednesday.
Authorities say at least three people reported break-ins and one person said that someone tried to use a credit card that was stolen from her vehicle.
Carowinds security officials are reviewing the video footage from the time frame of the thefts.
Big Al's will offer family fun, 190 jobs
Big Al’s Family Entertainment Center is quickly taking shape. Video game machines are being set up in the second floor arcade of the new 66,000-square-foot center.
Pinsetters for the 30-lane Powerhouse bowling alley were being rolled into the front doors Tuesday.
And construction crews have been working nearly every day to add the finishing touches to Progress Ridge TownSquare’s first major attraction along Southwest Barrows Road near the Horizon Boulevard intersection in Beaverton.
Incredible Pizza to Hold Job Fair
Incredible Pizza Company, a themed dining experience that guarantees great food and fun, will expand its presence in Indianapolis by opening a second location at Lafayette Square Mall in the space previously occupied by Xscape at 3919 Lafayette Road. A private, invitation only, grand opening is scheduled for July 5 and July 6 with the public grand opening to be held on July 7.
"We are thrilled to add a second location to the great city of Indianapolis. 2010 has been an incredible growth year for us in the development of our franchise concept," said Chris Brewer, PR Coordinator for Incredible Pizza Company Franchise Group.
The company will open their new site with a commitment to safety, quality food and games, and cleanliness, creating a family and friendly entertainment venue for Indianapolis residents and visitors. The company opened its first Indianapolis location last year on U.S. 31 south and County Line Road near the Greenwood Park Mall.
Roanoke Approves Hawaiian Falls Park
Like it or not, the city of Roanoke will be getting a water park. The city council approved plans for a new Hawaiian Falls park Tuesday night, even after some residents argued the park would hurt their property values.
Supporters of the project, such as Roanoke Mayor "Scooter" Gierisch, said it would generate tax dollars.
"Our goal is to get them in here and get them generating tax dollars for our city," said Gierisch last week. "The dollars that Hawaiian Falls generates and the amount of folks that would be a draw to this particular area would be something that would be beneficial to our area."
USO Sponsors 4th Annual Military Appreciation At Adventure Landing
More than 2,000 service members and their families from NS Mayport, NAS Jacksonville and NSB Kings Bay were able to escape the Florida heat at Adventure Landing and Shipwreck Island Waterpark on June 16 during the fourth annual Military Appreciation Night, sponsored by USO and Vystar.
For only a couple of dollars per person, families were able to enjoy both the wet and dry parks on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach. Normally, just a ticket to the water park would cost around $25 per person so the savings are substantial.
"We feel very proud of what we can do for our families," said John Shockley, executive director for Greater Jacksonville USO. "It is with the sponsorship of Vystar that we were able to offer the tickets at such a low price."
Fiscal analysis shows Medford water park wouldn't break even
Revenue from a proposed Medford municipal water park would pay for between 48 percent and 78 percent of the cost of operations, construction and maintenance depending on the size of the project, according to an updated fiscal analysis released Thursday.
Medford-based REMI Northwest did a cost analysis of four variations of the water park, ranging in cost between $8.2 million and $15.65 million. The most expensive option includes a professional lap pool, long coveted by Southern Oregon's competitive swimmers.
The water park would be constructed at Bear Creek Park at the intersection of Highland Drive and Barnett Road. Revenue bonds likely would pay for construction costs up front.
Wave pool closed while police probe drowning
The wave pool at Mont St. Sauveur Water Park was closed to the public yesterday as police continued to investigate the death of a 9-year-old boy.
The boy was found floating in the pool Wednesday afternoon while on a school field trip celebrating the last day of school.
"People started yelling because they saw a body go down in the water," Surete du Quebec Sgt. Benoit Richard said. "The lifeguard jumped right in, took the young boy out of the water, started CPR and immediately called emergency services."
The sound of kids giggling and screaming filled the air Thursday at Lewis and Clark Park as children chased each other through the splash park.
The Belgrade water park opened last week and city officials are hoping new changes to the facility will relieve some of the problems that have plagued the zero-depth water park in the past.
City crews extended the concrete slab last year past the play area in an effort to keep grass from plugging up the system, City Manager Joe Menicucci said. Water circulates through the system and is treated with chlorine, but excessive amounts of debris would shut the whole works down.
What's the latest on the Two Planned Water Parks?
From a drive-in movie theater to mini golf, KEPR has uncovered more details about plans to build a couple of water parks in the Tri-Cities.
You asked for an update, so we made the calls and got some new information for plans for the both parks set to come here.
First, we talked with the developers working on Shark Reef -- the water park planned near Southridge.
Campbell River could get water park
Rotarians and fire fighters in Campbell River are hoping a new water park will be designed, financed and constructed for the community by May, 2011.
Lorrie Bewza, director of service projects for the Rotary Club of Campbell River, appeared before city council Tuesday night to explain the plans and ask for council's support. Bewza said the total cost to build a water park will be about $240,000 and his club has committed to contributing $50,000.
The Daybreak Rotary Club has committed $20,000 and the local fire fighters' union (B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Local 1668) will also contribute $20,000. The rest of the money would come from fundraising, grants and in-kind donations, he said.
The Water Park at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield is one of several parks in the area that can help you beat the heat. The park Is about 20 miles from downtown Richmond and has a kiddie pool, fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot deep leisure pools, activity pool and two enclosed tube water slides. In addition there is a camp ground site, an amphitheater featuring the Pocahontas Premieres concert series, a nature center and about 80 miles of hiking, biking and horse riding trails.
Temporary State Fair jobs add to local economy
Help wanted -- and a lot of it. The Nebraska State Fair is looking for a lot of good people to work part-time, temporary positions as the fair prepares for its Grand Island debut Aug. 27 through Sept. 6.
In a classified ad placed in The Grand Island Independent on Sunday, a number of positions were listed, including general maintenance, gate attendants, concession and beverage personnel, cleaning crew members and parking attendants. Wages will be from $8 to $14 per hour, and hours will vary. The jobs will be through the 11-day run of the fair.
Jana Hafer, marketing and public relations director for the Nebraska State Fair, said coming to Grand Island presented a new challenge in getting the workers needed to run the fair.
New Management Has New Plans For Tulsa Zoo
Its new management is confident it can turn around the troubled Tulsa Zoo. The zoo is in the process of being privatized.
The News On 6 talked to one of its new board members Thursday.
Tulsa Zoo Friends is now Tulsa Zoo Management Incorporated, and is still in the process of hammering out a deal with the city that will allow it to take over operations.
Discover the new Discovery Place
Discovery Place has just received the finishing touches on a more than $31 million renovation, its first full re-do since opening in 1981.
It took 18 months to get to this point, and we got to see inside the new exhibits the public has yet to see.
“We have all new exhibits,” said Discovery Place President and CEO John Mackay.
George W. Bush presidential library details revealed
One of the biggest challenges in the construction of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas will be recreating the Oval Office, the architect overseeing the design of the center said Thursday.
"Several different presidential libraries have an Oval Office," said Graham S. Wyatt, partner with New York-based Robert A.M. Stern Architects. "None of them got it right."
The Oval Office in Bill Clinton's presidential library in Little Rock, Ark., is about half the size of the real thing, and the one in Lyndon Baines Johnson's presidential library is about seven-eighths of scale, he said.
Cal chooses NY architect for art museum project
The University of California, Berkeley, picked New York architect Diller Scofidio + Renfro to design a new art museum and film archive on the west edge of campus.
Japanese firm Toyo Ito & Associates was hired in 2006 for this design, but the university ran out of money and had to change its plans.
Local firm EHDD of San Francisco is also working on the project.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Theme park plan eyed for Osaka Castle
The Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry has floated a plan to redevelop the grounds of Osaka Castle into a theme park, with hopes of transforming the donjon and castle keep into a tourist magnet.
Osamu Tanaka, who heads the chamber's tourism promotion committee, told a news conference Wednesday that the plan involves re-creating a historic cityscape on the castle grounds to offer visitors the ambience of late 16th century Japan.
Visitors to the donjon, which marks the 80th anniversary of its reconstruction next year, for example, will be treated to 3-D history-themed video displays, according to the plan.
CVC Capital Partners agrees acquisition of stake in Merlin Entertainments Group
Merlin Entertainments Group (‘Merlin’), Europe’s leading and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, announces that Funds advised by CVC Capital Partners (‘CVC’) have agreed to acquire a 28 per cent stake in the Group in a move which will underpin Merlin’s ambitious growth plans.
nder the transaction, which values Merlin at £2.25bn, Blackstone has reduced its stake, but will continue to hold a significant interest in the company. KIRKBI, the privately-held, family-owned investment and holding company that controls the LEGO Group, has kept its shareholding unchanged. DIC has disposed of its remaining stake in line with its strategy of moving out of non-core holdings.
Merlin’s ownership structure is now: KIRKBI 36 per cent, Blackstone 34 per cent and CVC 28 per cent. The management of Merlin will hold the remaining shares, with the owners setting aside a further significant stake for a staff incentive plan. Merlin is in advanced discussions around extending the maturities on its existing debt facilities, but the transaction is not subject to lender consent and Merlin does not intend to increase its financial leverage, which will position the company well to fund its ambitious growth programme.
Eager racing fans got a glimpse inside Abu Dhabi's new Ferrari World theme park last week when it briefly opened for a sneak preview on Italian Republic Day, June 2.
Three months ahead of its official opening on October 28, members of the media and Italian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Paolo Dionisi got an early look at the park, which is totally dedicated to the legendary Italian car brand.
At the moment, the most remarkable thing about the park is its roof — a huge red construction which spans 200 000 square meters and carries the largest Ferrari logo ever constructed (65 metres high and 48.5 metres wide) — but organizers maintain that the park will be transformed from a building site to the experience of a lifetime by October.
A new theme park in southern Taiwan's Kaohsiung County, that claims to be Taiwan's largest, was scheduled to begin a trial run on June 19.
The park, featuring themes from Greek mythology, has 47 entertainment facilities and is expected to attract more than five million visitors a year according to E-United Group, the owner of E-Da theme park and outlet mall.
"We hope to build E-Da World into Taiwan's Disneyland," said Lin Yi-shou, founder of the group.
From raiders to Rambo at Appin paintball theme park
Anyone who has ever dreamed of being Rambo, Indiana Jones or Lara Croft or battling it out in a zombie wasteland will love Appin's paintball theme park.
Delta Force Appin opened on Saturday after two years of development and general manager Leon Bubenicek said it was the only five-star-rated paintball field in NSW.
"We don't do tyres and pallets and old wrecked cars,'' Bubenicek said. "We spend a lot of time trying to create a realistic theme about three months to a year."
New tourism attractions set for Songjiang
With two new tourism sites nearly completed, Shanghai's Songjiang district - called the garden of the metropolis - will offer new attractions for visitors to the World Expo, which is set to continue until the end of the year.
Songjiang's 207-hectare Chenshan Botanic Garden will begin official operation at the end of this month, home to 9,000 species of plants in the near term and 30,000 over the long run.
Though Shanghai has 30,000 hectares of grassland and 90,000 hectares of forests, the city before had only a small botanic garden of 81 hectares to showcase limited biodiversity.
Dubai International Capital dismisses talk of assets fire sale
Dubai International Capital, a heavily indebted investment arm of the emirate's ruler, has dismissed speculation about a fire sale of assets by promising to keep its five majority-owned companies in Europe for at least two more years.
In a letter to the senior managers of its portfolio companies, DIC said it had already spent $300m on supporting its troubled investments, such as the UK hotel chain Travelodge and German industrial groups Almatis and Mauser.
Compagnie des Alpes plans capital raising, M&A
Ski resort and theme park operator Compagnie des Alpes is refinancing its debt and raising 100 million euros ($134 million) through a capital increase to expand its leisure business and make acquisitions.
The move will provide it 550 million euros ($738 million) to help develop its Walibi leisure park brand, extend its Grevin business to international markets and take advantage of lower asset prices for takeovers, the French group said on Thursday.
Chief executive Dominique Marcel said that with the leisure market ripe for consolidation, the proceeds from the issue would "position the group to actively prepare for future growth".
Green Theme Park Sprouts near Bird's Nest
Featuring the world's largest Transformers-style creation of abandoned vehicles and recycled clothing, furniture and waste paper, a "green" theme park will sprout next month in Beijing.
Located northeast of the Bird's Nest - the National Stadium - the environment-themed park will cover 20,000 sq m and feature five indoor halls. Visitors will not only see large exhibits constructed of waste and recycled materials, but also experience sustainable lifetyles through games and various do-it-yourself activities.
Admission will cost 80 yuan or 60 yuan for visitors aged 65 years and older and children shorter than 140 cm.
The Parks
The Sky Rocket is just days away from giving Kennywood riders some serious 'air time'
I had heard that Kennywood's newest ride, the Sky Rocket, was unique in that it flipped riders upside-down and lifted them off their seats as though they were flying.
But as park employees locked me into the coaster Wednesday morning for the first of the four runs, a roller-coaster enthusiast who had tested the ride the night before offered this startling revelation: the Sky Rocket's two unique features occurred at the same time!
Members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) had praised the Sky Rocket's comfort, but I feared that people who had been on hundreds and hundreds of coasters might have a skewed view of what constitutes a smooth ride.
First theme park for the disabled opens
Those with disabilities are having fun this summer at a new Texas theme park designed with their needs in mind.
Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, the brainchild of the father of a daughter with special needs and billed as the world's first ultra-accessible family fun park, features rides and attractions easily enjoyed by those in wheelchairs or with cognitive disorders. Admission to the 25-acre park is free for those with cognitive or physical disabilities; family members and friends pay $5 a person. Kids 3 and under are free. Cost for those without a disabled patron in their party is $15. Reservations are required to visit, click here to make them. The park includes rides, interactive exhibits, playgrounds, gardens, a fishing lake and amphitheater. It has Braille signage.
