Ride Of The Day-Rollo Coaster

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Rollo Coaster
Amusement Park:Idlewild & SoakZone
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1938
Serial Number:101
Builder:Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
Designer:Herbert Paul Schmeck
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic

Length:900'
Height:27'
Inversions:0

Trains:2 trains with 3 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 12 riders per train.

Photo:

New Plans For Waldameer

Here are the new features that are coming next summer at Waldameer in Erie,PA:

* Gem Mining in Imagination Station
* 4 Midway games - basketball, football toss, whack-a-mole, and treasure chest pull
* Giant clock (similar to the one by Ali Baba) near the new ride
* Mega Disk-0 Ride

Thanks!

Orion A.

Ride Of The Day-Goliath

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Goliath
Amusement Park:Six Flags Over Georgia
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 4/1/2006
Make / Model:Bolliger & Mabillard / Mega Coaster
Cost:$20,000,000 USD
Capacity:1220 riders per hour

Length:4480'
Height:200'
Drop:175'
Inversions:0
Speed:70 mph
Elements:

200' tall Lift Hill with a 170' drop
Hill with a 175' drop
Hill with a 129' drop
540° Helix
Hill with a 118' drop
Horseshoe
Hill with a 79' drop
Hill with a 56' drop
Hill with a 48' drop


Trains:2 trains with 9 cars per train. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 36 riders per train.

Photo:

Maui Sands Closed

Nov. 28th, 2008 -- SANDUSKY, OH - Maui Sands which opened it's door to Sandusky just last Summer has already shuttered operations. The water park has laid-off 100 workers and filed for bankruptcy.

This was sudden news -- not anticipated by the workers.

Lexi Robinson, the spokesperson for Maui Sands,admits the timing is unfortunate.

"You really couldn't have a full meeting with everyone, it had to be kind of, we had to plan it out so we told the employees, we did tell them personally, and we do have staff here calling them," Robinson said.

Guests were not happy with the unfinished construction, coupled with the current economy and competition with established competitors

Unfinished construction, the current economy and competition with established competitors added to the failure of Maui Sands.

The company plans to re-open in the future after construction is complete with additional attractions. Employees who were laid-off will recieve "special consideration" for jobs when the park reopens.

For the full story, visit WTOL.com.

FOUND ON THRILL NETWORK

Ride Of The Day-Montu

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Montu
Amusement Park:Busch Gardens Africa
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Inverted
Status:Operating since 5/16/1996
Make / Model:Bolliger & Mabillard / Inverted Coaster
Designer:Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH
Capacity:1710 riders per hour

Length:3983'
Height:150'
Drop:128'
Inversions:7
Speed:60 mph
Duration:3:00
Max Vertical Angle:50 Degrees
G-Force:3.8
Elements:

104' tall Loop
Immelmann
Zero−G Roll (Heartline Spin)
Batwing
60' tall Loop
Corkscrew (Wing Over)


Trains:3 trains with 8 cars per train. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.

Theme:

Themed around Egyptian mythology: Montu had the head of a hawk and was the god of war.

Initially, live crocodiles lived in the area below the turn out of the station. They were later moved to the park's animal habitat.

Photo:

Alton Towers Allowed To Build Aquarium

Alton Towers has been given permission to build a Sea Life aquarium.

The attraction, which will be the 30th Sea Life, is due to open in Spring 2009.

It will be located in the pirate-themed Mutiny Bay area of the theme park.

Entry to the aquarium will be included in the theme park admission price.

Russell Barnes, divisional director for the resort, said: "We are delighted to have received the go-ahead to begin building this new attraction, which I am confident will be a fantastic addition to the resort.

"We'll be adding our unique Alton Towers touch to Sea Life's excellent reputation and expertise in marine conservation, education and awareness in order to create an amazingly themed attraction that families can enjoy together."

The planning application had gone before Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

FOUND IN THE SENTINEL

Toy Drive At Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain will offer free admission to anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy valued at $15 or more to the theme park on Dec. 7, 13 and 14 for the annual Toys For the Holidays drive. A price tag or receipt should accompany the toy.

All toys collected will be distributed with the help of UPS to thousands of children through local charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern California. In the 24 years of the toy drive, more than 410,000 toys have been collected.

FOUND IN THE SIMI VALLEY ACORN

Ride Of The Day-Vortex

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Vortex
Amusement Park:Carowinds
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Stand Up
Status:Operating since 3/14/1992
Make / Model:Bolliger & Mabillard / Stand-Up Coaster
Designer:Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH

Length:2040'
Height:90'
Inversions:2
Speed:50 mph
Duration:2:19
Elements:
Loop
Corkscrew (Flat Spin)

Photo:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello,

Happy Thanksgiving to all the readers of Amusement Park Madness!I hope that you have a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend.Also,good luck on Black Friday!

Thanks!

Orion A.

Ride Of The Day-New Mexico Rattler

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:New Mexico Rattler
Amusement Park:Cliff's Amusement Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 9/28/2002
Builder:Cliff's Amusement Park, Custom Coasters International, Inc.
Categories:Hybrid (Steel Structure)
Cost:$2,000,000 USD

Length:2750'
Height:80'
Drop:75'
Inversions:0
Speed:47 mph
Duration:1:15
Max Vertical Angle:52 Degrees

Trains:Single train with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders.Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.

Features:Underground tunnel

History:Custom Coasters, Inc. (CCI) went bankrupt while building the New Mexican Rattler. This left the roller coaster less than half complete. Cliff's Amusement Park then finished the construction on their own and the New Mexican Rattler opened late in the 2002 season.

An interesting historical significance of this event is that if Cliff's did not get the roller coaster completed by the end of the 2002 season this would be the first time since at least 1985 that a new wooden roller coaster would not have been built in the United States. "At least" is mentioned because at the time of this writing no new wooden roller coasters were known to have been built in North America in 1985 or 1984. The next jump goes back to 1977.

Photo:

Ghost Town At IAAPA

Ghost Town in the Sky received top industry marketing awards last week in Orlando at the annual IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions) Convention and Trade Show. Ghost Town competed against hundreds of theme parks, zoos, aquariums and family entertainment centers worldwide for the Brass Ring Awards that are judged by an International Marketing Executive Committee.

Ghost Town received three first place marketing awards at IAAPA: Best Collateral (Ghost Town’s annual 40-page Trip Planner), Best Website and Best Public Relations Campaign (Ghost Town’s Media Day held July 18). Ghost Town also received a 2nd Place honor for Best Special Event Campaign, which was Ghost Town’s character series that featured Spider-man, Iron-man, the Incredible Hulk, Curious George, SpongeBob Squarepants and the Care Bears. This past season, guests of Ghost Town could meet the famous cartoon and comic book characters at the park on designated days and also pay an additional $9.99 to have an exclusive luncheon with the featured characters.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Amusement Parks and Vendors Fined

The federal government fined two area amusement parks and three vendors Tuesday for youth employment violations.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division assessed $47,575 in civil penalties against Kings Island, Coney Island and three on-site park vendors in Kings Mills.

Agents said park officials allowed 34 employees younger than 18 years old to load and operate trash compactors, and they said some employees younger than 16 years old worked beyond the hours and times permitted under federal law.

"Every year, young workers are injured while performing prohibited work," said George Victor, district director for the Wage and Hour Division in Columbus. "Our goal is to foster safer workplaces and prevent injuries that can change the lives of young workers. Operating trash compactors can be exceedingly dangerous and is a violation of federal hazardous orders.”

Coney Island was fined $4,510 for allowing five minors to work longer hours than allowed by law and permitting an employee younger than 16 years old to bake and another employee under 18 years old to load a trash compactor.

Kings Island was fined $28,710 for allowing 14 employees under the age of 18 to illegally load or operate trash compactors.

Kaman's Art Shoppes Inc. has been assessed $9,900 in fines for allowing nine minors to load trash compactors, Chick-Fil-A was fined $3,135 for allowing two minors to load trash compactors and for allowing one minor to work illegally past the time allowed by law, and Midwest Beverage Co. has been assessed $1,320 in fines for allowing a minor to load a trash compactor.

FOUND IN THE CINCINNATI NEWS

Aquarium of the Bay Wins IAAPA Brass Ring Award For Best-in-Class Website

The award recognizes aquariumofthebay.com/ as the best new website in its class, which includes an international base of amusement and waterparks with over half a million to one million visitors, hotels and resorts, casinos, and for-profit zoos, aquariums and museums. The website was designed by Ninth Degree, Inc.

IAAPA's annual competition recognizes excellence in marketing for amusement facilities worldwide, with the secondary goal of sharing ideas and concepts among members. The Brass Ring Awards highlight originality, creativity, and excellence in marketing. IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions, representing more than 4,300 attraction, supplier and individual members from over 90 countries.

"The launch of our new website was part of an integrated marketing campaign aimed at branding Aquarium of the Bay as a unique marine nature center focused on the animals that live in and near the San Francisco Bay," stated Aquarium of the Bay Communications Director Michele Bernhardt. "Our challenge was to communicate to local residents and tourists alike that the aquarium offers a wonderful combination of fun and learning for visitors of all ages. The amazing home page animation that Ninth Degree created for us captures that story in a highly visual way, while the site's user-friendly navigation system makes information easy to find."

Bernhardt noted that significant new content is being added to the website as the Aquarium readies three major new exhibits to open in spring 2009. Octopus and Jellies exhibits will provide dedicated space for those species, while a climate change exhibit will feature land animals for the first time in the Aquarium's history.

About Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay is a unique nature center dedicated to creating experiences that inspire conservation of the San Francisco Bay and all marine environments. It is the only aquarium focused specifically on the aquatic life and distinctive ecosystems of the Bay and nearby waters. The Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and certified as a Green Business by the city of San Francisco. Additional information is available at aquariumofthebay.com/.