The 2-month-old Morgan's Wonderland "looks like other parks, but it ensures that no matter what special needs you have, you can do anything," says founder Gordon Hartman, CEO of the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation. "It is the only one in the world ... (demand) is beyond anything we ever expected." He says about 30,000 have visited and that the park restricts admissions to make the experience special and to avoid overwhelming patrons.
Boy drowns at Quebec water park
A nine-year-old boy has drowned at a Quebec aquatic park, provincial police say.
The incident happened at the Mont Saint-Sauveur water park in the Laurentian region Wednesday afternoon. The boy's lifeless body was pulled out of the park's wave pool.
"When the people that were in the pool started yelling, the lifeguard jumped right in," said Quebec provincial police Sgt. Benoît Richard. "[He] took the young boy out of the water, started doing CPR."
Canada's Wonderland opens its Doors to Canadian Forces on Canada Day
Canada's Wonderland is pleased to announce a special offer for Canadian Forces personnel on Thursday July 1, 2010 and Friday July 2, 2010. As a tribute to the Canadian Forces, all active and retired personnel will receive complimentary admission to the Park which includes full access to the Park's 66 thrilling rides, and a spectacular Canada Day fireworks display.
Canadian Forces personnel will also be able to purchase discounted admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) at a special Canadian Forces discounted price. Tickets can be purchased at the Park or at CANEX locations. Valid military ID must be presented at the Park to obtain free admission, as well additional discounted tickets for family members.
Amusement parks gear up for sizzling summer
This summer there’s no better way to beat the heat and have a great time than to hit a few amusement parks. Lucky for you, four of the nation’s best amusement parks are located within easy range of Montgomery County, and they are offering all new shows and attractions to help make the best of your summer.
For those with a sweet tooth, Hersheypark is featuring a variety of new and exciting attractions. With productions like “Tap: The Show” an exhilarating display of tap dancing; “Rock the Jukebox!,” a musical ride through entertainment history; and “Frontier Frenzy” for the country and bluegrass lovers in the crowd, it’s guaranteed that you can never be bored at Hersheypark.
“There are some exciting things in store at Hersheypark this summer. We now have shows every 15 minutes, now through Aug. 28. We also have all of our old favorites, like the Boardwalk,” says Kathy Burrows, public relations manager for the park.
Disney deploys more technology to assist the disabled
With some technological aid, the blind now can ride Toy Story Midway Mania, listening to a narrator describe the action others see in the raucous animated Walt Disney World shoot-em-up.
"We're using technology to make the experience more inclusive," said Greg Hale, worldwide vice president of safety and accessibility for Disney World Parks and Resorts. "People come here in groups, so we don't want someone feeling they must sit outside while others have fun."
Disney spent the last year installing wireless headsets for the blind or deaf in 50 of the 100 rides, attractions and shows in all four of its four Florida parks. This summer Disney followed up by adding recorded narratives describing the immediate surroundings in every outdoor section of each park, including restaurant offerings, restrooms and visual features of the architecture.
Bert the Conquerer: Cedar Point
Bert visits Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio to conquer the Fearsome Foursome Challenge -- riding 4 of the world's tallest and fastest coasters in less than 1 hour.
Building owner dreams of a museum on Pacific, What will it take to draw crowds downtown?
andy Senna says that after 10 years of fighting with City Hall, it looks as though he finally may be able to make productive use of the former Woolworth’s building that he purchased over a decade ago.
He hopes to open a museum of amusement park memorabilia, Senna explained, as he led a visitor through space filled with thousands of former park and arcade items – bumper cars, glittering signs, larger-than-life stuffed gorillas, and some of the earliest boardwalk games. Located at the corner of Pacific and Wildwood avenues, the massive former Woolworth’s building is in a block of Pacific Avenue that is at least half vacant. Directly north of Senna’s store sits the sleek Coastal Broadcasting building that was vacated this spring when its owners moved their operations to Rio Grande.
“In my opinion, they’re gone because they counted on retail stores on the first floor, and the stores that came in found they just couldn’t make enough money,” Senna said. “There’s not enough traffic here, and until the foot traffic increases it will be the same old story.”
Disney not the first theme park to have homes on property
Disney has announced something that many fans have only dreamed of, they will build homes within the confines of Disney property. Golden Oaks was announced today as a "vacation home development" at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The goal of the area is to offer very pricey vacation homes to those seeking a different "vacation experience". But with property values at an all time low, will it work? For the answer we look to another theme park with homes on property. Busch Gardens Virginia.
The entire property of Kingsmill was purchased by the Anheuser-Busch Company in order to build a brewery. As part of the deal made in 1969, the company had to build a theme park to help tourism in Williamsburg, VA as it had done in Florida and California(the original Busch Gardens which now is completely gone). In 1970 a real estate division of Busch was created and land was sold off for different developments, of which was the development of a country club and the eventual Kingsmill Spa and Resort. Many families built in the area and still own their homes (many still valued in the millions) today just a stones throw away from Busch Gardens Europe.
Most loved defunct Disney ride?
What vanished Disneyland ride do you miss the most?
Like any theme park, Disneyland has replaced some of its former rides over the decades. Which one of their defunct rides do you miss the most?
For me, it has to be the old "Skyride," that used to go over the north end of the park and through the inside of the Matterhorn.
Park Authority's investment in revamping pools pays dividends
Attendance at the aging public pool at Pohick Bay Regional Park had declined in recent years to a point where Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority staff were considering closing it down.
Instead, they invested $1.5 million in a massive overhaul in 2008, turning a relatively ordinary swimming pool into a pirate-themed water park, now called Pirate's Cove. Within a year, attendance at the attraction had more than doubled, and season pass sales went from 47 in fiscal 2007 to 515 in fiscal 2009.
That first experiment with "theming" has led the regional park authority, which operates 22 parks in Northern Virginia, to repeat the process at each of its five water parks.
Cape aquatic park: Keep valuables in vehicle or at home
In its first few weeks of operation, Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center has welcomed around 34,000 visitors who have soaked up sun, swum laps in the pool and floated along a lazy river.
But only a handful have stolen anything while there. Fewer than 10 thefts have been reported, said Sgt. Jason Selzer, a spokesman for the Cape Girardeau Police Department.
Park supervisor Amy Roth said the items most commonly stolen have been cell phones and wallets, items she said visitors should think about leaving in their vehicle or at home.
Wis. fair will improve oversight of free tickets
Managers of the Wisconsin State Fair are taking steps to better track the use of free tickets and parking passes meant for its business partners.
A Legislative Audit Bureau report released Wednesday found the State Fair Park handed out tens of thousands of admissions and concert tickets and parking passes in 2008 without adequate oversight.
The tickets are given to businesses in exchange for things like the use of equipment and radio advertising and to its sponsors and event promoters.
Parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises gets new takeover bid
A regulatory filing Wednesday further clouded who might be pulling the strings at Graceland.
For the third time in less than two months, the parent corporation of Elvis Presley Enterprises on Wednesday reported prospective takeover activity.
The CKx Inc. board approved a measure to protect stockholders from "potentially coercive takeover tactics," after an unnamed third party served notice of a potential acquisition bid.
Aquarium Expansion Moves Ahead
Plans to expand the Aquarium of the Pacific moved forward last Thursday when the Long Beach Planning Commission unanimously approved a site plan review for a new front entrance and other additions.
Phase one of the $50 million project may be underway as soon as December, aquarium staff members said.
Renovations at the aquarium include adding space to the gift shop and building a new wing that includes a 220-degree theater, along with building a new exhibit gallery. The project will completely change the look of the front entrance and ticket booth area.
Hard Rock International Names Nelson Parker Head of Development, Americas for Hotels & Casinos
Hard Rock International, one of the world's most recognizable and iconic brands, announced that Nelson Parker has been named Head of Development, Americas for Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos. In an effort to grow Hard Rock's portfolio, Parker will handle the development function in the Americas for Hotels & Casinos, which includes identifying potential locations and franchise, management and equity partners, as well as planning and executing development initiatives for the proposed properties. In this role, he will report to Michael Shindler, Executive Vice President of Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos.
Tax to pay for zoo expansion to be added to Nov. ballot
Once again, the future of the Naples Zoo is in the hands of voters.
In November, voters will be asked whether they’re willing to tax themselves to pay for 22 acres of vacant land that will allow the landmark attraction to grow in size by nearly 50 percent.
On Tuesday, Collier County commissioners voted 4-1 to put the question about the zoo expansion on the ballot. Commissioner Tom Henning was the only one to say no.
Aquarium of Niagara builds momentum toward expansion in its 45th year
There are new poison frogs at the Aquarium of Niagara. They look like little teeny cartoon characters. There’s also a new seahorse exhibit that’s pretty cool. Miniature, but cool.
The real story during this 45th birthday year of the nonprofit aquarium is the fact that beneath the still waters, change is brewing.
You might miss the posters if someone doesn’t point them out but they are located strategically throughout the building to stir people’s imaginations.
L.A. County Museum of Art to end fiscal year with $300,000 surplus
After two recession years that brought a hiring freeze, canceled exhibitions and a badly dented endowment, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art expects to finish the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, with a $300,000 surplus and has adopted an operating budget for the coming 2010-11 year that boosts spending about 11%.
The coming year's budget adopted by the museum's board last week comes to $59.1 million for regular operations, said LACMA President Melody Kanschat. Total spending is expected to reach $87 million, factoring in such additional costs as art acquisitions, construction and $13 million in interest on $383 million in bonds the museum issued to finance its ongoing expansion and renovation.
Attendance is expected to total about 900,000 for the 2009-10 year that's about to end, Kanschat said, up about 50,000 from 2008-09.
Tellus Science Museum Passes 300,000 Visitors Since Opening
On Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Tellus Science Museum welcomed its 300,000th visitor since opening its doors last year.
The lucky visitors who broke the mark were a family from Connecticut. Charles and Ilona Pomeroy, with their daughter Gabrielle, were visiting their daughter's godparents, who suggested they stop by the museum.
"We're just so excited," said Charles Pomeroy. "I saw it from the outside and knew it was going to be a great place. You don't see a display like this outside of a major city like New York."
Iowa museum aquarium exhibit highlights oil spill
A new exhibit at an aquarium in Iowa that had intended to showcase the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico will instead be void of life to underline the environmental impact of a massive oil spill in the ocean basin.
The 40,000-gallon aquarium at the National Mississippi River and Aquarium in Dubuque, about 1,000 miles from where the river dumps into the Gulf, was supposed to have been teeming with sharks, rays and other fish. Two smaller tanks were to show a seagrass bed and coral reef.
"It may be the only time that people have ever seen a major aquarium that, instead of showing its fish, is showing an environmental disaster," said Jerry Enzler, the museum's executive director.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Parc Asterix: leave the queues and hype behind
"Liberum est intrare," says a sign by the door of a souvenir shop in the Roman section of Parc Asterix – schoolboy Latin for "free entry". Just like the Asterix comic books that have inspired it, the theme park has sparks of humour that appeal to adults, while managing to be thoroughly entertaining for young children, too.
The highlight for our boys was meeting roly-poly Obelix and the diminutive Asterix. They hang out and pose for photos amid the thatched huts of their Gaulish village, alongside other splendidly costumed, life-size characters, such as Unhygienix the bellicose fishmonger and Vitalstatistix the obese chief. Decorative touches in the village include flowerpots made from Roman helmets.
Hong Kong Disneyland plans to review international media business
As Hong Kong Disneyland’s (HKDL) contract with Mindshare comes to an end, sources close to the company reveal it is reportedly planning to review its Hong Kong, China and international media business.
The pitching process is said to begin in mid-July. Media agencies have already received the request for presentations (RFP).
Besides general media planning and buying, the media review for the amusement park are said to also include digital media. The market scope includes Greater China, Southeast Asia, India and Australia.
Sun, sand and (fake) surf: A weekend trip to Sunway Lagoon
Sunway is a self-contained resort in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 20km from KL city. You can stay at the Sunway Resort Hotel or the cheaper Sunway Pyramid. Connected to the hotels is the Sunway Pyramid Mall, a massive shopping complex, and the Sunway Lagoon theme park. A couple of shops surround the hotel area as well.
Theme Park Review takes over Pleasure Beach
Theme Park Review is visiting the Pleasure Beach today as part of their UK tour.
The popular group – organised by Robb and Elissa Alvey - is based in the USA ; however it’s following extends well into Europe and Australia, and has thousands of members online.
Having already been to Chessington, Alton Towers this week, and then onto Drayton Manor yesterday, Theme Park Review will be making their way today to Pleasure Beach Blackpool, as they continue northwards on their tour.
Vegas Sands Targets Asia for Sales as Rollers Return
Las Vegas Sands Corp., the casino company of billionaire Sheldon Adelson, expects 90 percent of its revenue to come from Asia by 2020, as its Singapore resort ramps up and more of China’s gamblers visit Macau.
“I don’t think there was a recession in this part of the world, and therefore that didn’t affect gaming very much,” Adelson said in an interview while in Singapore for the Marina Bay Sands resort’s grand opening. “We hope that 90 percent of our income comes from Asia” within 10 years, he said.
Asia accounted for about 73 percent of the company’s revenue at the end of last year. The casino operator is investing $5.5 billion in the Marina Bay Sands complex, a bet that economic growth in China and the region will boost demand for shopping, entertainment, gambling and tourism. Singapore has said the resort will help the city lure 17 million visitors and triple annual tourism revenue to S$30 billion ($22 billion) by 2015.
Moscow Planetarium chooses Global Immersion for Twenty-First Century Renovation
Global Immersion, a leader in the field of digital immersive theater and planetarium experiences, has been awarded contract by Moscow Planetarium, Russia, to design and integrate six unique and state-of–the-art Fidelity and Intensity digital displays into three theaters throughout the facility. The theaters are a key part of the large-scale modernization and expansion, and are scheduled for completion in December 2010 when the building will reopen to the public.
Since opening in 1929, Moscow Planetarium has been a center for thousands of Soviet schoolchildren to gaze at the stars and learn about our place in the Universe. The facility closed in 1994 when building modernization talks first began. The new team in Moscow has now finalized renovation plans that will see an expansion of the historic building from 32,000 square ft to 182,000 square ft – making way for a Museum of Astronomy and History of Space Travel, and the new theaters, facilities and exhibits within it.
Global Immersion has been contracted to design and install six display systems into three theaters, in addition to a central production suite and render farm.
Compagnie des Alpes plans capital increase of 100 mln eur
Compagnie des Alpes SA Plans capital increase of about 100 million euros, plans early refinancing of medium- and long-term debt, and says will be in position to make acquisitions in leisure market.
Calls for Water Park Society board to quit as chief exec Dennis Grant fired
Calls have been made for the entire board of directors of the Cotswold Water Park Society to stand down following a criminal investigation into the society's finances that this week led to the sacking of the society's chief executive.
A joint letter from the three parish councils in the water park, South Cerney, Ashton Keynes and Somerford Keynes, calls for the resignation of every member of the board.
The letter demands wider membership for the CWPS and questions the need for the Cotswold Water Park Joint Committee.
It’s All Here
IAAPA News
June 21, 2010
Expanded Brass Ring Awards Program to Debut
November 17 at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010
One Ceremony, One Name To Recognize Excellence
in Worldwide Attractions Industry
Alexandria, Virginia (United States) – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) will build on the tradition of the ‘brass ring’ and expand the scope of the 2010 Brass Ring Awards to recognize excellence in multiple disciplines, including marketing, merchandising, human resources, and entertainment. The Brass Ring Awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, Nov. 17 during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards are the most prestigious awards within the attractions industry worldwide. The program was designed to build on the high quality and excellence the ‘brass ring’ has come to signify and originally only recognized outstanding marketing programs.
Starting this year, the awards will include categories of marketing and advertising, live entertainment, souvenir development and display, employee training and motivational programs, best family entertainment center, best new product, and best exhibit at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010. Supporting organizations of the event include Matt Davenport Productions, Inc. and RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc.
The awards to be presented during the 2010 Brass Ring Awards event are:
- Brass Ring Awards: Live Entertainment Excellence – Recognizing stellar live entertainment. Entry submission deadline is Aug. 6, 2010.
- Brass Ring Awards: Marketing Excellence – Honoring marketing, advertising, and publicity excellence and creativity. Entry submission deadline is Aug. 6, 2010.
- Brass Ring Awards: Retail Excellence – Showcasing the best in product development, merchandising, and display creativity. Entry submission deadline is Aug. 6, 2010.
- Brass Ring Awards: Human Resources Excellence – Honoring the best training and human resources programs in the industry. Entry submission deadline is Aug. 6, 2010.
- Brass Ring Awards: Top FECs of the World – Recognizing innovative family entertainment center operations. Entry submission deadline is Aug. 6, 2010.
- Brass Ring Awards: Best New Product – Recognizing originality or uniqueness of a new product or service, and the quality of the product or service’s design and construction displayed at IAAPA Attractions Expo. Entry submission deadline is Sept. 15, 2010.
- Brass Ring Awards: Best Exhibit at IAAPA Attractions Expo – Acknowledges the most attractive trade show booth based on product, service, and overall booth appearance. Entry submission deadline is Oct. 29, 2010.
The IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards and IAAPA Service Awards will continue to honor and pay tribute to those who have served IAAPA and the attractions industry. The IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards will be presented during the Kickoff Event at the Orange County Convention Center, 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., on Nov. 16, 2010. Nominations are due Aug. 6, 2010. The IAAPA Service Awards will be presented during the General Managers' and Owners’ Breakfast at the Orange County Convention Center, 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., on Nov. 17, 2010. Nominations are due Sept. 3, 2010.
Additional information about the IAAPA Awards programs and the application processes can be found at www.IAAPA.org/awards. Information regarding sponsorship opportunities may be obtained by contacting Emily Popovich at epopovich@IAAPA.org.
About the Brass Ring
The tradition of the ‘brass ring’ in the attractions industry dates back to the carousels of the late 1800s. Rings were suspended above riders low enough to reach, but high enough to pose a challenge. Most rings were made of iron, so grabbing the brass ring was rare and was rewarded with a free ride. Today, the term ‘brass ring’ is synonymous with high achievement in the attractions industry.
About IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 is the largest conference and trade show in the world for the amusement park and attractions industry. With its theme “It’s All Here: The Thriving Marketplace for the Attractions Industry,” the show will take place in Orlando, Florida, and draw industry professionals from more than 90 countries to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 15, through Friday, Nov. 19. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 16, through Friday, Nov. 19. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 offers a solid week of business and fun. The event includes educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, networking opportunities, and social events. This is the gathering place for attraction industry leaders, decision makers, and visionaries to view the latest innovations, plan for the future, learn from each other, and network. Additional information can be found at www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo.
About IAAPA
IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded more than 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions, and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry.
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Contact Information
Press Office: +1 703/299-5127
Colleen Mangone: cmangone@IAAPA.org
David Mandt: dmandt@IAAPA.org
You can find information on our other two shows at www.IAAPA.org
Jul. 14 – 16, 2010 
Oct. 6 - 8, 2010 The parks - Globally
Cedar Fair Announces the Promotion of Lee Ann Alexakos
Cedar Fair, a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced that Lee Ann Alexakos, Cedar Fair's Corporate Vice President of Marketing & Advertising will report to Dick Kinzel, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Alexakos is an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience. Her duties include direct oversight of all aspects of marketing, including advertising and marketing strategy, pricing, marketing research, sales and promotions for all of Cedar Fair's properties. Alexakos has served as the Company's Corporate Vice President of Marketing & Advertising since 2006. Prior to that she served as the Director of Marketing for Cedar Point since 2004 and has served in various other positions at the amusement park including Group Sales, Marketing Research and Corporate Marketing Services.
"I am very pleased to announce the promotion of Lee Ann Alexakos," said Dick. "Over the last four years, Lee Ann has played a key role in creating a clear strategic direction for the successful integration of the marketing functions of our five acquired parks. During this integration process she was responsible for creating numerous cost saving efficiencies in advertising production and overhead. More recently, Lee Ann has focused on expanding our marketing and advertising strategy into digital marketing and social media outlets."
Six Flags Great America has canceled plans to install another roller coaster, according to Hank Salemi, general manager.
Salami gave no reason for the cancellation and no indication whether this might be a temporary or permanent situation.
It was believed that the roller coaster in question was a stand-up that had recently been dismantled at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom to make way for a water park.
Disney obtains $15 million permit for Little Mermaid ride
Walt Disney World has obtained a $15 million building permit to construct the Journey of the Little Mermaid, the Little Mermaid-themed dark ride at the center of the Magic Kingdom’s sweeping Fantasyland expansion.
The permit, which was issued by the Reedy Creek Improvement District in early March, covers design and construction work. Reedy Creek puts the value of the work covered by the permit at $15.4 million.
The district has also issued at least two other permits related to the Little Mermaid ride, one for a backstage employee sidewalk and another to relocate existing lighting.
Kalahari Resort-Wisconsin Dells Is the coolest destination for hot summer fun
There's a decade of summer fun brewing at Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Gearing up to celebrate its 10th Fourth of July holiday weekend since opening in May 2000, Kalahari is providing the ultimate in vacation adventures for kids and families who are taking drive-to getaways this summer.
"There's no question that Kalahari Resort has been a major asset to Wisconsin Tourism since opening 10 years ago," says Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. "We commend the resort for drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists to Wisconsin, providing more than 1,200 jobs for Wisconsin residents, and for stimulating our economy now more than ever."
Alligator attacks man diving at Florida amusement park
A 55-year-old researcher was attacked by an alligator Tuesday while diving on his job at Silver Springs Amusement Park in Ocala, Florida, authorities said.
The victim, identified as Peter Butt with the St John's Water Management District, was bitten around the head and neck, and may have suffered a broken jaw, said Miranda Iglesias, a spokeswoman for Marion County Fire Rescue.
Emergency personnel were able to keep him alert and he was transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville. His condition was not immediately known.
Glen Echo Park celebrates 50 years of integration
"I can still see the guy who blocked the way," Dion Diamond said. It was the summer of 1960 when he stepped out of a limousine dressed in traditional African clothing and tried to pass as a foreign diplomat. Flanked by two white friends posing as his interpreter and driver, Diamond attempted to enter Glen Echo Park and got a few feet inside before being stopped by a guard. "I shouted in French, ‘I desire to enter the park now!'" said Diamond, of Washington D.C., now 68. "There's a whole bunch of anecdotes like that."
Fifty years have passed since Diamond and other members of the D.C. Non-violent Action Group, mostly composed of Howard University students, united with dozens of white residents of the nearby Bannockburn neighborhood to picket the segregation of Glen Echo Park. Five black members of the group, including former Maryland State Sen. Gwendolyn Britt, were arrested for riding the carousel in the privately owned park that summer. Britt died of heart failure in 2008.
On Saturday, Glen Echo Park will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the non-violent protests that led to the integration of the amusement park in 1961 and the 1964 U.S. Supreme Court case that determined Montgomery County law enforcement improperly had enforced private segregation at Glen Echo.
Food for fun weekend at Maine's favorite theme park: Funtown Splashtown USA
As we enter into the summer season, Funtown Splashtown USA sets aside one weekend at the end of June where we tip our hats to the good work being done at the Saco Food Pantry on Ocean Park Road.
This year's 'Food For Fun Weekend' is Saturday June 26 and Sunday June 27. Over these two days, the park will donate a portion of each entrance fee to the Saco Food Pantry.
"In these tough economic times, we need to continue to remember that there are people struggling to make ends meet and put good food on the table," said Ken Cormier, president and CEO of the park.
New Amusements Come to Niagara Falls
Before the area along the Niagara River and the Falls was given over to nature in the form of the nation's first state park, the area resembled an amusement park that included a wall along the Falls where wealthy visitors would pay for a view of the thundering Falls. In 1885 the area became Niagara Falls State Park which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. Officials believed that Niagara Falls belonged to everyone and nature.
Over the past several years the Canadian side of the river and Falls has returned to that amusement park atmosphere with rides, video galleries, and a variety of other attractions. Beginning July 1, the American side will, too, return to the amusement park when a Ferris wheel, fun house, and other rides will inhabit the location that formerly held the Wings of Angels balloon ride that took riders 400 feet above the ground for an aerial view of the park and Niagara Falls.
As the city allows a new amusement park atmosphere to invade the serenity of the Falls, it is working very hard to deny street vendors and small business owners to opportunity to earn a living by making it nearly impossible to get a proper license. New rules require all street vendors to pay a fee of $250 plus carry insurance to the tune of $1 million. Food vendors must pay an additional $250 for an inspection of the food facilities. New vending laws were enacted because there were members of the community who did not like the "carnival setting" the vendors presented.
Disney World's New Thrill Ride: Selling Luxury Vacation Homes
Walt Disney Co. plans to unveil Wednesday its first foray into residential real estate in more than a decade with a pricey vacation-home development in Florida's Walt Disney World.
It's a risky move. Disney will offer homes priced between $1.5 million and $8 million in a state where the foreclosure rate remains among the nation's highest. In Orlando, where brokers say home values have dropped between 50% and 60% from the peak, Disney's pricing would put its homes near the top of the market. According to Realtor.com, the average price of new listings in greater Orlando this year is just over $243,000.
But Disney believes the market for luxury homes is rebounding. Despite adding wine-tasting events and VIP park tours in recent years, "The affluent market is an area where we haven't offered a lot of product," says Matt Kelly, vice president of Disney resort real-estate development.
Seaworld offers guests show times and updates via text message service
Earlier this year, Busch Gardens Tampa announced their new text messaging service, which would enable guests to have ride wait times, special offers, and "did-you-know-facts" about the park sent right to their cell phones. Guests "love this level of service and how it enhances their park experience", said Jim Dean, the general manger of Busch Gardens.
Why not bring something so useful and informative to it's sister park next door in Orlando?
It seems that Seaworld has opted in on this service to help enhance their visitor's experience. While it's nothing exactly like the text messaging service at Busch Gardens Tampa, it still sends guests who enroll in the program useful information, like show times. Unlike Busch Gardens, signs are not spread out all over the park and only seem to be in select locations. While this service has made it's way over to Seaworld, it seems to still be in the testing phase and may become more prevalent in the future.
Professional mixed martial arts is headed to the Santa Clarita Valley.
In a joint venture with Six Flags Magic Mountain, the California Fight Syndicate will put on a professional MMA/boxing event on July 31 at the Golden Bear Theater inside the park, featuring fighters from around the area.
"This is a opportunity for a lot of local guys to step into the spotlight and really shine and show everyone who they are," said California Fight Syndicate co-promoter Anthony Arria. "Some people have a chance to do it with the UFC, some people with Strikeforce, but we have a chance to do it with local guys in front of a local audience."
Darien Lake offers glamour camping
You have to spend money to make money and it looks the owners of Darien Lake Resort are doing just that. Parc Management has invested $10 million in Darien Lake this season. Visitors will find a new water park called SplashTown, new attractions at the theme park like Sea Lion Splash and new overnight accommodations that fit into a new trend called "glamour camping" or "glamping."
The changes may be of interest to consumers, but more importantly they show that Parc Management sees Darien Lake as a worthwhile investment. Randy Drew, president and CEO of Parc Management, says the financial commitment will help return Darien Lake to its heyday. "We expect attendance to increase this summer, back to the old days when Darien Lake put in the Ride of Steel and made some other attractions," Drew said. "This is the first really large capital in ten years that has gone into Darien Lake."
Drew says the changes are aimed to please local customers by creating treasured family memories, but also to bring in new visitors from outlying areas by offering the so-called “glamping” where guests can rough it, in-style. Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe says new cabins will make the theme park an "outer market regional destination" for out of town visitors. "New this year, we have 24 lakeside cabins. They offer all the amenities of a hotel stay, but with the rustic experience of camping," Thorpe said. "You can roast marshmallows and have a campfire, but also have internet and watch cable TV."