CONTACT: Kati Schmidt of Aquarium of the Bay, +1-415-623-5340,
katis@aquariumofthebay.com

Web site: aquariumofthebay.com/

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Alterface And Clostermann Design Join Forces To Create A New Type Of Haunted House

Based on an original idea from Alterface, the Belgian company and Clostermann Design have joined forces to launch a project that will build a multimedia and interactive haunted house. This attraction will bring together the best achievements of these two highly complementary companies.

The adrenalin flowing in the veins of up to 30 spectators will be taken to boiling point, thanks to a spectacle that combines special effects, animatronics and interactive 3D video images. In a large room, sitting in comfortable effect armchairs fixed to a revolving platform, the players/spectators will experience all-round stimulation of their senses and lose their spatial awareness as the platform rotates. This interactive haunted house will open doors to astonishing worlds – ones that will evolve as the story unfolds and in line with the audience’s interaction.

Clostermann Design, well known in the field of theming and the design of sophisticated animatronics, will create scenery that plunges spectators into the unnerving environment of a huge home that is packed with surprises! Alterface will add all its know-how in terms of smart interactivity between a large group of players and the films projected. This new kind of hybrid attraction will combine the comfort of an interactive 4D cinema with all the thrills of a dark ride. It could be set up in a themed zone or as a stand-alone attraction.

“Our first interactive haunted house idea was immediately received with great enthusiasm at Clostermann Design, when we proposed this collaboration,” says Benoit Cornet, CEO of Alterface. “The combination of our know-how with that of a partner as famous as Clostermann Design has given rise to an ambitious project which should surprise and charm the many fans of this type of attraction.”

“Alterface is the ideal partner. It is qualified and reliable, and able to create the images and interactivity that will perfectly complete the theater that we will create,” adds Matthias Clostermann, CEO of Clostermann Design. “Alterface adds the technical dimension to make this haunted house a real event in the world of video entertainment.”

A promising model of the attraction has already been produced and exhibited at Alterface’s booth at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 that took place in Orlando last week. The project received a warm welcome from the professionals and the fans who discovered it as a world premiere.

A demo video is available on our website alterface.com / 'Haunted House' / 'medias'.

For further information, high-definition illustrations or an interview with Benoit Cornet, CEO of Alterface, contact Olivier on +32/10.48.00.65 or e-mail: olivier.vincent@alterface.com

About Alterface

Founded in 2001, Alterface develops, markets and implements interactive entertainment and/or edutainment solutions. Initially a spin-off from the Université Catholique de Louvain (Louvain-la-Neuve), Alterface today has 25 employees at its headquarters in Belgium and an office in Los Angeles (USA). Its exclusive technology and expertise enable Alterface to position itself as a key contact for its many clients, theme parks and museums, located all over the world. Discover Alterface’s know-how by visiting the website: alterface.com

About Clostermann Design

Clostermann Design designs and fabricates themed attractions. Our clients are theme parks, museums, themed FEC's. As a one-stop-shop we offer you design and visualization services in the early stages of your project, as well as the turnkey manufacturing of all themed elements, such as animatronics, interactive exhibits, scenic work and murals. Our approach is to serve you with what is best for your business - whether you want to create a small family entertainment center inside a shopping mall, create an attractive museum exhibition or build a large scale theme park from scratch. Our mission is to merge successfully art, technology and business demands to a finished attraction product for you that boosts your business and enthralls your visitors. Take a closer look at what we do, and at the technology we employ to make the magic happen for you! We look forward to become your trusted partner on your next project!

For more information, visit: clostermann-design.de

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Ride Of The Day-Tremors

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Tremors
Amusement Park:Silverwood Theme Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 5/15/1999
Builder:Silverwood Theme Park
Designer:Custom Coasters International, Inc., Dennis McNulty, Larry Bill
Track layout:Twister

Length:3000'
Height:100'
Drop:103'
Inversions:0
Speed:60 mph
Duration:1:40
G-Force:2.5

Features:Four underground tunnels. Chase lights will enhance the feeling of speed underground. The coaster also will rush through a Plexiglas tunnel in a gift shop, and appear to explode out the far end of the building.

Photo:

24,000 People From A Record 100 Countries Participate In IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008

Preliminary estimates indicate 24,000 people from a record 100 nations participated in IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008, the world’s largest conference and trade show for the $24 billion amusement park and attractions industry. Produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the Expo took place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando Nov. 17 through Nov. 21, with the theme “Success in Every Direction.”

Conference and trade show participants represented amusement and theme parks, family entertainment centers, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, casinos, resorts, developers, themed entertainment designers, consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers.

“Considering the state of the world economy and the fact that this was our second consecutive year in Orlando, we are pleasantly surprised with the attendance at this year’s Expo,” said IAAPA President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Bray. “26,500 people participated in last year’s show in Orlando, which was one of our best events in the past 10 years. To be down less than 10 percent during these tumultuous economic times is amazing.”

More than 13,000 buyers representing more than 5,000 companies participated in the Expo. While some buyer categories experienced a decline in attendance, the number of buyers increased from zoos, aquariums, museums, and science centers. The number of buyers from Western Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia also decreased; however, the number of first-time buyers increased 25 percent.

8.3 Miles of Aisles Packed with New Ideas

The vast and vibrant trade show floor featured 1,154 exhibiting companies on 482,550 net square feet of space, filling the North/South halls of the OCCC. Exhibitors showcased everything from new thrill rides, roller coasters, and inflatable attractions to theatrical equipment, souvenirs, high-tech control systems, candy, snow machines, and the world debut of the arcade version of the popular “Guitar Hero” video game.

Some buyers were interested in products and services for 2009, while many others laid the foundation for plans well into 2010 and beyond.

Kevin Rohwer, director of sales, from S&S Worldwide Inc. in Logan, Utah, United States, said, “It’s been a great show. We were reserved coming in with what’s happened in the U.S. economy. We’ve noticed some of the big park groups, instead of taking 12 people are taking four or five, but we’ve had good, quality meetings. People have been talking about specific needs. We’re quite enthused; it’s one of the better IAAPA (expos) I’ve been to in a long time. We came in reserved, but we’re leaving pleasantly surprised.”

Lucy Murphy, of Italian ride company Zamperla Inc., said, “The people coming into the booth are coming to talk. You’re seeing a lot of caution. The buyers are looking at all angles before making decisions, but we have made some sales. There is optimism out there. People who already have projects in the works are moving forward with those. We’ve had quite a few folks come here with new developments, looking ahead, but they’re taking small steps because of the economy.”

Murphy said Zamperla signed several deals for its new Sky Tower ride at this year’s Expo. She said the ride drew a lot of attention because it is moderately priced, with a small footprint and a lot of impact. “People are seeing that as a very good value for their parks,” she added.

Andy Appleton, division director from Media Vision in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, said, “Traffic’s been good. Even with the recession in America, we’ve had a lot of interest. The people that are here are qualified buyers. We’ve had less flow, but more qualified leads.” Continuing, he added, “People want to survive in a time like this. You can’t just sit back. They’re here to purchase.”

A number of new exhibitors were pleased with their experience.

Terry Schaeffer, owner of Chuck Wagon Old Fashioned Soda in Reading, Pennsylvania, United States, said, “The show’s been excellent. I’ve met with people I probably would never have been able to talk to in the open market; those people come to you here. I’ve gotten way more than my money’s worth at this booth; in fact, I’ve already signed up for Las Vegas next year.” Shaeffer added, “The people I’ve seen are the people I wanted to get to; the park owners, the campground owners. It’s just been phenomenal.”

United Kingdom-based Haystack Dryers’ U.S. Operations Manager Wayne Jacks said, “(The Expo has been) absolutely fantastic, probably the best show we’ve ever done. We’ve had a buzz that’s been insane. We’ve had a group of people around us continuously. It’s been so successful; it looks like we’re going to expand our business in the States based on the show.”

"Since we've been here, we've had more sincerely interested parks stop by than we've had at any other trade show. With the interest of the parks - it's exactly what we've been trying to achieve. This has been one of the most productive, interesting, and fun events we've attended,” said Frank Crissey, vice president, Janus International (Hospitality Student Exchange).

By the Numbers: Participants Turn Out in Force for Education Programs, Social Events, and Charity Events that Raised More than $110,000 for Give Kids The World

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 also featured a variety of educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours of local attractions, marquee social events, and networking opportunities.

Here are some of the highlights of those programs:

A record 8,200 people participated in more than 125 educational sessions, roundtables, tours, and Institutes at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008. “Given these uncertain economic times, attractions operators craved new ideas and information about best practices to get the most out of their operations, and we believe that hunger contributed to the record turnout for the education sessions,” said John Henderson, vice president of education for IAAPA.
32 professionals graduated from the Institute for Emerging Leaders.

1,500 attended the Kickoff Event sponsored by Nice-Pak Products Inc. and Gateway Ticketing Systems Inc.
More than 775 networked and shared information at the Opening Reception sponsored by OmniTicket Network, Burdette Beckmann Inc., and FUNWORLD magazine.

A sellout crowd of 375 attended the General Managers’ and Owners’ Breakfast, which featured Nick Varney, chief executive officer of England-based Merlin Entertainments Group. The event was sponsored by Bears2Go.com, CNL Lifestyle Company, and Smile-Expo.

300 participants enjoyed an entertaining evening at the IAAPA Gala, complete with a beach music tribute to incoming IAAPA Chairman Darrell Metzger. The Gala was sponsored by CLM Entertainment and Kodak Event Imaging Solutions. Live and silent auctions raised $18,000 for Give Kids The World Village (gktw.org), a resort that provides families from around the world a cost-free vacation for children with life-threatening illnesses. A Saturn Sky raffle generated another $24,000 for the Village. Give Kids The World is located in Kissimmee, Florida.

152 attractions industry professionals raised a record $64,000 for Give Kids The World through the Annual Charity Golf Tournament sponsored by Ripley Entertainment and supported by a number of other companies in the industry.