Theme park business expected to grow
A new report shows that the theme park business, including Disney, is expected to grow over the next five years after slow attendance in recent years.
IBISWorld, a Santa Monica-based market research firm, predicts that theme parks should see 3.1 percent growth annually, or $12.1 billion, over the next five years, according to a report released last week. This year alone, revenue is expected to increase by 1.7 percent, or $10.4 billion. Read a previous story about the report’s initial findings about the theme-park industry.
“I think a lot of it is generally tied to the recovery of the economy and people having more disposable income to spend,” said Nima Samadi, an analyst for IBISWorld.
The students clambered past the tilt-a-whirl and pirate's ship at Quassy Amusement Park this week, ready to dive into a ... physics lesson.
No longer is the amusement park merely a place of play, screams and fried dough — especially for students.
Increasingly, parks like the family-owned Quassy in Middlebury and Lake Compounce in Bristol have been augmenting educational offerings, trying to make a trip to the thrill businesses more attractive to schools with limited budgets for student excursions.
Hidden at Hogwarts: How to Spot Harry Potter Theme Park’s Easter Eggs
Author J.K. Rowling packs her Harry Potter novels full of secrets. The new theme park that brings the boy wizard’s magical world to life is similarly loaded with hidden gems.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an attraction that opened Friday in the Universal Studios Orlando theme park, delivers thrilling rides and authentic comestibles based on Rowling’s incredibly popular books. But as you’re sipping a butterbeer waiting to take a spin on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, take a close look around you.
The castle corridors of Hogwarts and the shop windows of Hogsmeade aren’t just filled with magical-looking junk from a Universal prop house. Crafty designers have scattered Harry Potter Easter eggs all about, filling the park with little details designed to reward observant fans.
Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash is slated to perform at the Surf Beach in Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. The Slash Live Concert on Aug 5 is brought here by low-cost carrier Firefly.
According to Firefly Sdn Bhd marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez, this will be the carrier’s first-ever concert in Kuala Lumpur and the first of many concerts organised to promote Malaysia.
"This concert will give Slash fans here and abroad the opportunity to watch their idol performing live as well as enjoy the many wonders of Malaysia," said Angelina.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Garza and son visit Adventure Island
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Garza, joined by son Matthew Garza II, celebrated Father’s Day at Adventure Island on Monday. Garza and son enjoyed a day of water-drenched fun in the sun, ending the day with a race between father and son down the hydra-tubes at Paradise Lagoon.
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island is 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun featuring the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere await slides, corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children’s water playground and other family attractions.
‘Toy Story 3’ and Fun Zone at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre
When the credits roll at the conclusion of Toy Story 3, the fun has not ended but continues in the Disney Fun Zone, a 25,000 square foot mini fun park based on the characters and toys in the movie, located behind the legendary Hollywood El Capitan Theatre.
Animating the toys with humor and emotion are renowned actors Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, Blake Clark, John Morris, and Laurie Metcalf.
Perhaps the criteria for true success of a Disney film are if both adult and child can be equally entertained. To test this, I brought 6-year-old Natan Benveniste and his mom, Carrie, to the Toy Story extravaganza.
Safety, fun at amusement parks should go hand-in-hand
Whether it's flying through the air or spinning in circles, there's something about a summer day at an amusement park that draws people of all ages.
Staying safe and having fun can and should go hand in hand, according to the Safe Kids Kansas organization.
"Parents need to use their own judgment," Safe Kids Kansas State Director Cherie Sage said. "Posted age and height requirements are minimal guidelines. Following the rules is also important. If a ride operator tells you to keep your hands and feet inside the car, hold the handrail or remain seated, there's a good reason for doing that -- it helps make the ride safer."
Pigeon Forge Takes Back the Family Vacation
We all need to get away, but visiting a major theme park or vacation resort can cost big bucks -- and with the economy in the doldrums that might be out of reach. In fact, these days, cash for car and mortgage payments might be out of reach.
We have to believe a retreat to the mountains would be a welcome relief, and now you can nominate a worthy recipient to receive cash and travel packages ranging from $6,600 up to $15,000 in the Pigeon Forge “Taking Vacation Back” campaign. The July prize will pay out a year’s worth of mortgage or rent payments to one deserving family. The winners and the people who nominate them will also receive a two-night/three-day stay in Pigeon Forge, home of the Dollywood theme park and gateway city to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
“The past two years have been extremely tough on families, and we know many families have made sacrifices,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “The family vacation is something we don’t want to see anyone give up. Vacations are much-needed getaways that create lifelong memories.”
Kobe Bryant celebrates Lakers championship at Disneyland
Hey Kobe Bryant, now that you’ve won your fifth NBA championship, what are you going to do? He’s going to Disneyland, of course.
Kobe Bryant won’t be filming a Disney television commercial or getting a check from Mickey Mouse Incorporated, but he did visit the Happiest Place on Earth on Tuesday to celebrate the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 16th NBA title.
ATM broken, money stolen at water park
Minnehaha County sheriff's deputies are looking for suspects after a theft from an outdoor ATM at Wild Water West.
A water park employee came to work at 7 a.m. Tuesday and saw that the machine had been smashed open and emptied. The ATM was outside the gates of the park, which is four miles west of Sioux Falls on Highway 17.
Deputies suspect that the perpetrators used a skid steer to push the machine into the wall and break it open, then took the money and drove off in a separate vehicle, according to Capt. Jim Hoekman of the sheriff's office.
Disney World water parks: Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon fun for kids of all ages
It’s summer in Orlando, which, happily, means trips to the Disney World water parks for us. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are a lot of fun for families — but we’re seeing them from a different perspective this time around. We had come to know well the little kids areas — Tike’s Peak and Ketchakiddee Creek — when our children were shorter than 48 inches. In those play areas, little ones have their own tube rides, slides and fountains and they delight in getting to do what big kids do in their sections of the water parks. Tike’s Peak and Ketchakiddee Creek are well-planned for preschoolers and toddlers. Now, my almost-6-year-old and almost-8-year-old have graduated to bigger thrills. At Blizzard Beach, that means we’ll be seeking chairs near the Ski Patrol Training Camp. At Typhoon Lagoon, we’ll be camped out by the Storm Slides.
Limbo the night away at Nixon Water Park's annual luau
Grab your flower lei or loud Hawaiian shirt and head over to the sixth annual Luau Summer Party from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Nixon Pool, 400 E. North St.
Cost is $6 per ticket and includes a choice of a hot dog or hamburger with a 16-ounce drink and chips. The party also includes a DJ, prizes, family photo booth and a contest to see who can get down the yellow slide the fastest.
Rotary plans to build water park for kids
People have been talking for years about building a water park for Campbell River kids.
Now, thanks to Rotarians, one could be built by next summer.
Lorrie Bewza, director of service projects for the Campbell River Rotary Club, spoke to council last night about a proposal to build a water park similar to the one in Courtenay.
History museum raising admission to balance budget
The San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park is raising all ticket prices $1 and eliminating educational programs that serve about 10,000 people to help balance its $10.6 million budget.
"We expect to end the year (June 30) with approximately a balanced budget, and we project that next year's will be balanced," said Michael Hager, the museum's president.
The across-the-board increase, which goes into affect after the Fourth of July holiday, will prevent the museum from having to charge higher fees for its newest major exhibit, "All That Glitters: The Spelndor and Science of Gems and Minerals," which debuted in May.
Ford's Theatre education center to bring President Lincoln's last days to life
Planned for an existing 10-story building at 514 10th St. NW, across the street from the theater, the center will exhibit such things as the tools used to construct Lincoln's coffin, a handle from the coffin, what is thought to be a lock of Lincoln's hair, and the set of keys found in the pockets of his killer, John Wilkes Booth.
The center will have four floors of museum, exhibit and retail space, a giant image of Lincoln on the facade and a three-story sculpture in the lobby representing the roughly 16,000 books written about him since 1865.
Sports museum honors state's greatest athletes
The Florida Sports Hall of Fame finally has a real, bricks-and-mortar place to call home.
Officials at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday welcoming the first visitors to the museum.
The 2,000-square-foot museum is part collection of memorabilia, part nod to accomplishments of the past, and all pay tribute to some of the Sunshine State's greatest sports heroes.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Merlin stock market float is off
Merlin Entertainment looks set to cancel its already delayed float after it emerged private equity firm CVC is in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the theme park owner.
Sources close to the firm, which owns Alton Towers and Madame Tussauds, suggest a deal is close which would see Blackstone reduce its stake and Dubai International Capital exit completely.
Kirkbi A/S, the investment arm of the Lego Group, would not dilute its holding.
Oriental Land May Cooperate With Disney on Shanghai Disneyland
Oriental Land Co., operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, said it may cooperate with Walt Disney Co. on a planned Shanghai theme park.
“There’s a possibility we may work together with Disney on Shanghai,” Akiyoshi Yokota, executive director, said in an interview at the company’s head office in Chiba prefecture, outside Tokyo. No details of the cooperation have been decided, he said.
Oriental Land has been talking about the planned theme park and exchanging information with Disney, Yokota said, without elaborating.
USA Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai Launches Virtual Tour
The USA Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai today launched a virtual tour, which gives a global audience a glimpse of the Pavilion and the exhibits that have already delighted more than a million guests.
"World's Fairs are about creating enduring ties, and Expo 2010 is building a stronger relationship between the United States and China. This virtual tour will enable us to share those positive energies with those who are unable to visit the Pavilion in person," said U.S. Commissioner General Jose H. Villarreal.
Expo 2010 Shanghai is the first World's Fair to host an online platform that allows viewers to take a glimpse of all of the pavilions. While not meant to be a substitute for the real experience, the U.S. virtual tour doubles as a preview of what is to come for those traveling to China and a recap of the USA presence for visitors half a world away. Moreover, from the U.S. site, visitors have the opportunity to virtually tour any of the other country pavilions that are available.
Liseberg Tower to Become Unique Free Fall Attraction
Liseberg Tower, with a height of 146 metres above sea level, is to be transformed into Europe’s tallest free fall attraction. The new attraction will be called AtmosFear.
AtmosFear will be the tallest free fall attraction in Europe, in terms of both the fall height and the building in which it is housed. There is really only one other attraction in the world that can be compared with Atmosfear, and that is in Australia.
The ride starts underground in the basement of the tower, and from there it takes around 90 seconds to reach the top. The return journey is somewhat faster – you are in free fall for just over three seconds. Reaching a speed of over 100 kilometres per hour, passengers plummet back underground, as the brakes aren’t applied until you reach the basement. During braking, passengers are subjected to the maximum g-force allowed: 4 g.
Premier Exhibitions' largest shareholder to sell stake
Premier Exhibitions Inc said it is assessing strategic alternatives and its largest shareholder Sellers Capital Master Fund Ltd has begun seeking a buyer for its 46 percent stake in the exhibition operator.
The fund, facing redemption requests, plans to return all capital to its investors over the next 12 to 18 months, Premier said in a statement.
Sellers Capital has also advised Premier that it will not sell any of its shares in the open market.
House of Waterford Crystal Celebrates Grand Opening Today in Ireland
A new beginning for Waterford Crystal was marked today with the official opening of the House of Waterford Crystal on the Mall in the heart of Waterford City. Comprised of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, visitor centre and retail experience store, the opening ensures that the history of more than 600 years of heritage, tradition and craftsmanship remains firmly rooted in Waterford. This milestone event is the result of an agreement between WWRD Holdings Limited ("WWRD"), the leading luxury goods group which owns and operates the Waterford Crystal, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton brands, and Waterford City Council.
The Waterford Crystal Factory will serve as a brand laboratory for innovation and modern design, captivating visitors as they embark on a visual journey of more than 225 years of crystal making. Each individual piece of crystal is designed by highly skilled craftsmen using unique and traditional artisan methods. Even customers with the most discerning eye will be captivated as they view the detailed, intricate work and complexity that goes into producing each piece. The factory will exclusively produce 40,000 luxury hand-crafted crystal pieces for the thousands of new visitors who come and visit the modern facility.
PM backs giant pandas for Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo says it has been approached about whether it could take endangered giant pandas - and the Prime Minister's all for it.
Mayor Kerry Prendergast's office has confirmed that the possibility of bringing the pandas to the capital was discussed when Ms Prendergast met the Mayor of Beijing in China at the beginning of June.
Prime Minister John Key says he first expressed an interest in bringing pandas here last year and will talk more about it next week during a visit to Beijing himself.
Global Park News
Holiday World Names New President
The brother of the late president of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari will take over the family business.
Dan Koch, 46, will serve as president and CEO of the popular amusement park in southern Indiana, the family announced early Tuesday.
He succeeds his brother, Will Koch, 48, who died suddenly last week after drowning in his family's pool, likely from complications related to diabetes, a spokeswoman said.
Six Flags Entertainment Names Discover "Official Credit Card" of All U.S. Six Flags Parks
Discover has been named the official credit card of all of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation's U.S. theme, water and animal parks. The multi-million dollar exclusive partnership agreement spans 11 markets, includes multi-platform branding through in-park and online media, and provides Discover cardmembers with money-saving benefits and exclusive experiences.
"Many of our cardmembers are already big fans of theme parks, so this partnership with Six Flags, the world's largest regional theme park company, is a terrific benefit," said Julie Loeger, senior vice president of brand and product management at Discover. "Plus, delivering value is part of Discover's DNA, and that's exactly what cardmembers will find through the rewards and benefits in this program."
The core of the program is a five percent instant discount incentive for Six Flags park guests and their families when they use a Discover card, in-park or online, to make purchases of admission tickets and season passes, as well as food, retail, games and attractions.
Six Flags cuts workforce, 3 top executives
Six Flags Entertainment Corp., the theme park operator that emerged from bankruptcy protection last month, said Monday that three park executives are leaving the company as part of recent layoffs that the company estimates will save it $16 million a year.