153 raised more than $6,000 for the Village by participating in the 2nd Annual 5K Fun Run and Walk, which was generously hosted by SeaWorld Orlando.

Expo Moves to Las Vegas in 2009

Amusement park and attraction industry leaders, decision makers, and visionaries from around the world will gather Nov. 16-20, 2009, in Las Vegas to network, view the latest innovations, and plan for the future at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009. The event will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“As we pack up here in Orlando, planning is already well under way for next year’s Expo in Las Vegas,” Bray said. “Our members have talked about going to Vegas for a long time. We look forward to another successful event and to experiencing all that Vegas offers as a global entertainment destination.”

“Bringing IAAPA to Las Vegas is just a natural fit, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone next year,” said Chris Meyer, vice president of convention sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Congratulations on a great show this year, and get ready for a memorable time next year!”

About IAAPA

IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded 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 amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,300 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries.

Contact Information
Press Office: +1 703/299-5127
David Mandt: dmandt@IAAPA.org

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Hazardous Spill At SeaWorld Aquatica

A minor hazardous material spill at SeaWorld Orlando's Aquatica water park caused Orange County Fire- Rescue to temporarily evacuate a small area of the park this morning.

Firefighters responded to a call just after 11 a.m. that said a chemical container was bubbling on a service road near the water park.

Crews arrived to find a 5-gallon container of sodium hypochlorite, a highly concentrated pool chlorine that is very corrosive and dangerous to inhale.

Authorities had to wear special protective gear to go near the spill. As a precaution, firefighters moved park visitors in a small area near the incident to a safer location.

The spill was cleaned up in less than two hours. No injuries were reported.

FOUND IN THE ORLANDO SENTINEL

Humana To Become A Sponsor Of Dollywood

Louisville health insurer Humana is becoming an official sponsor of the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

As part of the multi-year agreement, Humana will be the presenting sponsor of three of Dollywood’s festivals. They include Smoky Mountain Christmas, which is underway and runs through Jan. 3. The others — the Festival of Nations and the National Gospel and Harvest Celebration — will take place next year.

Four “Humana Medicare Information Centers” will be open during the festivals. Representatives will distribute Medicare information, but won’t be able to sell Humana plans. Humana is one of the nation’s largest providers of Medicare medical and prescription-drug plans.

Humana also will sponsor three guest safety centers in the 150-acre park, which is open nine months a year.

FOUND IN THE COURIER

New "Magical Starlight Parade" Coming To Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan has set March as the grand opening of the night parade that is to be launched as a new attraction in commemoration of the Park’s 8th anniversary in March and has decided to name the attraction “Magical Starlight Parade.”

This “Magical Starlight Parade” will be led by the glittering floats of Elmo from Sesame Street, Snoopy and Hello Kitty, and these popular Park characters will play the role of introducing the “fairy tale” that is to follow to guests.

This will be followed by over 30 gigantic floats adorned with colorful illuminations utilizing the latest lighting technologies, along with entertainers dressed in dazzling costumes. These floats will be based on the theme of fairy tales fantasized by everyone like “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” “Arabian Nights” and “Cinderella.” The “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” floats will represent imagination, the “Arabian Nights” floats will represent adventure and the “Cinderella” floats will represent romance. Universal Studios Japan anticipates this attraction will provide guests with an opportunity to experience the dreamy feeling likened to as if they had wandered into a fairy-tale world, and also simultaneously savor the inspiration possessed by the fairy tales themselves as well as the sensation of the performance being displayed right in front of their eyes.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Innovative New Products Win Awards at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008

The Impact Award recognizes an exhibitor whose products have made a lasting impact in the industry. The award went to Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers, Inc. in booth 5110.

First place and honorable mention winners in the following categories included:

Major Theme/Amusement Park Ride/Attraction
First Place: Intamin/Ride Trade; Booth 3624; Giant Drop on Building
Honorable Mention: Chance Morgan; Booth 5124; Safari Jeeps

Kiddie Ride/Attraction
First Place: Extreme Engineering; Booth 3800; Monster Combo Unit
Honorable Mention: Zamperla; Booth 2414; SkyTower

Waterpark Ride/Attraction
First Place: Whitewater West Industries; Booth 5140; Family Boomerango
Honorable Mention: ProSlide Technology, Inc.; Booth 1840; ProSlide BulletBowl

Family Entertainment Center Ride/Attraction
First Place: Amusement Products; Booth 2468; SpinZone Bumper Car
Honorable Mention: Art Attack; Booth 2462; Alley Trax Mini Bowling

Coin-Operated Kiddie Ride
First Place: MP Group – Dedem; Booth 3029; Marathon Runner
Honorable Mention: Cogan S.R.L.; Booth 4212; Art.660 Miami

Technology Applied to Amusement
First Place: Premier Rides Inc.; Booth 5100; Revolver Coaster
Honorable Mention: Extreme Engineering; Booth 3800; Tankless Auto-Belay System

Games
First Place: Media Vision Inc.; Booth 2471; Phazer Zone Extreme Bazooka Ball
Honorable Mention: Bob's Space Racers; Booth 1824; WaterBlast 2!

Coin-Operated Arcade and Redemption Equipment
First Place: Bob's Space Racers; Booth 1824; Bungie Bugs
Honorable Mention: Jennison Entertainment Technologies; Booth 1219; Hollywood Reels

Merchandise
First Place: Spot Me ID; Booth 651; Spot Me ID Bracelets

Revenue and Admission Control
First Place: accesso; Booth 1455; accesso ceShop V3.0
Honorable Mention: Gateway Ticketing Systems; Booth 2447; Galaxy 4

Displays and Sets
First Place: Spectra Chrome; Booth 351; Spray-On Chrome
Honorable Mention: Pantel Corp.; Booth 150; Pantel Outdoor Weather Proof TV

Services
First Place: Slide Renu; Booth 1158; Water Slide Restoration
Honorable Mention: Core Cashless Systems; Booth 4654; Online Event Booking

Equipment and Supplies
First Place: Snow Masters; Booths 131/9028; Flogos
Honorable Mention: Haystack Dryers; Booth 3731; Family Dryer

About IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008

The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 is the largest conference and trade show for the amusement park and attractions industry in the world. With its theme “Success in Every Direction,” the show will draw an estimated 25,000 participants, representing amusement and theme parks, family entertainment centers, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, casinos, resorts, developers, themed entertainment designers, consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers, to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 17, through Friday, Nov. 21. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 21.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 offers a solid week of business and fun. More than 1,000 exhibitors will display their products and services in 1 million square feet of exhibit space. The event also includes educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, marquee social events, and networking opportunities. This is the marketplace where amusement and attraction industry leaders, decision makers, and visionaries gather to network, view the latest innovations, and plan for the future.

About IAAPA

IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded almost 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 amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,300 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries.

Contact Information
Press Office: +1 703/299-5127
David Mandt: dmandt@IAAPA.org
Marion Hixon: mhixon@IAAPA.org
Nicholas Wolaver: nicholas.wolaver@edelman.com
Rachel Rosenberg: rachel.rosenberg@edelman.com

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

IAAPA Announces 2008 Big E Award Winners Who Exemplify Excellence in Attractions Industry Entertainment

The awards honor the best in live entertainment at amusement parks and attractions throughout the world, and commanded an even larger celebration this year, as it was the tenth anniversary of the Big E Awards. The occasion was celebrated with video introductions from entertainers including Dolly Parton, Joey Fatone, and a number of country stars. Appearing live were costumed characters from Broadway shows “Wicked” and “Grease.”

OCT Holding Company in Shenzhen, China; Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas, United States; Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States; and Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, United States, were among the top winners. The 15 categories recognized productions, individual performers, sports, “edutainment,” and spirit. The Big E Awards were sponsored by American Paper Optics, Heartbeat Productions, RWS & Associates, Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Entertainment Corporation, Matt Davenport Productions, Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Gardens Tampa, Hersheypark, Hilligoss Production Associates, Fred Blurton Video Productions.

A complete list of award winners and honorable mention recipients for the 2008 Big E Awards follows:

Best Overall Production, More Than $2 million
Winner: “Golden Mask Dynasty,” Shenzhen OCT Holding Company; Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
Honorable Mention: “Tea Show,” Shenzhen OCT Holding Company; Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China

Best Overall Production, $1 million-$2 million
Winner: “Arachnome,” Phantasialand; Brühl, Germany
Honorable Mention: “Dancing with the Dragon and the Phoenix,” Shenzhen OCT Holding Company; Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China

Best Overall Production, $500,001-$1 million
Winner: “Splendors of the Past,” Shenzhen OCT Holding Company; Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
Honorable Mention: “Kinetix,” Busch Gardens Europe; Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

Best Overall Production, $300,001-$500,000
Winner: “Blast Fever,” Six Flags Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, Texas, United States
Honorable Mention: “Mysteria,” Europa-Park; Rust, Germany

Best Overall Production, $150,001-$300,000
Winner: “Country on the Rocks,” Hard Rock Park; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
Honorable Mention: “The Majesty of Christmas,” Six Flags Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, Texas, United States

Best Overall Production, $50,001-$150,000
Winner: “Cirque Innosta,” Elitch Gardens; Denver, Colorado, United States
Honorable Mention: “Christmas on Ice,” Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States

Best Overall Production, $25,001-$50,000
Winner: “Show Stoppin’,” Six Flags Great America; Gurnee, Illinois, United States
Honorable Mention: “Sweet Dreams,” Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States

Best Overall Production, $25,000 or Less
Winner: “Love at First Fright,” Six Flags Great America; Gurnee, Illinois, United States
Honorable Mention: “Dead Man’s Party,” Six Flags Great America; Gurnee, Illinois, United States

Best Female Performer
Winner: Jenny Grossenbacher, Six Flags Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, Texas, United States
Honorable Mention: Arnie Shaw, Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Best Male Performer
Winner: Morris Crosby, Cedar Point; Sandusky, Ohio, United States
Honorable Mention: Matthew Samler, Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States