The company did not disclose how many jobs were affected in the June 16 reductions, but said the move mainly targeted its New York City and Dallas corporate offices. Six Flags also is moving its CEO to the company's Dallas corporate headquarters. The estimated savings excludes severance and other costs, Six Flags said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"The effect of these reductions should bring the company's general and administrative costs more in line, on a percentage of revenue basis, with other companies in the regional theme park industry," the company said in the filing.
King Kong Rattles 3-D Cage as Theme Park Freak
“We’re confident that our King Kong attraction is the largest, most intense 3-D experience on the planet,” and that’s no idle boast coming from the mouth of spectacle maven Peter Jackson. He’s talking about King Kong 360 3-D, which starts beating its chest July 1 at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.
“Our intention was to create an enormously spectacular and immersive 3-D experience and we’re pretty confident we’ve done that,” added Jackson, who developed the attraction after directing 2005’s King Kong remake.
Here’s how it works: Visitors wearing 3-D glasses get on a tram and enter a darkened soundstage that projects, via Surround Digital 3-D projection, the wild Skull Island environment complete with raptors and dinosaurs. Then King Kong, visualized as a 6,000-pound silverback gorilla, makes his entrance and does battle with a giant Tyrannosaurus rex.
Gourmet food trucks debut at Disneyland
The food truck trend must be more than a passing fad because some are landing in one of the hottest retail properties in Orange County — Disneyland.
Disney California Adventure is offering tourists a taste of gourmet street food as part of the theme park’s new Glow Fest celebration, which runs through Aug. 22.
For the first half of the event, Orange County’s own Louks Greek Gourmet truck and The Green Truck of Los Angeles are the featured food vans.
Kaptain Robbie Knievel Coming to Wild Adventures
Wild Adventures Theme Park welcomes special guest, Kaptain Robbie Knievel, for the Fourth of July event, All American Weekend, July 3 – 4. The daredevil extraordinaire attempts a one-of-a-kind motorcycle leap over Wild Adventures’ iconic lake, filled with nearly $1 million of Regal luxury performance boats, on July 3. Guests have the opportunity to meet Robbie Knievel, June 27 – 30, 10:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the park.
Both evenings of All American Weekend, July 3 and 4, conclude with a stunning and patriotic fireworks display.
Two Kennywood Coasters Named Landmarks
Two of Kennywood Park's oldest and most beloved rides were honored as landmarks on Monday.
Members of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) were on hand to name both the Jack Rabbit and Racer as ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks.
The Jack Rabbit has run every season since 1920 and attracts people as much for its nostalgia as its famous double dip.
Some too Weighty to Ride New "Harry Potter" Attraction at Amusement Park?
If you've been anticipating the wait of "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" at Universal Orlando Resort's new Wizarding World of Harry Potter park but weigh about 260 pounds, you may not be able to ride.
There seems to be not only a height requirement, wich is a minium height of 48 inches, but a weight requirement too. Anyone over the weight of 260 pounds, especially if the weight is carried in the mid-section area, might have difficulty locking the ride's harness. However, it may not have much to do with weight, but more so body size.
A disappointed HPANA.com reporter, who weighs 265 pounds, was unable to ride - but who is actually the same weight as NBA player Dwight Howard, who was apparently able to ride. So the issue seems to be about body size, not necessarily weight.
'Rock Band Live' brings video game to stage
Want to see if your "Rock Band" skills are ready to move from your basement to the big time?
"Rock Band Live," a touring show at Valleyfair amusement park through June 27, takes the popular video game to the next level by putting a few of the top performers from the audience onstage during a live show, complete with professional singers, dancers and actors. The show is inspired by Rock Band, the video game that lets up to four players jam to classic rock songs on controllers shaped like guitars, basses, drum kits, and microphones.
Audience members compete outside the theater for about 30 minutes before the show begins, showing off not only their "Rock Band" skills but also their rock style. A few of the best performers get VIP passes to sit up front during the show, and within a couple minutes of the start of the show, the actors pull three of them onstage to play guitar, bass and drums. They're then given rock 'n' roll alter egos and costumes to immerse them in the onstage experience.
Roll with the Poll for best places to go
State elections are two days away, but the important results are already in.
We already know, for example -- from extensive vote analysis -- that Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco is one of the best places for family fun in Maine. We also have solid data confirming the summer fun value of the Lobster Shack restaurant on the ocean in Cape Elizabeth, of Beal's Ice Cream, and of a live show at Port City Music Hall in Portland.
We culled all this from our 24th Annual Audience Readers' Poll. It's long been a trusty gauge of what Mainers like best in the areas of fun, food and frolic. But this year, it was revamped with a focus on summer.
Disneyland, Alcohol, Teens, Families & Glow Fest
With three performances a night, “World of Color” at Disney’s California Adventure is seeing record crowds – something never experienced before in the nine-year history of the usually-struggling Anaheim second gate. When the park opened in 2001 as an accompaniment to Disneyland, the original Disney theme park, it was noted as not only having a lack of Disney characters, but also a lack of nighttime entertainment. The park’s first summer featured a return of the former Main Street Electrical Parade – re-branded as Disney’s Electrical Parade, but even that wasn’t fully enough to bring in the crowds from a usually over-packed Disneyland, which offered nighttime entertainment ranging from Fantasmic! to fireworks to a teen dance venue in Tomorrowland.
While there is no doubt that Walt Disney Imagineering’s five-years-in-the-planning “World of Color” is the thing to do at The Disneyland Resort this summer, an over-glorified waiting area is proving to be an unexpected nighttime hit. Glow Fest, as it is called, is a psychedelic-colored street party that takes over the park’s Hollywood Pictures Backlot section each night. The festivities include food trucks, dancing space, music spun by live dj’s, and even two bars offering up beer and special “glowing” cocktails. There’s even Bollywood dancers to help kick off each evening’s festivities.
Disney Institute Leisure Tours Offer Unique Opportunities to See Walt Disney World Resort
Disney guests interested in going behind the scenes at the Walt Disney World Resort now have new leisure tour options from Disney Institute. The professional development and training arm of The Walt Disney Company is offering guests the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and get an insider's look at the operations.
"Disney Institute leisure tours are unique because we take our guests to multiple parks and visit different locations throughout the resort," said Jeff James, vice president, Disney Institute. "These tours are wonderful opportunities for anyone interested in learning how our company operates."
Disney Institute offers four tours: Backstage Magic, Inspiration: Through Walt's Eyes, Holiday D-Lights and Yuletide Fantasy. Backstage Magic and Inspiration: Through Walt's Eyes are offered year-round, while Holiday D-Lights and Yuletide Fantasy are seasonal tours.
One for the boys: Disney to open Cars Land
Disney California Adventure park is set to become an even bigger playground for kids and adults alike with the opening of Cars Land in 2012, as part of a US$1.4 billion expansion plan.
The all-new 12 acre addition to the park will involve recreating the entire town of Radiator Springs, inspired by the Disney Pixar film "Cars". Three family rides showcasing some of the most popular characters and scenes from the movie, including Radiator Springs Racers, a high-speed adventure through the town, will be one of the most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park.
Currently being built, the additional landscaping, new restaurants and retail shops is expected to draw bigger crowds to Disney California Adventure, increasing the value of admission and Park-Hopper tickets in conjunction with Disneyland.
A Cleveland Cavalier looks to visit Cedar Point
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ starting forward J.J. Hickson will make a special appearance at Cedar Point amusement park and resort in Sandusky, Ohio, June 23. At Cedar Point, J.J. Hickson will talk to his fans about basketball and even shoot some hoops.
The event will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the Three-Point Challenge basketball game, near the main amusement park entrance. Guests who participate in the game will meet Hickson and receive his autograph.
Emergency Services Day at Darien Lake
Come out to Darien Lake theme Park for the first annual WNY Emergency Services Appreciation Day presented by Erie County Fire Wire & NFA on Saturday, September 11.
The event runs from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. and tickets cost just $20 for adults or $13 for children. Friends, families, and groups are welcome to come, too! The ticket gives you all day admission to the theme park and the all new Splash Park.
There's free parking, door prizes, and all you can eat food from 2 p.m. till 5 p.m. and all you can drink from 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken breast, Caesar salad, and macaroni salad.
Bedford resident pitches ideas to Disney Imagineers
Ryan Holman has daydreamed about designing amusement park attractions since he was 15 years old.
Those dreams sat on the backburner until a friend drafted him to help design an attraction for a national competition. Last Thursday, the 22-year-old Bedford County resident and his teammates returned to Virginia from California, where their Wall-E attraction idea tied for third place in the Disney ImagiNations contest.
Disney hosts ImagiNations to get college students and recent graduates interested in fields like digital arts, engineering, and next-generation interactivity. Most participants won’t see their ideas open in a Disney park, but the company retains the rights to their pitches, so the possibility does exist.
Water park would boost two challenged industries
A successful $110 million water park in Fort Lauderdale would help both the construction and tourism industries, which have suffered from the economic downturn.
The developer of the project is Schlitterbahn Waterparks, but Oakland Park-based Recreation Design & Construction and Miami architecture firm Zyscovich are listed prominently as involved in the project. Specialty firms that produce water park features might get a good chunk of the work, but there will be plenty of work left for local companies, said a senior executive with Moss & Associates, the region’s largest construction management company.
Schlitterbahn estimates that, in its fifth year of operation, the park would generate $118.75 million in spending from non-local guests, $29.64 million in employee salaries and fees, $5.42 million in sales taxes and $2.99 million in property taxes.
The Riverdale splash pad is a different kind of water park
It's crowded, but it's fun and free. That seems to be the consensus among adults at the recently opened splash pad in Riverdale Park.
"It's awesome. It's hard economic times and this is easy, fun to do and free," Neal Crookston, of Roy, said of the new water feature.
"My first impression was that it was way too crowded, but the park is beautiful with all the shade trees. It's a great splash pad," Michelle Nielsen, of Roy, agreed.
Gator takes a dip at water park
Just after Summer Waves Water Park on Jekyll Island opened Saturday, some patrons in the Lazy River float channel noticed an unwelcome presence in the water: a 2-foot-long juvenile alligator had wandered in from the adjacent marsh and decided to take a swim.
"We didn't have to get anybody out," general manager Steve Sharp said. "Most of them got themselves out."
Operations manager Chris Brown scooped the alligator out with a net and released it into the marsh across the road from the water park. Sharp said the alligator didn't struggle, and no one appeared to be afraid of it because of its size.
Looking for lanes on the avenue
Ben and Calisse Courtney spent their spare time in college bowling with friends in Sacramento. When the couple moved home to the Santa Ynez Valley in 2007, after getting married and wanting to start their family, they had a harder time coming up with recreational activities.
“We realized we were leaving town when we wanted to go bowling, which also turned into dinner and shopping, and we just came up with the idea to try and open one in the Valley. Buellton seemed a perfect place for a bowling alley, and a way to keep business here,” Calisse Courtney said.
The couple has proposed to build a 16-lane bowling alley and “family entertainment center,” with an arcade, billiard tables and food service, on the site of an abandoned gas station on the Avenue of Flags, within the city’s redevelopment district.
Kentucky State Fair Announces Free Concerts
Get a taste of almost every musical genre at the Kentucky State Fair this year. Rock, pop, hip-hop, bluegrass, alternative, country and praise music will keep fair goers of any age entertained each night.
State Fair Discount Admission Tickets to be Sold by Iowa Lottery for First Time
Adult advance-admission tickets to the Iowa State Fair will be available through Iowa Lottery sales terminals this year for the first time, giving Fair fans nearly 2,000 locations statewide where they can buy tickets. The Fair is set for "Non Stop Fun" August 12-22.
Tickets will be printed from Lottery terminals on the same paper that is used for lotto tickets in games such as Powerball. Adult advance-admission is $7, with a $1 convenience fee for tickets available from lottery terminals. Tickets go on sale July 1 and must be purchased by August 11, the day before the Fair.
"This is a collaboration that will add convenience and statewide accessibility to discounted Iowa State Fair tickets," said Fair Manager/CEO Gary Slater.
Missing tiger, camels found alive
Two camels and a tiger that have been missing since Friday have been found.
Camels Shawn and Todd, and Jonas the tiger have been found in Saint-Edmond-de-Grantham, in the Drummondville, Que., area. After finding them on a rural road late on Monday night, officials described all three animals as being "alive and well."
The animals were found not far from where they were stolen. They had been missing since Friday when thieves made off with a Ford truck from a parking lot near Saint-Hyacinthe, Que. The animals were in a trailer attached to the vehicle. They were found in that same trailer.
Zoo to start shift in management
A significant step in putting the operation of the Tulsa Zoo into private hands will take place Monday when Tulsa Zoo Friends ends and Tulsa Zoo Management Inc. begins.
"This is the step that will take our zoo from an investment in jeopardy to the growing asset that it should be," Mayor Dewey Bartlett said.
"The zoo has been underfunded for such a long period of time, and we as a city can't afford to give it the level of financial responsibility that is needed," he said.
Minnesota Zoo breaks ground on addition
The Minnesota Zoo is breaking ground on the first phase of a major new addition that will include its first-ever penguin exhibit.
Construction on the $20 million "Heart of the Zoo" project gets underway Monday with an 11 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony with Gov. Tim Pawlenty expected to be in attendance.
In addition to the penguin exhibit, the first phase of the project will expand the zoo's education wing, transform an abandoned whale tank into a 200-seat theater and remake the zoo's current main entrance. Later phases aim to build a new visitors' center and separate main entrance, and to shift more animal exhibits closer to the front of the zoo.
Teacher arrested as amusement park 'video voyeur'
A man identified as a Chicago school teacher and described by police as a "video voyeur" has been arrested for taking cell phone videos of adults and juveniles in various stages of undress in a men's locker room at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee.
Jaime A. Jimenez, 39, of the 2200 block of South Canal Street, has been charged with unauthorized video recording and live video transmission, a felony.
On Saturday afternoon, Gurnee police said, an off-duty police officer from the Lake County area was in a stall in the locker room at the Hurricane Harbor water park in the amusement park when he saw someone holding a cell phone under his stall. The officer confronted the man and captured him after a short foot chase, police said.