Best Atmosphere/Street Performer
Winner: The Gem Tones, Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States
Honorable Mention: Howl-O-Scream Tree Goblin, Busch Gardens Europe; Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

Best Sports Show
Winner: “Malibu Beach Party,” Hard Rock Park; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
Honorable Mention: “Adventures on Ice,” Silverwood Theme Park; Athol, Idaho, United States

Best Live Edutainment Show
Winner: “Critter Castaways,” Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States
Honorable Mention: “Creature Adventure Starring the Kratt Brothers,” Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Heartbeat Award
Winner: “Dreamland Drive-in,” Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Spirit Award
Winner: Amanda Jo Serio, Water Country USA; Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
Winner: Morris Crosby, Cedar Point; Sandusky, Ohio, United States
Honorable Mention: Matthew Samler, Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States

Best Atmosphere/Street Performer
Winner: The Gem Tones, Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States
Honorable Mention: Howl-O-Scream Tree Goblin, Busch Gardens Europe; Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

Best Sports Show
Winner: “Malibu Beach Party,” Hard Rock Park; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
Honorable Mention: “Adventures on Ice,” Silverwood Theme Park; Athol, Idaho, United States

Best Live Edutainment Show
Winner: “Critter Castaways,” Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States
Honorable Mention: “Creature Adventure Starring the Kratt Brothers,” Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Heartbeat Award
Winner: “Dreamland Drive-in,” Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Spirit Award
Winner: Amanda Jo Serio, Water Country USA; Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

About IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008

The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 is the largest conference and trade show for the amusement park and attractions industry in the world. With its theme “Success in Every Direction,” the show will draw an estimated 25,000 participants, representing amusement and theme parks, family entertainment centers, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, casinos, resorts, developers, themed entertainment designers, consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers, to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 17, through Friday, Nov. 21. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 21.IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 offers a solid week of business and fun. More than 1,000 exhibitors will display their products and services in 1 million square feet of exhibit space. The event also includes educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, marquee social events, and networking opportunities. This is the marketplace where amusement and attraction industry leaders, decision makers, and visionaries gather to network, view the latest innovations, and plan for the future.

About IAAPA

IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded almost 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 amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,300 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries

Contact Information
Press Office: +1 703/299-5127
David Mandt: dmandt@IAAPA.org
Marion Hixon: mhixon@IAAPA.org
Nicholas Wolaver: nicholas.wolaver@edelman.com
Rachel Rosenberg: rachel.rosenberg@edelman.com

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

IAAPA Presents 2008 Service Awards to Dick Kinzel, John Collins, and Bob Logan

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced Dick Kinzel, John Collins, and Bob Logan as winners of its 2008 Service Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The awards were presented at the General Manager and Owners’ Breakfast during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 and included the Lifetime Service Award, the Meritorious Service Award, and the Oustanding Service Award. Each recipient of the Service Awards has given in many different ways to the attractions industry and has done so tirelessly and selflessly for the greater good.

The Lifetime Service Award recognizes a member individual or organization’s consistent and long-term achievements serving the association and the attractions industry. The 2008 Lifetime Service Award went to Dick Kinzel, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Cedar Fair in Sandusky, Ohio, United States.

Dick Kinzel began his career in 1972 as a food service manager at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. He was promoted to director of park operations in 1975 at Cedar Point and in 1978 became the president and general manager of Valley Fair. He was named president and CEO of Cedar Fair in 1986 and in 2003, became the company’s chairman of the board. In 2006—the same year Kinzel was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame—he orchestrated the company’s purchase of the Paramount Parks chain. Kinzel has served on multiple IAAPA committees, including Executive, Finance, Strategic Planning, and Nominating, among others. He is widely respected in the industry as an exemplary operator.

The Outstanding Service Award is presented in recognition of a member individual or organization who works to foster the spirit of goodwill, professionalism, and higher levels of performance within the industry, on a regional, national, or international basis. The 2008 Outstanding Service Award was presented to John Collins of John Collins Leisure in Cotswolds, United Kingdom.

John Collins entered into the business at an early age, purchasing Barry Island Pleasure Park in Barry, United Kingdom, with his brother Patrick. After beginning work with the Wales Tourist Board, he became a founding member of the Association of Welsh Tourist Attractions. Collins is active in the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA), serving on its management committee for more than 25 years and twice as its national chairman. He has acted as the UK delegate to and as the president of Europarks, as well as serving on IAAPA’s board of directors, advisory board, and as Chairman of the Board in 2003. All these service positions show Collins’ commitment and his peers benefit greatly from his understanding of the attractions industry.

The Meritorious Service Award recognizes a member individual or organization that has advanced the IAAPA mission of serving the membership by promoting the safe operations, global development, professional growth, and commercial success of the amusement parks and attractions industry. The 2008 Meritorious Service Award was presented to Bob Logan of Innovative Leisure Partners in Houston, Texas, United States.

Bob Logan was a member of the Six Flags team for most of his career and now serves as the chief operating officer of Innovative Leisure Partners. Logan now splits his time between Houston, Texas, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Personifying volunteerism, he has actively participated in the attractions industry for more than 35 years and has served on IAAPA’s Board of Directors, as well as its Waterpark, Exhibitor Awards, and Service Awards committees. Logan’s reputation is that of refining and improving the quality of each program for which he has been responsible.

About IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008

The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 is the largest conference and trade show for the amusement park and attractions industry in the world. With its theme “Success in Every Direction,” the show will draw an estimated 25,000 participants, representing amusement and theme parks, family entertainment centers, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, casinos, resorts, developers, themed entertainment designers, consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers, to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 17, through Friday, Nov. 21. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 21.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 offers a solid week of business and fun. More than 1,000 exhibitors will display their products and services in 1 million square feet of exhibit space. The event also includes educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, marquee social events, and networking opportunities. This is the marketplace where amusement and attraction industry leaders, decision makers, and visionaries gather to network, view the latest innovations, and plan for the future.

About IAAPA

IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded almost 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 amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,300 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries.

Contact Information
Press Office: +1 703/299-5127
David Mandt: dmandt@IAAPA.org
Marion Hixon: mhixon@IAAPA.org
Nicholas Wolaver: nicholas.wolaver@edelman.com
Rachel Rosenberg: rachel.rosenberg@edelman.com

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Theme Park Idea Stuck

The fate of Turner International’s proposed Theme cum amusement park at Sarangpur village near Chandigarh lies uncertain due to a delay on part of Chandigarh administration in granting final approval to the project plan.

The theme park, being developed by Unitech, is to come up over 73 acre and will be the American entertainment major’s first project in the country.

Even though the project has got the in-principal approval from the Chandigarh administration, its final drawings are yet to be approved. The project is likely to entail an initial investment of Rs 650-750 crore. But considering the time span of about two and a half years, by which the amusement city will be ready, the cost is expected to go upto Rs 1,000 crore.

Samwartak Singh, director tourism UT administration, who looks after the project told FE, “We have issued a letter to Unitech asking them to deposit their due installment of Rs 5.5 crore with the administration. We have also asked them to submit an annual report of the work to be done after which they can begin construction. Our chief architect had suggested some changes in their drawings and as soon as they present their revised plan, it will be put up for final approval.”

The company has hired American architect called FOREC for preparing its concept plan. The possession of land was handed over to Unitech by the administration in March.

The Chandigarh administration will continue to be the land owner and Unitech will be paying an annual rent for the land plus 1.1% of the gross annual revenue from the project. The integrated amusement city will house an amusement theme park, water park, lake with glass boats, stunt theater, amphitheater and wax museum. An interactive model of India, comprising miniatures of architectural and natural wonders of the country, will be the centre of attraction from the cultural aspect.

FOUND IN THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS

China Market Is Jackpot For Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland reconfirmed its commitment to developing the China market with the travel industry as it showcased its not-yet-released celebrations at the China International Travel Mart (CITM) last week.

The anticipated Sparkling Christmas - Royal Kingdom celebration and Hong Kong Disneyland’s popular Chinese New Year celebration were on display at the CITM designated booth, bringing the Christmas spirit of the park to Chinese travel agents.

With the busiest seasons of the year coming up, the theme park aimed to strengthen its networks and relationships with its Chinese trade counterparts and create business opportunities with agents.

Samson Woo, Director, Travel Trade Sales of Hong Kong Disneyland, emphasised the importance of the Chinese market and that rapid economic development in China meant the Chinese were increasingly drawn to branded international products.

He said, “Our trade network is an integral part of our sales and marketing strategy in the greater China region, and is the key to reaching our guests in this vast market”

Woo added that 2009 would see the company expand distribution channels and partnerships with the trade to increase consumer engagement. New products and investment into other resources will also be developed to increase business opportunities and geographic reach.

FOUND ON THE E-TRAVEL BLACKBOARD

Ride Of The Day-Python

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Python
Amusement Park:Playland's Castaway Cove (Ocean City, New Jersey 08226 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1996
Make / Model:Pinfari / ZL42
Dimensions:139' 9" x 61'

Length:1197' 6"
Height:36' 1"
Inversions:1
Elements:31' 10" tall Loop

Photo:

Waterpark Conflict In Sandusky

A local waterpark hoped to make a splash with a Web site that showcased the best Sandusky had to offer. Instead, the project became one big belly-flop.

The site, www.sanduskywaterparks.com, is registered to Maui Sands owner Scott Emerson and features information about the resort, as well as several other waterparks in the area.

Maui Sands spokeswoman Lexi Robinson said the site was meant to be a cooperative effort between all the area's major waterparks and a tool for marketing them.

The resort launched its promotional Web site in August and abandoned it after about a month -- when it failed to yield results, Robinson said. But months later, the site remains up -- possibly causing confusion for potential travelers and leaving several waterpark managers scratching their heads.

"We discovered it wasn't bringing in the revenue we wanted," Robinson said. "In the summer it was an opportunity for people to win a free overnight stay or a discounted stay at Maui Sands ... but you hit a season in September, October and November where not as many people are visiting."
*

Though the resort is no longer marketing the site, Robinson said it's a project they might revisit later.

In the meantime, however, it's not hard for others to find.

The site still appears among the top three Google search results when the user types key words like "Sandusky" and "water parks." It still allows users to register to "receive a free overnight stay or room discounts at a Sandusky indoor water park" and advertises that every entry is a winner. It also advertises that guests can bid for room rates and offers comparisons of certain resort features between Great Wolf Lodge, Castaway Bay and Kalahari Resort.

Kalahari spokeswoman Shannon McCarthy said Kalahari's corporate counsel asked Maui Sands owner Scott Emerson to remove Kalahari from SanduskyWaterparks.com in August.

"At that time, Kalahari Resort felt the Web site was misleading and deceptive to consumers because it inferred that a free stay at Kalahari Resort was one of the possible benefits of registration, which was not the case," McCarthy said in an e-mailed response. "Since then the site has been modified, but ... Kalahari Resort is not sponsoring and or participating in this Web site or its giveaways."

She said Kalahari Resorts was not pursuing any further legal action at this time.

Bryan Edwards, spokesman for Cedar Point and Castaway Bay, said Cedar Point had no connection to the site.

Great Wolf Lodge spokesman Steve Shattuck said he plans to work with the company's corporate legal counsel to have the lodge removed entirely from the Web site.

"We have no affiliation with the site whatsoever -- it's not a representation of our brand whatsoever," Shattuck said. "The last thing we'd want to do is confuse any of our potential guests."

FOUND ON THE SANDUSKY REGISTER ONLINE

Walt Disney World:2% Increase In Attendance

Walt Disney World enjoyed a 2 percent increase in attendance during the company's 2008 fiscal year, a big dropoff from the 6 percent and 5 percent growth seen in previous years -- but still better than the flat attendance experienced at Disneyland in California.

Details on attendance are summarized in The Walt Disney Co.'s annual financial report, filed late last week with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission to cover the company's fiscal year, which ended Sept. 27.

The report credits increases at Disney World, Disney Vacation Club and Disneyland Resort Paris for the annual 8 percent increase in revenue enjoyed by the company's parks and resorts division.

Disney World's attendance growth was 2 percent, and its hotel occupancy increased by 1 percentage point to 90 percent. Per guest spending at the parks was up 3 percent in 2008 and up almost 3 percent for hotel room guests. Meanwhile, Disneyland's attendance was flat and its hotel occupancy rate fell 4 percentage points to 88 percent. However, Disneyland's per guest spending climbed 2 percent for theme park patrons and almost 10 percent for hotel guests.

The average hotel guest spent $223 a night at Disney World and $339 at Disneyland in 2008.

FOUND IN THE ORLANDO SENTINEL

More Than a Million Sparkling Lights Illuminate New Holiday Celebration at Wild Adventures Theme Park

It's a bigger, better, brighter Christmas season in Valdosta, Georgia, this year as Wild Adventures unwrapped its new Festival of Lights holiday celebration, November 15.More than A MILLION sparkling lights welcome visitors to the theme park, creating a holiday glow families will not forget. Plus, there are all new holiday stage shows, new holiday foods, a one-of-a-kind live nativity, great gift shopping, Santa Claus and even St. Nick's favorite reindeer, Rudolph.

"Our new Festival of Lights celebration is the most spectacular holiday event in the entire South Georgia and Northern Florida region - there's nothing else like it!" said Wild Adventures' General Manager Bob Montgomery. "Families are not going to want to miss all of the lights, decorations and fun activities awaiting them at Wild Adventures."

Holiday Lights, Decorations and Food Fill the Senses

Entering the park, visitors are immediately transported to a storybook- like winter wonderland with a million lights and holiday music. Visitors can sample a mouth-watering array of holiday foods, including homemade fudge, Christmas cookies, fresh cinnamon rolls, delicious warm soups served in fresh baked bread bowls and even yummy s'mores that guests make themselves around a holiday campfire.

Holiday entertainment abounds at the Festival of Lights. Not to be missed is the amazing Lake of Lights show in the Lagoon area of the park, a spectacular giant Christmas tree and other amazing decorations with lights that blink and dance in synch with stirring holiday music. There are several other great shows, too!

So Much To See And Do!

The fun never stops at the Festival of Lights. Among other things, children can visit with Santa Claus (until Dec. 23), hop aboard the Wonderland Express train ride, a relaxing and leisurely way to take in the true beauty of the decorations and lights. A limited selection of other rides will be open, too. Of course, there is fun holiday gift-shopping in the park's gift shops.

Festival of Lights is open selected days November 15 - December 31. Please visit the website www.wildadventures.com for dates and times.

Adult Admission $29.99. Children $14.99.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Legoland Hosts Annual Robotics Competition

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League tournament (FLL) at Legoland California will be bigger and better than ever this year with the addition of a second day of high-energy robotics competition. On Dec. 6, 2008, Legoland hosts the FLL Southern California Championship Tournament and as well as the FLL Los Angeles Region Championship Tournament on Dec. 7. Competition is expected to be fierce as 102 teams of children ages 9 to 14 compete in using robots to understand and create solutions for one of today’s most critical environmental issues: climate conditions. Winners from these tournaments advance to the FIRST World Festival.

The tournament challenges teams to use science and technology as they build, program and test an autonomous robot to compete with other teams’ robots in an obstacle course. Teams have the option of using Lego Mindstorms or Lego Mindstorms NXT to build their robots for the challenge. The teams, which come from all over California, have eight weeks to design and refine their robots before putting them to the test by completing a series of missions on the obstacle course. Each team also writes and presents a research assignment based on the tournament’s theme.

The FIRST Lego League Tournament, takes place in Legoland California’s Imagination Zone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is designed to teach children how to apply creative thinking and robotics to real-life situations.

FLL is a partnership between FIRST and The Lego Company, which has been helping young people discover the fun in science and technology while building self-confidence, knowledge and life skills since 1998. FIRST is a non-profit organization founded by world-renowned inventor, Dean Kamen, to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Affiliation With Thrill Network!

Hello,

I have contacted the staff members at Thrill Network and Amusement Park Madness has become an official affiliate of Thrill Network!This should boost the blog's popularity.Also,I am a big fan of Thrill Network.I think that they are the best and most comprehensive site on the web for the genre of amusement parks,theme parks,roller coasters,etc. I would like to thank all of the staff members at Thrill Network for making this possible.I would also like to thank all the frequent readers and new readers for visiting this site and turning this blog into one of the best for its genre.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Tokyo Disney Anniversary Celebrations

Tokyo Disney Resort® is currently commemorating its 25th anniversary with a five-stage, year-long celebration entitled Unlock Your Dreams. The Resort began the fourth stage of celebrations on November 7 and will continue these through the Christmas and New Year season until January 18.

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will hold special Christmas themed events between November 7 and December 25 and New Year events through to mid January.

During the Christmas festivities, Tokyo Disneyland will present Mickey’s Jolly Snowtime, a heartwarming, fantasy-filled musical show, at a special stage set up in front of Cinderella Castle. There will also be a Christmas version of the ever-popular Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlight. The park will be adorned with Christmas decorations including a giant Christmas tree in the World Bazaar emblazoned with a 25 to mark this special anniversary.

Tokyo DisneySea will present Candlelight Reflections featuring a Christmas tree of lights rising from the waters of the Mediterranean Harbour creating a romantic, holiday atmosphere. In the American Waterfront, there will be singing and dancing to a live big band at the Broadway Music Theatre, and Disney characters dressed in Christmas costumes will make appearances to greet guests.

All three Disney Hotels – Disney Ambassador® Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta® and Tokyo Disneyland® Hotel – will hold Christmas events, and along with the six Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels will be decked out with festive decorations and Christmas trees.

The Resort also has a great line up of festivities during New Year.

At Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea traditional Japanese New Year’s decorations with designs to highlight the 25th anniversary will be set up at the entrance to each park from January 1 through January 5. In addition, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be dressed in their best kimono to greet guests visiting the Parks.

The Ikspiari Fantastic New Year 2009 celebrations which will run from December 31, 2008 through mid-January 2009 will include the Ikspiari Countdown Celebration 2009 featuring a concert of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and other live music performances on New Year’s Eve. When the countdown reaches zero, the shops in the complex will start their annual sales of fukubukuro (lucky bags) for the earliest chance at luck. A winter sale of seasonal items will also take place.

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Ride Of The Day-Cyclone

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Cyclone
Amusement Park:Wonderland Amusement Park (Amarillo, Texas 79105 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1968
Relocations:
Springlake Park as Wild Mouse
Funtown as unknown
Wonderland Amusement Park as Cyclone

Make / Model:Carl Miler / Wild Mouse
Track layout:Wild Mouse

Inversions:0

Photo:

Re-Opening Dates Of Popular Parks

Here are the re-opening dates of some popular parks in the north:

Busch Gardens Williamsburg-March 28,2009
Kings Island-April 17,2009(Gold Pass)
Cedar Point-May 16,2009
Kennywood-May 2,2009

Ride Of The Day-Boomerang

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Boomerang
Amusement Park:Wild Adventures
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1998
Make / Model:Vekoma / Boomerang
Categories:Shuttle
Dimensions:288' 9" x 98' 5"
Capacity:760 riders per hour

Length:935'
Height:116' 6"
Inversions:3
Speed:47 mph
Duration:1:48
G-Force:5.2
Elements:

Cobra Roll (Boomerang)
Loop

Trains:Single train with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders.