LACMA's film program 'still in jeopardy'
There's an adage in the movie business that there's no such thing as bad publicity.
But all the publicity, bad or otherwise, that the Los Angeles County Museum of Art received after it tried to eliminate its weekend film series last summer, then reversed itself after an outcry from cinema-lovers, hasn't greatly boosted attendance or advanced the museum's bid to raise $5 million or more for an endowment to cover the film program's costs.
The protests that saved the program included director Martin Scorsese's open letter in The Times asserting the importance of movie screenings in a museum context. But despite the high-profile backdrop to their fundraising efforts, LACMA officials say that financial support — presumably from film industry figures who'd be the logical donors to an L.A. film endowment — has not materialized.
In military parlance, the National Infantry Museum's inaugural year might be akin to winning the battle, but still having a tough fight ahead to claim victory in the war.
"Everything is going well, but we have a long way to go," said National Infantry Foundation President Jerry White on Friday -- the eve of the facility's June 19 grand opening date a year ago.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Unhappiest movers on Earth: Shanghai Disneyland evictions
Out with the old, in with the newest ridiculously expensive development project. As Shanghai is finally gearing up to start construction on its Disneyland (the appropriate reaction to this is still, "Why?"), more people are being forcibly evicted to make room for the theme park. Evictions are one of China's most notorious repeat offenses as thousands of people were forced out and displaced for both the Beijing Olympics and the Expo.
The $3.5 billion Disney project is pushing 2,000 households out of their homes, most likely into smaller apartments and/or for meager compensations. Shanghai resident Wang Quanlin's family has tried to fight back with legal action to either save their house or receive more adequate compensation, but neither seems likely to happen. The city is preparing to turn the land in July and demolitions are being scheduled.
Blackstone Seeks to Pare Merlin Stake
Blackstone Group LP is close to selling part of its stake in Merlin Entertainments Group to CVC Capital Partners as an alternative to taking the theme-park operator public, a person familiar with the situation said Monday.
CVC is buying a stake of around 30% in Merlin, which operates Legoland, Sea Life and Madam Tussauds, among other theme parks. Some of that will come from Blackstone, which currently owns 52%. Dubai International Capital, another shareholder, also is expected to sell it its remaining stake.
A firm of Abu Dhabi plans to build “Space City” near Bangalore
An Abu Dhabi-based business group Marib Holdings LLC plans to build a “Space city” at Bagepalli in Chikkaballapur district, about 90 km from the Bangalore. The company proposed of Rs 18,400 crore for this project. The space city will include an entertainment and integrated theme park comprising a recreation, business and residential township very near form Bangalore International Airport. On Saturday, the state government in Karnataka has given in principal approval to the project for ‘Space City’. This project received in principle approval from the clearance committee on investment, headed by B S Yeddyurappa.
The ‘space city’ will provide a Disneyland like entertainment spread over an area of 1,600 acres hub. In a statement Marib said, “The space city will be a state-of-the-art high-tech multi-functional educational entertainment project, with a view to boosting real estate, hotels and hospitality and leisure and tourism sectors.” A member of the Abu Dhabi’s royal family and promoter of Marib Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalid Al Nahyan will visit Bangalore in July to submit a master plan for final approval.
Thorpe Park tickets for just £1
Capital FM have teamed up with Thorpe Park to offer you an adult ticket to the theme park for just £1 when accompanied by a full paying ticket.
With full price adult tickets costing £38 on the door, you and a friend can split the cost and pay just £19.50 each.
Old-fashioned rides at a Catalonian amusement park bring out Shaney Hudson's inner child.
I'm in an 89-year-old contraption that looks like a half-dismantled, one-armed Ferris wheel. My compartment is the shape of a tin of Spam and the safety railing comes up just over my waist. There's no roof, no straps and, just to make me feel even more insecure, my metal box groans and tilts each time I move. I am not comfortable, I don't feel safe. I'm not happy, Juan.
However, as the Talaia tower at Tibidabo amusement park starts to lift me to a distance of about 455 metres above sea level my fear is quietly replaced with wonder.
Tweaking the museum formula with success
The old concept of museums was that they were places where objects of great antiquity and value were displayed in a hush-hush atmosphere. The objects were to be viewed, but not touched, and the atmosphere was one of awe and sometimes, boredom.
However, museums have now become spaces where people are no longer mere spectators, but play a more active role. The concept of a museum space is no longer restricted to galleries where exhibits are displayed, but an auditorium and open spaces are considered part of the museum while planning activities.
The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Bangalore, opened in February 2009 and is situated in a beautiful wooded area spanning three-and-a-half acres, with 400 artworks displayed in its 17 galleries. It also features a 168-seater auditorium and a cafeteria, and it is a perfect place to spend time alone or interact with others.
At the Parks
New Cedar Point ride delayed again
If you were hoping to get wet by riding Cedar Point's new "Shoot the Rapids" attraction this weekend, it's not going to happen.
The new ride had been delayed because of operational problems.
We checked to see whether there's a new target date for opening. A spokesman says he expects it will be operating before too long, but wouldn't give us a date. Park leaders will make an announcement when the boat ride is ready.
Disney parks enhance sign language service
Disneyland Resort parks for the first time are assigning regular sign language interpreters at eight locations.
Previously, hearing-impaired visitors had to call ahead of time to request sign language interpreters, who were assigned to special events on an as-needed basis for the past two decades, said Betsy Sanchez, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman.
Starting Sunday, the interpreters were made available at set hours at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Hearing-impaired visitors are asked to pick up schedules when they arrive at the parks and find out when the interpreters will be on duty.
Denver's landmark amusement park looks to renew community ties
Name a few things in town that have been around longer than Elitch Gardens, Denver's biggest amusement park.
What about the county of Denver itself, which was whittled out of a chunk of Arapahoe County in 1902?Or the Buckhorn Exchange, that game-crazy restaurant that was granted the state's first-ever liquor license in 1893?
Try again.
SEC filing offers rare glimpse into theme park pricing
Every year when Florida theme parks jack up prices, a familiar groan is heard around the breakfast table. How can a family afford this? Most tickets for theme parks are sold at a discount, so perhaps a better question is: Why do people wait to pay full price of up to $85 a day at the gate?
A recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing from Universal Orlando's owners offers a rare glimpse into widely practiced theme park ticket pricing and distribution strategy.
While Universal tries to tighten discounting this summer, thanks to its new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, the filing shows where the park has been. Universal got $45.67 from its average daily ticket sale in '09, up from $43.16 in '08. That's deflated somewhat by tickets wholesaled to other sellers and for night-only events like Halloween Horror Nights.
Disney California Adventure reopens classic swing ride with Mickey Mouse theme
Despite the bigger-faster-better advances in technology, the classic wave-swinger ride remains one of my all-time favorite theme park attractions.
Maybe it’s because my 9-year-old daughter, Hannah, insists on riding the swings at every park we visit, or maybe it’s the relatively restraint-free sensation of soaring through the air or the throwback feeling of wistfully revisiting a bygone seaside amusement-park era. It never gets old, no matter how old I get. I love to stick out my arms like an airplane and kick my feet as the wind blows through the hair I still have left.
So I was pleased to be recently invited to an early morning employees-only, fanfare-free ceremony under misty June gloom skies marking the reopening of the rechristened Silly Symphony Swings at Disney California Adventure.
Zippin Pippin roller coaster looks to put down roots in Green Bay
Before its towering wooden frame can reach for the skies, the Zippin Pippin roller coaster must first dig its feet into the ground.
Green Bay city officials are shopping for contractors to assemble the roller coaster's concrete foundation at Bay Beach Amusement Park.
It will be the first construction contract awarded on an estimated $3 million city parks project that will remain a work in progress until next spring.
Universal recaps grand opening of Harry Potter attraction
Here’s a Universal-supplied video that wraps up the grand-opening events of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (again, no lines!). Might have skipped sharing this, except J.K. Rowling speaks! “I supposed the completeness of the vision is what is really breathtaking here.” Plus, I felt a kindred spirit with Daniel Radcliffe when he hit the big bell at Zonko’s and wears a fez. Also some cool shots of the castle.
Officials are expected to discuss a height variance Monday when a proposal for a 150-foot roller coaster at Six Flags Great America comes before the board.
While details are few, park officials have indicated a large standing roller coaster could be relocated to Great America from another Six Flags theme park.
On May 26, Six Flags received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Gurnee Zoning Board of Appeals to exceed the 125-foot height restriction for the construction of a new 150-foot coaster. The new coaster would be sited near the main entrance in an area formerly home to Space Shuttle America, which closed after the 2007 season.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening day
Thousands of Harry Potter fans stormed the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure as the theme park had its grand opening on June 18, 2010.
Storm clean up is done—Schlitterbahn Waterpark fully open and fully fun!
Just one week after a devastating storm swept through the Hill Country, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has resumed full-park operations with all attractions ready again to welcome vacationing guests. Storm Clean Up Is Done - Park Fully Open & Fully Fun!
“I’m so proud of our dedicated team that worked tirelessly around the clock to clean up the entire park in just a few short days,” explained Darren Hill, general manager for Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. “Our greatest challenge now is communicating to our guests that we are fully open and ready to entertain their families. So many of our guests have pictures of the storm firmly planted in their mind and cannot believe that it is possible for us to reopen so quickly.”
Schlitterbahn’s 75-acre waterpark and resort complex features more than 40 rides and family activities in seven areas, including: three uphill water coasters, nine tube chutes, 17 water slides, the Boogie Bahn bodyboarding ride, a family wave pool, five swimming pools, five hot tubs, seven children's water playgrounds, water and sand volleyball courts, five gift shops and more than 20 refreshment centers.
Tiger cubs find home at Vallejo park
Siberian tiger cubs Mischa and Maksim are safe from the ancient traditions that might otherwise have cost them their lives because they live at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, a park spokesman said Friday.
Otherwise, the 2-month-old cubs -- introduced to the news media on Friday -- might have been in grave danger, park spokesman Lee Munro said.
"The sad thing about Siberian tigers is that they figure there are less than 200 left in the wild and that's just too close to extinction," Munro said. "They're poached for their bones and their organs, which in some cultures are believed to cure everything from arthritis to impotence."
Legoland Florida will work with vacation home industry
It's already well known that Legoland Florida, which starts construction next month, is bringing a theme park with 50 rides and up to 1,000 jobs to Polk County.
Now Merlin Entertainments, which is building the theme park in Winter Haven modeled after the ones in Europe and California, is also committing to the construction of a hotel near the park.
“They are going to build a Legoland hotel and conference center in phase II of construction,” said Mark Jackson, Polk County's director of tourism and sports marketing. “The plan is to put in a destination resort and conference center, which is fantastic.”
Coaster fans from Europe roll into Darien
It's 9 a.m. on a chilly Thursday. Darien Lake Theme Park Resort doesn't open to the general public for another hour. Yet in the line for one of the park's roller coasters, the Predator, all that can be heard is cheering, the slapping of hands from high-fives and raw excitement.
The noise was coming from the 54 members of the European Coaster Club as they congratulated those who had just completed their first ride of the day on the 20-year-old wooden roller coaster.
The club, which was founded in 1996 and has 1,600 members, visited Darien Lake Thursday morning as part of a 15-day trip to ride roller coasters on the East Coast. The club had members from eight different nations in Europe and two Americans present.
Vague bomb threat made against Universal Orlando
A spokesman says Universal Orlando officials have taken all the "appropriate precautions" following a vague bomb threat.
Spokesman Tom Schroder says the theme park is working closely with law enforcement officials, who are looking into the vague, unspecific threat that was received Thursday night.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, authorities were investigating the call, but police said it wasn't practical to search the park's entire grounds. A message left for a police spokeswoman was not immediately returned.
New $800K Water Park Proposal Stirs Controversy In First Colony
A number of First Colony residents showed up at Thursday’s community association board meeting to protest plans for a new water park for the master-planned community.
While supporters said the $800,000 community water park would be an added amenity for residents, opponents say it will disrupt the otherwise tranquil neighborhood by drawing large crowds.
Detractors such as resident Nancy Hentschel also said the splash park would ultimately lower property values of adjacent homes and could “destroy the community.”
Child drowns, revived at Oshkosh water park
An Oshkosh water park was closed on Friday after a child was discovered unresponsive in the water. The child was revived, but the pool remained closed.
Water park staff opted to close the park in order to give Oshkosh Fire & Rescue space to work. The child was revived, and was responsive when taken to an area hospital.
Park staff decided to keep the pool closed for the remainder of the day due to the threat of severe weather later in the afternoon.
Mystic Aquarium opens Nautilus Live
Underseas explorer Robert Ballard and other experts are launching a project in which visitors to a Connecticut aquarium can watch oceanography expeditions as they occur.
Ballard and others from the Institute for Exploration will open the new Nautilus Live Theater on Wednesday at Mystic Aquarium.
The theater will have daily shows in which satellite and high-speed networks are used to let guests watch ocean exploration as it happens. The project also lets scientists "participate" from afar through the new Nautilus Live website.
Camden's Adventure Aquarium exhibit lets visitors touch stingrays
An exhibit that opened Friday at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden enables children to touch those strange and slimy fish called stingrays.
Though they can terrify beachgoers on the Jersey shore, these shark cousins at the aquarium are quite docile, because the stingers embedded in their spines have been clipped.
"The spine becomes very dull, like a pencil eraser," said Mark Kind, the aquarium's animal husbandry director.
$20M upgrade at Minnesota Zoo brings penguins, expansion
The Minnesota Zoo will break ground Monday on its new $20 million “Heart of the Zoo” project.
The improvements include a penguin exhibit, a new educational center that will be designed for the thousands of students and teachers who visit the zoo each year, and a new theater/learning center near the lobby that will connect the Zoo’s Tropics Trail with an existing trail dedicated to Minnesota-native animals.
The project also includes an upgrade to the Zoo's main south entrance. The Zoo is located in Apple Valley.