Photo:

PARC Management Acquires New Family Entertainment Centers

Officials at PARC have announced that an agreement has been reached to acquire the operations of eleven family entertainment centers located throughout North America. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The FECs include:
-- Zuma Fun Centers in Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and two in Houston, Texas
-- Putt-Putt Fun Centers in Raleigh, N.C. and Lubbock, Texas
-- Camelot Park in Bakersfield, Calif.
-- Fiddlesticks Family Fun Parks in Tempe, Arizona
-- Funtasticks Family Fun Park in Tucson, Arizona
-- Mountasia Family Fun Center in North Richland Hills, Texas
-- Grand Prix Family Thrill Park in Tampa, Fla.

Each unique FEC offers a variety of pay-as-you-go, timed and daily ticket options as well as group or party entertainment packages. Featured attractions include miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, kiddie rides, state-of-the-art arcades and refreshment centers.

"It is our vision, and our mission, to bring high-quality, value oriented, family entertainment to our guests," said Randal H. Drew, CEO of PARC Management. "The acquisition of these eleven properties expands our national footprint and brings our total park portfolio to twenty-five properties, and our family entertainment division to sixteen properties."

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Walt Disney Resort On O'ahu News

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has broken ground for its first family destination resort in Hawaii with a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony on its 21-acre oceanfront property, located at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development on the western side of O'ahu. Scheduled to open in 2011, the new family friendly destination will overlook breathtaking crystal blue lagoons and white sand beaches and is planned to include 350 hotel rooms and 480 Disney Vacation Club timeshare villas.

"This Disney destination resort will provide a unique way for families to experience Hawaii," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "By blending Disney's high standard of guest service and creative storytelling, we'll create a place where all family members can discover the wonder of these special islands."

Rasulo noted that Disney chose to build a resort on O'ahu due to the international popularity of Hawaii as a family vacation destination. Hawaii is among the top vacation choices of Disney Vacation Club members following Disney's theme park destinations.

Several of Hawaii's elected officials and community leaders welcomed Disney to O'ahu at the ground blessing ceremony, including Lieutenant Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr.

"We're excited for this project to begin, knowing the family appeal of both Hawaii and Disney," Aiona said. "We're confident this resort will attract guests from the mainland and Asia because of the natural beauty of Hawaii and Disney's reputation for delivering unparalleled family experiences."

"This resort will be a place where families can escape to reconnect and create lifelong memories," Rasulo said. "We have kept this vision in mind throughout the design."

Plans call for an expansive pool and waterplay area, an 18,000-square-foot spa, a wedding lawn, an 8,000-square-foot convention center, a children's club and spectacular dining at two restaurants -- one of which will provide a stunning view of the ocean.

The design also calls for activities and amenities that aim to engage every member of the family. At the resort's signature water way, for example, family friendly tubes and body slides will weave through volcanic rockwork and engage an iconic caldera volcano, while a nearby wading pool gives parents with toddlers a welcoming alternative to the sprawling zero-entry fun pool. In addition, more adventurous family members will find vibrant fish species in a saltwater snorkel lagoon.

Beyond activities for the whole family, the resort is being designed to respect and connect with the local culture of the Hawaiian islands. During the past year, the Walt Disney Imagineering team has been researching Hawaii and working with local architects and cultural experts as part of the resort's creative design process. The resulting design is a village celebrating the Hawaiian customs and traditions that lead to a life filled with joy and in harmony with the natural world. To further incorporate Hawaiian traditions, cultural programming in the areas of environmental education, music, dance, history, and arts and crafts; a story-driven, technology-enabled adventure game; and other surprises come together to create a Hawaiian destination that's uniquely Disney.

Additionally, Hawaii aloha spirit will influence the many intricate details for which Disney resorts are famous, with stories woven into the architecture, interiors, art, graphics and three planned signature gardens all brought to life through carefully selected colors, patterns, materials and forms. Wood, thatch, lava stone and coral will be among the materials represented in the resort's two 15-story guestroom towers, each oriented perpendicular to the ocean to maximize ocean views from the strategically angled guest rooms. Façade murals will add to the distinctive look of each tower and will begin to portray some of the stories and legends of the islands.

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Six Flags Settles With Kaitlyn Lasitter

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom says it has reached a settlement with the family of a Louisville girl whose feet were severed following an accident at the amusement park last year.

Kaitlyn Lasitter was 13 years old when she was injured after a cable broke on the Superman Tower of Power ride in June 2007. Doctors reattached her right foot, but were unable to save her left foot.
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Kentucky Kingdom spokeswoman Carolyn McLean said Friday that the settlement will provide lifetime care for Kaitlyn. She said terms of the agreement are confidential.

Calls to Kaitlyn's father Randy and the family's attorney were not immediately returned.

A state report blamed a faulty cable and a ride operator's slow response, but officials say there's no way of knowing why the cable snapped.

FOUND IN THE TENNESSEAN

Ride Of The Day-Wildcat

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Wildcat
Amusement Park:Jolly Roger Amusement Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 2008
Relocated from:Bell's Amusement Park as Wildcat
Make / Model:Schwarzkopf / Wildcat - 54m
Designer:Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH
Dimensions:177' 2" x 65' 7"
Capacity:900 riders per hour

Length:1509' 2"
Height:44' 3"
Inversions:0

History:A traveling carnival based in Florida purchased the Wildcat from Bells Amusement Park in early 2002. It isn't believed the carnival ever traveled with the ride. For the 2008 season it was refurbished and setup at Jolly Rodger.

Photo:

Ride Of The Day-Grand Exposition Coaster

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Grand Exposition Coaster
Amusement Park:Silver Dollar City
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 4/2006
Make / Model:Zamperla / Family Gravity Coaster 80STD
Categories:Family

Length:262' 6"
Height:13'
Inversions:0

Photo:

Carolina Cobra Track Finished!

Track placement on Carolina Cobra at Carowinds was completed today.track painting and station work should start soon!Here is a view of the Carolina Cobra Webcam:



Thanks!

Orion A.

Hard Rock Park Sale Ruling

A Delaware judge is scheduled to rule today on the proposed procedures for the sale of Hard Rock Park.

The beleaguered theme park, which closed in Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has asked the judge to allow it to hold an auction, with a minimum bid of $35 million, for some or all of its assets.

Several objections to the park's proposal have been filed, mostly on procedural or wording issues, though one group of creditors has asked for more oversight and input into the auction.

The park proposed that the auction take place on Dec. 15 at its lawyers' offices in New York City. Interested bidders must put together a proposal by Dec. 12. If the proposals are accepted, they will be invited to make bids, according to court papers.

FOUND ON MYRTLE BEACH ONLINE

Ride Of The Day-Revolution

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Revolution (1988 to ?)
La Revolución (1981 to 1987)
Great American Revolution (1976 to 1980)

Amusement Park:Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, California 91355 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 5/8/1976
Builder:Schwarzkopf
Designer:Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH
Track layout:Terrain

Length:3457'
Height:113'
Inversions:1
Speed:55 mph
Duration:2:12
G-Force:4.9
Elements:

90' tall Loop
144' long Tunnel


Trains:5 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train.

Riders must be 48" or taller to ride.

Photo:

Kemah Boardwalk Opens Partially

Nov. 19th, 2008 -- Kemah Boardwalk has recently taken its first steps towards recovery since Hurricane Ike severely battered the boardwalk in mid September.

Many of the restaurants have resumed operations earlier this month and just last week, Boardwalk Bullet was back up and running as well as the games attractions and retail stores. Landry's Restaurants Inc., owners of the Kemah Boardwalk, hope to have more rides and attractions up later this month.

Hurricane Ike slammed onto the Texas coast Sept. 13, making a direct landfall at Galveston as a category two hurricane with sustained wind of 110 MPH and passed over the eastern side of the Houston area. It was the costliest storm in Texas history and third costliest ever in North America, causing more than $31 billion in damages.

For more, visit www.bizjournals.com and www.khou.com

FOUND ON THRILL NETWORK

Alton Towers Announces New Consumer Marketing Chief

Alton Towers Resort has appointed Mike Meredith as head of consumer marketing as it looks to continue its repositioning.

He will be responsible for resort marketing, promotions and PR and will report to sales and marketing director Morwenna Angove.

Meredith, who has previously held senior positions at Bentley and Land Rover, started last week (13 November).
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Pure 360

Angove, who joined Alton Towers last November from Manchester City Council, says: ““We are delighted that Mike has decided to join our team at such an exciting time.

“2009 will be a challenging year as we continue to drive awareness of our resort and embed the repositioning activity begun earlier this year.”

Alton Towers launched a TV campaign aimed at driving its repositioning away from a theme park to a short-break destination in March.

It is currently working with independent strategic media planning agency Trinity Communications to develop digital and direct marketing initiatives and appointed Delaney Lund Knox Warren to handle its advertising account last September.

Alton Towers is owned by Merlin Entertainment Group which also owns The London Eye, Madame Tussauds and Legoland.

FOUND ON BLOOLOOP

Ride Of The Day-Rampage

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Rampage
Amusement Park:Alabama Adventure
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 5/23/1998 to 2001
SBNO from 2002 to 2002
Operating since 5/24/2003

Builder:Custom Coasters International, Inc.
Designer:Dennis McNulty, Larry Bill
Cost:$4,300,000 USD

Length:3500'
Height:120'
Drop:102'
Inversions:0
Speed:56 mph

Photo:

New Bob The Builder Show Set To Debut At Legoland

HIT Entertainment and Merlin Entertainments Group have commissioned SD Entertainment and Threshold Animation Studios to bring the innovative movie, Bob the Builder In 4-D: Bob the Builder and the Roller Coaster exclusively to Legoland family theme parks worldwide beginning in March 2009. The never-before-seen movie in 4-D debuts at Legoland California and Legoland Windsor in the United Kingdom in March followed by the other two Legoland parks in Denmark and Germany as well as Legoland Discovery Centers in April. Bob the Builder and the Roller Coaster will air in Legoland theaters daily during normal operating hours.

In the movie, Bob the Builder and his friends demonstrate teamwork and follow-through as they learn the importance of starting each building project with a plan. Bob, along with his Can-Do Crew, are busy building a roller coaster. They build a model out of Lego Duplo bricks before starting work on the real roller coaster. When Spud the scarecrow embarks on his own building project, making a birdhouse without a plan, his creation falls apart. Spud learns firsthand that every job – big or small – starts with a plan. At the end of the day, everyone enjoys the new roller coaster and goes for a fantastic ride.

“Legoland Parks, with their focus on providing innovative, quality family experiences, are the perfect home for this new Bob the Builder 4-D movie,” said Gary Krakower, senior VP, U.S. licensing and live events, HIT Entertainment. “The groundbreaking special effects and fresh CG animation provided by SD and Threshold will wow aspiring builders and their families around the world.”

“Bob the Builder is already a popular themed Lego product and will be a great addition to the more than 50 rides, shows and attractions currently at each Legoland Park,” said John Jakobsen, MD of Legoland parks. “We’re excited to partner with HIT Entertainment in presenting to our guests from around the world this unique opportunity to build their imaginations with this new Bob the Builder 4-D movie.

Six Flags Digital Queuing System

More popular theme parks to enable guests to enjoy ride reservations using Lo-Q’s virtual queuing solution

Lo-Q plc, the leading supplier of virtual queuing systems to theme parks, announced today that Six Flags Inc, the world's largest regional theme park company with twenty parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada plans to introduce Lo-Q’s solution to two further theme parks in its group. The first of these is Six Flags Magic Mountain, one of Los Angeles’ most popular family theme parks with 100 rides, which will be using the system from December. This will be joined by a further park in time for next season’s opening.

Six Flags brands Lo-Q’s system as the ‘Flash Pass’ and during 2008 over a million people enjoyed the experience. The ‘Flash Pass’ provides guests with a hand held wireless device, a Q-bot, which allows them to enjoy the benefit of making reservations for their favourite rides from anywhere within the park. Once a ride is reserved, the quest is placed in a virtual queue, thereby avoiding physical waiting time and is then free to enjoy the grounds to see other attractions and spend money in gift shops or on refreshments until it is their time to ride.

True virtual queuing overcomes all the problems seen by less sophisticated systems. Six Flags has been using Lo-Q’s solutions successfully since 2001 in Six Flags Over Georgia and now has eight major theme parks using the VQ2020 technology.

Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of Six Flags Inc, said in his recent web cast; ”Lo-Q have been unbelievable, they really drove our business in the last year. Because of the positive feedback around Flash Pass we are expanding its use to two new parks and soon nearly all Six Flags parks will benefit from the system. Flash Pass provides two additional revenue streams, the first being the premium guests pay to use a Flash Pass, and the second being the fact that guests are not trapped in line and therefore can move around and enjoy other facilities spending along the way. There is no doubt Lo-Q and Flash Pass has been a big driver in terms of guest spending and additional revenue.”

Lo-Q’s Managing Director, Leonard Sim added, “The ‘Flash pass’ is based on our intelligent VQ2020 technology which means guests don’t have to queue jump to avoid standing in line. Our regular service is a true virtual queuing system where guests with a Q-bot reserve their place in line and are given the same wait as other guests, thereby avoiding an operational headache. Our Gold Service gives a programmable discount on wait times and produces further significant revenue. It is the 21st century way to avoid long queues while being fair to all – and enables Six Flags’ guests to enjoy their stay more.”

Leonard Sim concluded, “We are delighted that Six Flags have chosen to introduce our system in two additional theme parks. It demonstrates the success of the Lo-Q solution to date and underlines the company’s commitment in investing in improvements to their parks to ensure their guests have a positive visitor experience and will want to return.”

Lo-Q will be attending the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2008 which takes place from 18th to 21st November in Orlando, Florida, USA on stand 2908.

FOUND ON SOURCE WIRE

Cedar Fair 2009 Capital Expenditures

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and vacation resorts, has announced plans for $62 million in new attractions, roller coasters and family rides in 2009.

The highlight of the 2009 capital program will be Diamondback, a $22 million roller coaster that will rise above the landscape at Kings Island in Cincinnati.

“Diamondback is one of the most exciting and exhilarating additions to Kings Island since its opening in 1972,” said Dick Kinzel, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “This is a unique opportunity to balance Kings Island’s award-winning family attractions with a new level of roller coaster thrill that our guests and dedicated Ride Warriors will enjoy.”

Diamondback is a true steel serpent, snaking through the midways, slithering between existing attractions and navigating the unique hills and ravines that surround the park. Riders will board open-air trains that feature unobstructed views of the coaster’s track (this is the first time trains of this nature will be used in the U.S.). After cresting the 230-foot-tall lift hill, the trains will dive to the ground and encounter hills, banked turns and generous amounts of “airtime,” adding to the scales of Diamondback’s massive layout. Diamondback will be one of the largest single investments in Kings Island’s 36-year history.

In addition to Diamondback, two additional thrill-inducing animals will stake their claim within the Cedar Fair family of parks in 2009.

Guests at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, can pounce on their fears with the debut of Prowler, a wooden coaster that will carve a tangled path in the park’s wooded terrain. Riders will board trains that provide a comfortable ride during the coaster’s two-and-a-half-minute journey through the Africa section of the park. Prowler will attack its hills, twists and turns at over 51 mph and its layout will feature a total elevation change of 102 feet.

In 2009, the Carolina Cobra is set to strike at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina. This steel boomerang-style coaster takes its train of riders to the top of a 125-foot-tall lift hill and then releases it, sending the snake-like train through a coil of track with three inversions at speeds of 47 mph. Riders will then travel through the entire course again – in reverse!

Along with the addition of the new roller coasters at Kings Island, Worlds of Fun and Carowinds, a new wave of fun will lap the shores of the newly-named Soak City Water Park at Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota. Breakers Bay, a 350,000-gallon wave pool will feature the waves and action of the ocean in a safe environment. Guests will have access to private cabanas, a new bathhouse and new food and merchandise options.

At Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, two new family rides will debut in the Grove section of the park next summer. The Americana Ferris wheel and the El Dorado rotating car ride are sure to help families create new memories.

Finally, several parks will debut a variety of exciting live shows, including a brand-new ice-skating show at Dorney Park, and the expansion of the “All Wheels Extreme” stunt show, featuring BMX-style bikers, skateboarders, gymnasts and in-line skaters, to several properties.

“Cedar Fair will remain committed to exceptional and affordable family fun in 2009,” said Kinzel. “The addition of these world-class attractions will provide diverse riding options for our guests, no matter where they land on the thrill-riding spectrum.”

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: “FUN”) is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. The Company, which owns and operates eleven amusement parks, six outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels, is one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, Virginia / District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, and Toronto, Ontario. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California under a management contract. Cedar Fair’s flagship park, Cedar Point, has been voted the “Best Amusement Park in the World” for eleven consecutive years in a prestigious annual poll conducted by Amusement Today newspaper.

Gravity Group Releases New Coaster Trains

November 18, 2008 – The engineers at The Gravity Group started with a blank sheet of paper and ended up with the next generation of trains for wooden roller coasters.

"Timberliners incorporate new technology - such as magnetic braking and restraint monitoring - that wasn't even imagined when wooden coaster cars were first developed," says Michael Graham, lead engineer for the project. "When it comes to wooden coasters, The Gravity Group has more experience designing rides than anyone. We've applied that expertise in designing trains that addresses every facet of roller coaster performance and function - from maintenance and safety to rider enjoyment and capacity."

Timberliners are designed to be compatible with existing wooden coasters, allowing a park to upgrade their roller coasters with Timberliner trains.

Key features of the trains include:

Single-bench design
Shock absorption and ergonomic styling
Unparalleled ability to smoothly navigate the track for decreased train & track maintenance
Innovative restraint system for unsurpassed safety and security
Restraints designed for higher throughput
ASTM F2291 Class 5 restraint with integrated monitoring
On-board sound system capable
Magnetic braking capable
Launch system capable
Timberliners are available for purchase in time for the 2009 operating season through The Gravity Group's sister company, Gravitykraft.

Additional information about The Gravity Group, LLC and the Timberliner coaster trains is available at their website: www.thegravitygroup.com.

ABOUT THE GRAVITY GROUP

The Gravity Group, LLC is the wooden coaster design firm that amusement parks look to for top ten coaster designs - including the #1 rated Voyage wooden coaster at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana. The Gravity Group is currently designing China's first wooden roller coaster.

Inline Twist Up On Manta

Here is a photo showing the inline twist construction on Manta at Sea World Orlando:

Ride of the Day-Fly the Great Nor'Easter

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Fly the Great Nor'Easter (2008 to ?)
Great Nor'Easter (1995 to 2007)

Amusement Park:Morey's Piers
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Inverted
Status:Operating since 1995
Make / Model:Vekoma / SLC (Custom)
Cost:$5,500,000 USD
Capacity:1200 riders per hour

Length:2170'
Height:115'
Drop:95'
Inversions:5
Speed:55 mph
Duration:2:05
Elements:

Roll Over
Sidewinder
Double In−Line Twist (Double Spin)


Trains:2 trains with 10 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 20 riders per train.

History:

Located on the original Morey's Pier.

This SLC has the same inversions and basic track layout as a standard SLC. The supports, brakes and station are however different.

Photo:

City Of New York Negotiating For More Coney Island Real Estate

According to reports, New York City is seeking to purchase 10.5 acres of land on Coney Island from developer Joe Sitt's Thor Equities. If the deal goes through, the city would become owner of the land on which Astroland amusement park is located. The park is currently in the process of closing because Thor Equities would not renew its lease. New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg "is committed to bringing back Astroland," at least for next summer. The mayor wants to fast track the deal so the city can proceed with Bloomberg's rezoning plan for Coney Island, which includes building a new nine-acre amusement park. The Coney Island real estate purchase is expected to cost the city up to $250 million.