A revamped Discovery Place opens next weekend
The outside may look familiar - that long, dark brick façade along North Tryon Street. And the mission is intact - sparking wonder and inquiry in visitors of all ages. But after 18 months and $31.6 million of taxpayer-funded work, Discovery Place is ready to show the world that just about everything else about it has changed.
Next weekend, the science center unveils the first total renovation in its 29-year history, an overhaul that brings it into the 21st century and positions it to evolve for decades. Except for the IMAX theater and parts of the rain forest, every exhibit is new, and the cafe, gift shop and admissions area are also updated, with brighter colors and more light.
The revamped Discovery Place, which opens to members Saturday and the public Sunday, joins new uptown attractions at the Levine Cultural Campus on South Tryon Street and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
City Of Miami Approves Funding For Remediation Of Museum Park
The board of commissioners of the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (Omni CRA) has unanimously approved the release of funds for the environmental remediation of eight acres of Museum Park, the 29-acre waterfront parcel that will include new facilities for Miami Art Museum and the Miami Science Museum. The eight acre remediation process will clear the path for the construction of the new museum facilities. Remediation will begin within weeks, with the goal of finalizing the process by early November of this year.
The CRA vote follows the May 2010 announcement that Miami Art Museum is eligible to receive $100 million in County bond proceeds. These public funds, coupled with $45 million in private donations raised to date, will finance construction and occupancy of the museum's new Herzog & de Meuron-designed building, which is slated for completion by 2013.
Museum of Natural History’s Master Plan Up for Review
After 94 years in existence, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is beginning to put its Campus Master Plan through the City of Santa Barbara’s rigorous review process.
A joint meeting on Thursday of museum staff, the Planning Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission was postponed until July 15 after the HLC failed to show up.
On the table for discussion is a plan to replace and renovate a significant amount of building space on the museum’s main campus — located near the Santa Barbara Mission. While the plan calls for a 50 percent increase in square footage, museum staff said it will be built almost entirely on the existing building footprint, causing only an 11 percent increase in footprint area.
Seattle Museum of Flight to Break Ground on New Space Gallery June 29
The Museum of Flight will break ground on its new Space Gallery, Tuesday, June 29 at 10 a.m. and announce the state’s major commitment to bringing one of the three retiring Space Shuttles to Seattle. The groundbreaking will take place next to the Museum of Flight Library and Archives Building, 9303 East Marginal Way South in Seattle, across the street from the Personal Courage Wing.
As Seattle and Washington State await the decision on where the three retiring Space Shuttles will be located, the Museum of Flight is moving forward with plans to build a state-of-the-art facility that is capable of housing a Space Shuttle and other space artifacts.
Dignitaries attending include retired astronaut Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, the Museum’s CEO and Mike Hallman, the Museum’s Interim President, as well as a number of other supporters of this important initiative.
Mississippi Museum presents lifeless gulf
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is opening a $40 million expansion, the Diamond Jo National River Center, on June 26, 2010. But one of the exhibits will be changing, due to the recent oil spill.
The new Gulf of Mexico exhibit will not open as a celebration of a vibrant, life-filled Gulf, but will open empty, completely devoid of life. Since the spill has been named on of the worst environment disasters of it's kind in U.S. history, officials decided to recognize the crisis.
By removing all fish from the Gulf tank they hope to cause everyone to pause and consider the delicate balance of life in our oceans. They will use this image to educate museum goers about the important and tragic time in history. Along with the lifeless aquarium, educational materials, hands-on activities, multi-media exhibits and information on how to get involved will be presented.
Fundraising outreach planned for Kidzeum project
Fundraising for Southwind Park’s Kidzeum of Health and Sciences is progressing, with $3.3 million already raised toward a goal of $5 million needed to break ground by October.
A final community outreach phase will be launched next week. Kidzeum officials say the facility could open by the spring of 2012.
“Kidzeum will begin to send out mass mailers, solicit businesses to invest as exhibit sponsors and really make an effort to publicize the project and make our community aware and a part of this unique educational and entertainment facility,” said Kidzeum development director Farah Salim in an e-mail.
Royal Ontario Museum names new director
Janet Carding, a curator and administrator who is currently assistant director at the Australian Museum in Sydney, has been chosen as the new director and chief executive of the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
Carding takes up her post in September, replacing William Thorsell, who has been CEO since 2000.
British-born Carding was announced to the position Thursday by Sal Badali, chair of the ROM board of trustees.
Commissioners propose private funding for Bibb museums
Three words — “and cultural facilities” — in Bibb County’s sales tax ballot
initiative could lead the way for the county to get out of what one commissioner calls “the museum business,” even though the proposal would have the county buying two museums.
The basic idea is to raise a privately run endowment of $50 million to $100 million during the next 20 years to take the place of government subsidies, said Bibb County Commission Chairman Sam Hart. That money could fund institutions as diverse as the Tubman African American Museum, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Douglass Theatre. Hart said such a “museum district” would help tourism in Macon.
AROUND THE GLOBE
PepsiCo signs exclusive partnership agreement with Aldar for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Aldar, Abu Dhabi's leading property development investment and management company, has signed an exclusive long-term supply and sponsorship agreement with PepsiCo, one of the world's leading food and beverage companies.
This is the first agreement to take place under the Aldar Partnership Programme. Launched earlier this year, the Aldar Partnership Programme is the first of its kind in the UAE, offering partners value and investment benefits from one or more of Aldar's developments across the residential, commercial and leisure sectors in Abu Dhabi.
Under the terms of the ground-breaking five-year deal,Pepsi Cola International will become the exclusive supplier of beverages and snacks for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's largest indoor theme park, which will open to the public on October 28, 2010.
Ferris wheel traps 100 passengers for 90 minutes
The Ferris wheel of E-Da World in southern Taiwan malfunctioned on Saturday, confining about a hundred passengers for approximately 90 minutes, local media reported yesterday.
Kaohsiung City's E-Da Outlet Mall houses the country's second biggest Ferris wheel, which started operating in February this year.
According to local reporters, the 40-carriage ride, situated on the rooftop of the shopping center, stopped working at 3:48 p.m. on June 19.
CVC looks to buy 30 percent stake in Merlin
Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners is close to agreeing a deal to buy a 30 percent stake in theme park operator Merlin Entertainments BLKSTM.UL, the Financial Times reported in its Monday edition.
CVC would buy the minority stake from Merlin's existing shareholders, which include U.S. private equity group Blackstone (BX.N), KIRKBI A/S, a private Danish holding company that owns three quarters of the LEGO Group, and Dubai International Capital DUBAHP.UL (DIC), the paper said.
The deal would create a three-way ownership structure with CVC, Blackstone and KIRKBI A/S all holding about a 30 percent stake in Merlin, the world's second largest theme park operator after Disney, the paper said.
HK, Vancouver attractions become reciprocal deal partners
Hong Kong Ocean Park added Vancouver Aquarium to its "World Attraction Fun Deals" reciprocal program Thursday, officials of the two parks said Friday.
It is the first Canadian partner to be included.
Under the program announced here, guests visiting either venue will receive a 10 percent admission discount upon presentation of an admission ticket stub from the partnering venue through May 2011. Annual pass holders of either venue receive a 15 percent discount at the other venue.
In what is being billed as the country’s largest theme park, an Abu Dhabi-based business group has proposed to develop a Rs 18,400 crore integrated recreation, business and residential township not very far from Bangalore International Airport.
Branded as “Space City,”its promoters promise to provide a Disneyland-like entertainment hub within the integrated township that would be spread over an area of 1,600 acres. The location identified for the project is spread over three villages in Bagepalli taluk of Chikkaballapur district.
Marib Infrastructure India Pvt Ltd (MIIPL), which is the Abu Dhabi-based Marib Group’s Indian arm, successfully sold the project to the B S Yeddurappa Government which just over two weeks ago organised the “Global Investors’ Meet” to attract investments in Karnataka. On Saturday, the government’s high level clearance committee on investments, headed by Chief Minister Yeddyurappa, gave its in-principle approval to the proposal.
Roller-coaster addicts to get their fix at Pembrokeshire Theme Park
Over 50 of America’s most enthusiastic roller-coaster fans will be descending on Oakwood Theme Park on Sunday.
Members from Theme Park Review’s official theme park and roller-coaster enthusiasts organisation Club TPR have travelled over the United States to visit the Pembrokeshire park as part of a European tour.
Theme Park Review was launched in 1996 and is now the number one unofficial theme park and roller-coaster website in the world with over one million unique users each year.
Theme parks fail to thrill foreign investors
The Vietnamese-owned CT Group is presently implementing plans to develop a Disneyland-style theme park in a 420-hectare patch in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Chanh District.
The project, which gained government approval in 1999, will include a township, office buildings, trading centers and a theme park offering ecological and cultural attractions. Its cost is estimated at US$1 billion and it is due to begin operations by 2015.
Another Vietnamese entertainment project developer, Suoi Tien Group, broke ground last year with its second theme park project called Son Tien Ecotourism in Dong Nai Province. Its first success was with the 55- hectare Suoi Tien Park in HCMC.
‘We’re like Manchester United’ says zoo boss Gill
South Lakes Wild Animal Park could triple in size if owner David Gill’s plans are given the go-ahead. The zoo boss also plans to move the entrance to Melton Brow – meaning animal park traffic will no longer go through Dalton.
Mr Gill said his plans were a necessity rather than purely for financial gain.
He told the Evening Mail: “The first thing I want to make clear is that having to do this is not something I particularly want to do.
Council loan raises £2.5m for water park
Sandcastle Water Park is set to raise the roof with two new rides worth £2.5m.
The award-winning Promenade attraction will boast the Black Hole and the Twist and Plummet.
These are two action-packed slides which will drop from a 15ft rooftop platform into the park.
People relax at newly opened theme park
Four days ago, a water theme park opened up in Gaza City.
There are water slides, pools, canals, little pedal boats, a cafe, a restaurant and even a traditional corner where you can sit on rugs under a huge cool tent, sip some tea or coffee made on an open fire listening to some classical instruments.
Named the “Crazy Water Park”, the park is made partly from scrap metal, stones and wood from war-destroyed buildings while the rest of the material needed was brought in from Egypt through the illegal tunnels.
Dubai International Capital appoints Deloitte to review British asset value
Dubai International Capital has appointed accountant Deloitte to review the value of its British assets, including budget hotel chain Travelodge and engineering firm Doncasters, in a move that could lead to a sale of some of its businesses.
The international investment arm of sovereign parent company Dubai Holding has run into major financial difficulties after acquiring assets before the recession.
DIC, which has a stake in amusement parks operator Merlin Entertainments and owns healthcare firm Alliance Medical, has debts of £1.7 billion.
Meet Indian mythology at an amusement park
It will be an amusement park with a twist.
The Krishna Lila Park - the foundation stone for which was laid on Sunday - will be similar to Disney Land but with characters from the life of Sri Krishna.
This is the first-of-its-kind project in the city with an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore.
Big4 splash for interactive water park
A franchised holiday park in Cairns is officially launching its million dollar interactive water park this week. Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort is part of the Big4 holiday park group.
Franchisee Jenny Tonkin said "Even though this investment is the largest we have undertaken, our visitor figures are in good growth seeing an increase of eight per cent over the last year. We wanted to give new and repeat customers the bset experience possible."
Acting CEO of Big4 Holiday Parks, James Shearer, said the new water park is indicative of the direction holiday parks are taking.
Parks Globally
Friends, family say goodbye to Will Koch
A community said goodbye to Will Koch on Thursday. The popular owner of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari died Sunday night at age 48. Hundreds attended two funeral services in his hometown of Santa Claus.
Holiday World employees walked into United Methodist Church in their khaki shorts and polo shirts, ready to go back to work at the theme park right after their own private funeral service for their leader.
"Try to hold my head high and go on like he would want us to," said Splashin' Safari Director Lori Gogel of how she's been handling the sudden departure of the man who was both boss and friend. "Occasionally maybe go into a room and take a quick cry."
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (formerly Six Flags, Inc.), the world's largest regional theme park company, announced that its shares of common stock will commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SIX" at the market opening on Monday, June 21, 2010.
Al Weber, President and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags, said, "We are excited to be once again listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the familiar SIX ticker symbol. With the financial restructuring behind us and a much improved balance sheet, Six Flags is well positioned for future growth."
Cedar Fair chief operating officer resigns
The second in command at Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. resigned last week, marking the latest in a series of twists for the Sandusky amusement park operator this year.
Cedar Fair filed a notification with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday that said Chief Operating Officer Jacob "Jack" Falfas resigned on June 12. "I think it came as a complete shock to everybody in the industry," said Dennis Speigel, a former amusement park executive turned consultant. He noted that 58-year-old Falfas had worked for Cedar Fair for three decades. "The full story is yet to be told. I haven't talked to him personally, but it seems to have come at an odd time."
His departure is especially surprising since Falfas was seen as the heir apparent and right hand man to Cedar Fair Chief Executive and Chairman Dick Kinzel, said Speigel who is now is president of International Theme Park Services in Cincinnati. Kinzel, 68, is expected to retire when his employment contract ends in 2012.
Big day is here: Universal hopes Harry Potter's magic will last
After three years of anticipation and hype, Universal Orlando is to formally throw open the doors this morning to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, its $200 million-plus addition to Islands of Adventure based on the beloved series of Potter books.
The meticulously themed collection of rides, shops and eateries is expected to lure millions of new visitors to Universal in coming months as the resort becomes, in the words of a prominent British politician, "the official place of pilgrimage for every Harry Potter fan on Earth."
Perhaps the biggest question now facing Universal — along with Warner Bros. Entertainment and author J.K. Rowling, each of whom stands to earn millions of dollars a year in royalty payments from the project — is this: How long will it last?
Universal opens Harry Potter theme park to fans
Harry Potter fans arrived before dawn for the grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Gates to the theme park were opened at 6 a.m., as a line of faithful fans snaked as far back as the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal CityWalk.
Many had spent the night on the area, saying officials had asked them to leave at 2 a.m. The Universal parking garage re-opened at 5:30 a.m.
Universal Orlando sheds light on how theme parks discount admission
Every year when Florida theme parks jack up prices, a familiar groan is heard around the breakfast table. How can a family afford this?
Most tickets for theme parks are sold at a discount, so perhaps a better question is: Why do people wait to pay full price of up to $85 a day at the gate?
A recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing from Universal Orlando's owners offers a rare glimpse into widely practiced theme park ticket pricing and distribution strategy.
Ferris wheel gets Myrtle Beach CAB's OK
The Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board likes the concept of the giant Ferris wheel complex proposed for Ocean Boulevard.
At Thursday's meeting, the board gave a conceptual review to the plans for the 5,400-square-foot building that will house a restaurant with a two-story deck, a retail shop, a gift shop and the SkyWheel ticket booth on the two .28-acre lots where the Golden Villas motels now stand at 1106 N. Ocean Blvd.
The board doesn't have approval over the wheel itself, because it's an amusement. But it does have to approve the support building and its look.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is kicking off with its grand opening tomorrow morning in Universal Orlando, with Jeff Zucker, NBC Universal president & CEO.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter boss hopes park boosts tourism in Florida
The boss of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has said that he expects the theme park to help boost tourism in Orlando.
Bill Davis, President of Universal Orlando Resorts, said ahead of its launch that he expects the park to continue to draw in visitors despite the global recession.
“We obviously expect a very nice affect on attendance, hopefully starting from this Friday,” Sky News quoted him as saying. “And frankly we expect it will help tourism in central Florida and Orlando in particular.
Roof Collapses At Family Entertainment Center
One person was injured in a structure collapse at the Big Bounce Family Fun Center at 1701 South Main St. in New Castle Thursday afternoon.
The owner, Don Raines, says the roof gave way and the entire structure over the bounce area where the children play collapsed. He says the children ran out with the assistance of an employee but one of the mothers was taken to a hospital with a head injury.
Raines said they had no warning that anything was wrong. "Everything's been fine, no problems whatsoever, " said Raines. "The building just collapsed today and took us all by surprise."
Great Wolf Lodge Invests in Families and Fun This Summer
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., North America's largest family of indoor waterparks, is bursting at the seams with new features and amenities at its Great Wolf Lodge resorts from coast-to-coast that promise to make summer 2010 at the Lodge sizzle with excitement.
Not only has Great Wolf Resorts invested in brand-new waterslides and slide enhancements in select waterparks nationwide, but it has also added a variety of new kid-centric activities and amenities to many of its properties, including Compass Quest -- the next generation of the popular MagiQuest game, the new "Picture Perfect Summer" activity program, and improvements and enhancements to one of the resorts' Scooops Kid Spas.
"We're delighted to introduce so many new amenities and activities that help us do what we at Great Wolf Lodge have always set out to do -- put family and fun first," said Tim Black, executive vice president of operations. "We're in the business of investing in families, and I can't think of a better way to accomplish this goal than to add new and improved ways families can have fun and make memories together."
Memphis Kiddie Park has a long tradition of amusing the shorter set
Most 58-year-olds are pondering retirement or feeling a little out of place in the world around them.
Kiddie Park is the child that never grew up, and is happy to keep it that way. Little has changed since the West Side amusement park opened in 1952.
Surely, not the rides. There are 11 of them, all of which could double as time machines -- going back to a time when tyke-friendly amusement parks were a dime a dozen and rides cost a quarter.
Boardwalk kicks off concert series
Beginning tonight, Top 40 bands from the '70s, '80s and early '90s will appear for admission-free Friday concerts at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk bandstand.
Sixties pop group Herman's Hermits kicks off the series tonight with two shows, 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The band's better-known hits include "I'm Into Something Good," "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "I'm Henry VIII, I Am."
Bands on the Beach runs Fridays through Sept. 3 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St.
Pinconning's Deer Acres Storybook Amusement Park has potential new buyer
The grass at Deer Acres Storybook Amusement Park is getting high and the fairy tale statues that have called the children's amusement park home for 50 years need a new coat of paint.
That could soon change. Rodger Cederberg, whose family owns Deer Acres, says he has a potential buyer for the currently closed park where schoolchildren have taken field trips and summer outings for years.
"We won't be open this year, but I'm sure it will be next year," said Cederberg, who found himself as the park's owner again after selling the business on a land contract and getting it back when the deal fell apart. "We're doing the paperwork and hopefully we'll have a new buyer sometime soon."
Tweetsie Railroad Hosts Annual July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
Once again, Tweetsie Railroad lights up the Blue Ridge Mountains with the High Country’s most spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show.
As North Carolina’s first theme park and an American icon, Tweetsie Railroad is the perfect place to celebrate our nation’s independence.
Now in its 53rd year, Tweetsie Railroad will honor America with an event to remember Sunday, July 4, with festivities including evening entertainment and more than 200 large-caliber pyrotechnic mortar shells which are certain to dazzle guests of all ages.
Rocky Point comes back to life in pictures, artifacts
The Rocky Point Amusement Park is coming back to life this weekend -- in pictures, artifacts and memories, at least.
The Long Live Rocky Point exhibit is the brainchild of Jay Mayoh, an illustrator, artist and comic book author who owns three-quarters of the artifacts on display.
"My parents took me all the time in the summer. You know, I didn't get the chance to go to Disneyland until I was in my 20s. So, Rocky Point was the place," Mayoh said.
Storm Clean Up is Done - Park Fully Open & Fully Fun!
Just one week after a devastating storm swept through the Hill Country, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has resumed full-park operations with all attractions ready again to welcome vacationing guests.
"I'm so proud of our dedicated team that worked tirelessly around the clock to clean up the entire park in just a few short days," explained Darren Hill, general manager for Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. "Our greatest challenge now is communicating to our guests that we are fully open and ready to entertain their families. So many of our guests have pictures of the storm firmly planted in their mind and cannot believe that it is possible for us to reopen so quickly."
Schlitterbahn's 75-acre waterpark and resort complex features more than 40 rides and family activities in seven areas, including: three uphill water coasters, nine tube chutes, 17 water slides, the Boogie Bahn bodyboarding ride, a family wave pool, five swimming pools, five hot tubs, seven children's water playgrounds, water and sand volleyball courts, five gift shops and more than 20 refreshment centers.
Water park with life-size dragon has neighbors breathing fire
A proposed water park with a giant dragon in Fort Bend County has some neighbors breathing fire.
Dozens of residents attended a monthly First Colony Community Association meeting Thursday afternoon. They voiced their concerns about phase one of a 10-year amenities master plan. It’s a proposed plan that would create a more than $800,000 community water park that some fear could turn a tranquil area in the Lakes of Edgewater into a bustling hot spot.
“It will destroy this community. Property values would fall,” Fort Bend County resident Nancy Hentschel said. “The homeowners do not want this project. They are speaking with a super majority voice.”
Under the radar, water park reopens
Five-year-old Sebastian Alvarado pointed to a bucket that towered over a newly reconfigured Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park. It was the Deerfield Beach resident's favorite part of the renovated water park, unveiled on June 10.
"I like sliding it," Alvarado said of one of the newest attractions.
Unadvertised and unannounced, the reopening day drew dozens of swimmers to the city's popular water park. Concession attendant Bradley Greene said the morning session drew at least 30 children, but even Greene recognized that record would fall in the weeks to come. Park attendants will stop selling entrance tickets when the number of swimmers reaches about 300, Greene said.
Developer for Lauderdale Waterpark Has Struggled With Newest Attraction in K.C.
​Sprechen sie deutsch? If so, you know that Schlitterbahn is German for "slippery road," and Fort Lauderdale commissioners had better tread carefully in their dealings with the Texas-based developer that wants to put a massive water park on the land occupied by Lockhart Stadium, near the city's airports.
Schlitterbahn's most recent venture, Vacation Village in Kansas City, Kansas, has had a tough time of it. Weather delayed its opening till July 2009 and the economy was blamed for its being slow to draw more guests. A local blogger called Vacation Village a "bellyflop," pointing out that the new park was more expensive than two existing water parks.
And let's keep in mind that in Kansas City, Schlitterbahn isn't competing with an ocean coast for swimsuit-wearing customers.
Kentucky fair board looking for workers
The Kentucky State Fair Board is reaching out to people looking for work.
The fair board said Thursday that it's adding two recruiting sessions with a goal of hiring more than 400 part-time workers for its venue services department.
That department assists visitors at three Louisville facilities operated by the fair board - the Kentucky Exposition Center, the Kentucky International Convention Center and the new downtown arena. The fair board says it's seeking people to work as ticket sellers, ticket takers, ushers, concierges and elevator operators.
Hotels fill up for first Grand Island State Fair
On August 27th the Nebraska State Fair makes its move to central Nebraska. And, hotel rooms in Grand Island are filling up fast. Some have been booked since Christmas.
State fair organizers say with new hotel construction and booked rooms.
They are expecting the first state fair in Grand Island to be a success.
Huge trucks with bigger engines and even bigger tires will roll — and probably roll over — in the Main Grandstand Arena of the California Mid-State Fair when the Southern Monster Truck Showdown takes place at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1.
The event will bring some of the biggest monster trucks from all over the country for tailgate-ripping wheelie contests, full-throttle side-by-side racing and the fan-pleasing, let-it-all-hang-out freestyle contest.
Monsters making their way to Mid-State will include Steve Hill’s Monkey’n Around from Dunnellon, Fla., and, from his Triple Threat Racing stable, Outtacontrol.
Building collapses near theme park in Orlando, Florida
A building partially collapsed near the Universal Orlando Resort theme park in Orlando, Florida on Thursday, local media reported.
WESH-TV reported that firefighters in the area were responding to the incident at Universal Plaza on Kirkman Road, inside a float storage area near the theme park. It was reportedly caused by a gas main break.
The building has been evacuated, and nearby streets have been closed.
Museum Seeks Creative Partner in Rebranding Initiative
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is seeking to rebrand itself as an active, sensory and engaging experience for multiple audiences. The museum is currently involved in a multi-year campaign to enliven our “product” (galleries, exhibits, etc.), increase communications and marketing activity, and polish our image via a fresh marketing creative direction. The Eiteljorg Museum is currently looking for agencies to submit their qualifications to assist the museum in this endeavor.
Davie's Young at Art Children's Museum ready to spread its wings
In many ways, Young at Art Children's Museum is growing up.
The recent groundbreaking of the museum's new 55,000 square-foot facility, which is scheduled to open in late 2011, on 11 acres at State Road 84 and Northwest 121st Avenue in Davie, will bring together many elements that will make it attractive to generations young and old, said Mindy Shrago, founder and chief executive officer of Young at Art.
The $26 million facility will offer art instruction for all ages and house a Broward County Children's Reading Center operated by the county library system.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Ferrari World revs up for fall opening
The world's first Ferrari theme park, inspired by the luxury Italian sports car and racing teams, opened its gates in Abu Dhabi for a sneak preview before its official opening in October.
What currently looks like a big construction site will become Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in just over three months, home to 20 Ferrariinspired attractions including rides, a 4-D fantasy adventure, a racing academy, children's play area, restaurants offering Italian cuisines and various shops.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, described as the world's biggest indoor theme park, will be home to the world's fastest roller-coaster ride, which developers say will reach a speed of 240 km/h, giving its riders the sensation of being in a Formula One car.
Harry Potter stars slam London mayor
The stars of the Harry Potter franchise have criticised London mayor Boris Johnson after the politician complained the newly inaugurated wizarding theme park on the film should have been built in Britain, not US.
Johnson recently blasted bosses at film giant Warner Bros, calling them "utterly mad" for allowing a Harry Potter park to be created in Florida, when the books and movies are all set in UK, MTV online reported. The franchise's stars, including Michael Gambon and Tom Felton, disagree with Johnson and have now waded into the debate, insisting a similar attraction would not work in London.
Speaking at the launch of 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, Gambon, who plays Albus Dumbledore in the film, said, "Boris Johnson... What's he talking about? I mean only 10 people live in England don't they? You've got to have it in America to get the money back."
Beijing Amusement Park Shuts Down
Beijing Amusement Park formally shut down on Thursday, ending its 23-year operation on the Longtan Lake in Chongwen District, the Beijing Times reported.
The park's operation period was set until June 17, 2010, and all activities were to be stopped after that day, according to an announcement put on the park entrance.
Huang Xiaoqiang, manager of the park's marketing department, further revealed that the contract signed with the Japanese partner would not be renewed.
Government funding for Stonehenge visitor centre axed
Proposals for a new £25m visitor centre at Stonehenge are in doubt after funding is cut by the government.
English Heritage said it was "extremely disappointed" that £10m promised would not be forthcoming - but said it did not mean it was the end of the project.
It had wanted to move the visitor centre 1.5m (2.4km) away from the stones and to divert the nearby A344.
Mangalore to be next tourism destination
Karnataka Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy today said the State Government has received overwhelming response to the proposed Acqua Marine Park to be set up at Mangalore for which Request for Proposal (RFP) was floated recently.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating new office premises of the state-owned Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited here, Mr Reddy said State Government had received a proposal of over Rs 2,200 crore investment into the state including for the proposed Acqua Marine Park at Mangalore.
He said a Malaysian company had come forward to invest over Rs 4,500 crore to set up an integrated Tourism Project in and around Mangalore on the line of Singapore under PPP model. The department had instructed to present a detailed project report to take it forward, he said.
Atkins to design sustainable water park in Abu Dhabi
Atkins has been appointed by Aldar Properties PJSC as lead designer for a new 16.4ha water park on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Aldar has committed to making the facility one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable water parks in the world. Atkins, which was also responsible for Wild Wadi Water Park in nearby Dubai, is designing the park's buildings to meet Estidama guidelines and is engineering ways to dramatically reduce energy and water consumption.
The facility will feature more than 40 rides and attractions, including four one-of-a-kind rides that have never been seen before in a water park.
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