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Ride Of The Day-Corkscrew

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Corkscrew
Amusement Park:Valleyfair!
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1980
Make / Model:Arrow / Custom Looping Coaster
Capacity:1300 riders per hour

Length:1950'
Height:85'
Inversions:3
Speed:50 mph
Duration:1:30
Elements:

Loop
Double Corkscrew


Trains:6 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.

Photo:

Clarksville Water Park Idea

A week after Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper announced his intention to include a water park in plans for a marina at a redesigned Fairgrounds Park, few new details have emerged.

"I've committed to providing a nice water park with nice amenities to it," Piper said Friday. "It's not something I intend on doing in a small way."

The City Council approved the idea of the water park — and spending of about $32 million on the entire marina/water park/fairgrounds-redesign project — earlier this month by a 9-3 vote.

"So much talk among the community has been about how we want to do things for our kids," Piper said. "As I've checked around, it appears it is a very popular thing for the kids."

Though he said he'd been interested in bringing a water park facility to town since taking office, Piper said he did not decide to include it with the fairgrounds project until about a week before the council vote. He said he did so after speaking with yet another citizen bemoaning the lack of youth activities.

"If we're trying to do something for the adults, why would we not want to try to incorporate something for our children, too?" Piper said. Local children, including the Mayor's Youth Council, will be brought in to provide design ideas.

When he unveiled the idea, Piper offered few details, just that it would be publicly financed and add about $4-$5 million to the total project.

"That is an estimate, pulling it out of the air from some numbers that I pulled together for it," Piper said Friday. If that figure balloons beyond $5 million, Piper said he would look at downsizing the project.

Though he unveiled the water park as publicly funded, Piper said Friday he will first seek a private investor. If unsuccessful, the city will then take the lead.

Either way, Piper said, the park will be privately operated.

"I intend on operating in the black," he said.

Piper acknowledged that many details remain unclear, including what consultant will be used for design services.

Piper said he'd begin the process of selecting that consultant, who will take the lead on designing the park, later this month.

The water park's site is not set in stone. While Piper said he is focusing on including it at the redesigned fairgrounds, he said he'd not yet spoken with JJR, the engineering consultant that is handling the fairgrounds and marina project.

"We're playing phone tag," Piper said Friday.

Though the water park and the rest of the fairgrounds/marina redesign was easily approved by the council, support there was not unanimous, as Ward 4 Councilman Wallace Redd, Ward 6 Councilman Marc Harris and Ward 12 Councilman Wayne Harrison cast no votes.

"With all due respect to the other council members, I just don't think that a function of government is to build water parks," Redd said in a phone interview last week. "It's going beyond its (government's) boundaries."

"It's just so much debt," he added.

Support among the council members-elect who will take office in January was strong this week, but not unanimous.

"I think the water park is a great idea, and we definitely need one to improve the quality of life here," said Candy Johnson, councilwoman-elect for Ward 5. "If it were up to me, I'd have the water park before the marina."

Johnson noted, however, that she wasn't sure if the fairgrounds would be the ideal location — citing the possibility of congestion — and said she didn't agree with every planned amenity for the fairgrounds redesign, citing in particular the planned two-story glass-paned observation deck.

David Allen, councilman-elect for Ward 8, also endorsed the water park, saying he was persuaded by Piper's plan to refinance some of the city's debt — about $22 million — over the next 25 years.

By extending the life of those loans, Piper said the city can incur additional debt while keeping within its annual budget for debt-service, currently about $7 million, without having to raise taxes.

"Once the hurdle of financing was worked out, to me it was a no-brainer," Allen said. "It gives our children something to do. It brings people into Clarksville to spend money."

Joel Wallace, councilman-elect for Ward 9, declined comment.

Of the new council members coming into office in January, only Jeff Burkhart, councilman-elect for Ward 12, voiced disapproval with plans for the marina and water park.

"I don't think I'm really interested in the city being in the water-park business," Burkhart said. He also expressed skepticism that the project will stay within the $32 million boundary outlined by Piper. The resolution approved by the council authorized the city to issue up to $35 million in revenue bonds.

Citing the nationally troubled economy, Burkhart said the city should be tabling such a large capital project for 12 months, especially with so many questions still unanswered.

"Right now there's people up there (on the council) voting, and they don't know anything," Burkhart said.

FOUND IN THE LEAF CHRONICLE

Guests Unhappy About Cypress' Decision

WINTER HAVEN - Guests flowed into Cypress Gardens Saturday to take advantage of a low admission price and the chance to visit the park one last time before it's closed down for four months.

The park's admission also will be $10 today. There will be a Corvette show that will feature models ranging from 1953 to 2008. The Coasters will perform at 1 p.m. and the Original Drifters will perform at 3 p.m.

Guests had mixed reactions to the news of the park's closing.

Starting Monday, the park will close down for renovations. The park's owners, Rob Harper and Brian Philpot, recently said it will reopen with an expanded water park and a focus on the attraction's history.

Harper and Philpot said they plan to get rid of the amusement park ride area and the animal area.

Penny Mikkelsen of Auburndale said she didn't like their plan. She said the rides at the park were the only ones in the area that her young daughter could ride by herself.

Mikkelsen bought an annual pass in August and said she didn't mind paying for the pass because "there's more than one thing to do" in the park.

"Now there's five months where we can't use the pass," Mikkelsen said.

As for the water park expansion, she said she didn't think that was a good idea. Mikkelsen said her mother, who can't swim, goes with her to the park. She wondered what her mother would do at the water park and also about paying for an annual pass, just for the water park.

"I don't feel like paying $80 to go swimming," Mikkelsen said.

Maureen Evans of Winter Haven, who was at the park for her daughter's birthday Saturday, said the ride area is a big draw for her family with three children.

"I think it's sad," Evans said.

She said the new renovations will probably draw more elderly people into the park, but not necessarily families.

The rides and roller coasters, which account for more than one-half of the operating expenses at the park, will be sold, though no arrangements have yet been made. One of the park's newest coasters arrived summer 2007. The Starliner roller coaster was originally built in 1963 at the Miracle Strip Amusement Park in Panama City.

Though there were already a few Christmas decorations in place Saturday, the park won't be open for the annual "Old Fashioned Christmas," which featured lights and displays, holiday shows and poinsettia arrangements.

For some winter residents, visiting Cypress Gardens was a tradition.

Belinda Harris of Ontario, Canada, who is staying in Lakeland, said she was disappointed the park was closing.

"Every year, this was an event to come to," Harris said.

Also from Ontario and staying in Lakeland, Evelyn Perry said she really enjoyed the ski show and the ice skating show during the holidays.

Doris Morrison of Ontario was Visiting the park for the first time. She said she was "very impressed."

"It's delightful," Morrison said. "I'm sorry to hear it's closing."

The animal area, which includes exotic animals such as a panther, lemurs, crocodiles, alligators, wallabys and a variety of birds, will also be closed.

"I can understand why they're doing that," said Steven Locksin of Winter Haven. "I hardly see anyone around the animals, though I hope they'll be taken care of."

The owners have said the animals will be sold or given to other zoos and animal caretakers.

Other plans for the renovations include moving the parking area to the original location, which is where the amusement park rides are now. This will be closer to the water park and reduce the 3/4 mile walk to the entrance visitors currently have to walk.

Plans are up in the air for the south end of the park where the animals currently are.

The park employs about 200 hourly workers, most of them part time and 15 full-time salaried employees. About one-half of the employees will be affected by the layoff. Employees were notified of the closure at a meeting Nov. 9.

"It's a sad time to see so many people lose their jobs," said Chris Jacoby of Lake Wales. "With the economy the way it is, I would think they would wait, but I can see why they're changing things. I can't wait to see what will happen with the park."

FOUND ON THE NEWS CHIEF

Ride Of The Day-Led Zeppelin-The Ride

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Led Zeppelin - The Ride
Amusement Park:Hard Rock Park (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 4/15/2008
Make / Model:Bolliger & Mabillard / Sitting Coaster

Length:3738'
Height:150'
Inversions:6
Speed:65 mph
Elements:

120' tall Loop
95' tall Cobra Roll
75' tall Zero−G Roll(Camelback)
Loop
Corkscrew(Flat Spin)


Trains:8 cars per train. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.

Photo:

Lift and Drop

Greetings,

I just wanted to publish this quick entry to let everyone know a couple of things.

First, we moved the webcam today to focus more on the action occuring near the lift and drop area. However, we didn't lose much of the detail we had in our last location, so it was a win-win! The new view allows you to see the entire lift structure, drop, and eventually where the second and third hills will be, along with the final turns. Good stuff indeed.

Second, progress on the lift and drop areas is coming along, with wood bents installed near the first drop's base and the quick climb towards the second hill (hello airtime). Footers are poured along this route to about the middle of the second hill, and brackets are complete as well. Due to this, large lift bents have been placed at the site and should be installed soon.

Since its Monday and a dreary day, I thought I would cheer everyone up with some more construction shots, so head on over to the Prowler site for the full scoop!

http://prowler.worldsoffun.com

FOUND ON THE PROWLER BLOG

Diamondback First Drop Done!

Workmen installed track piece #D06 to complete the first drop of the new Diamondback roller coaster at Kings Island Amusement Park Tuesday. The first drop is the longest in the park at 215 feet at a 74 degree angle.

There's just 157 more days until the ride opens for Gold Passholders April 17, 2009!

FOUND ON THE DIAMONDBACK BLOG

Ride Of The Day-Tidal Wave

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Tidal Wave
Amusement Park:Trimper's Rides (Ocean City, Maryland 21842 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1986
Make / Model:Vekoma / Boomerang
Categories:Shuttle
Dimensions:288' 9" x 98' 5"
Capacity:760 riders per hour

Length:935'
Height:116' 6"
Inversions:3
Speed:47 mph
Duration:1:48
G-Force:5.2
Elements:

Cobra Roll (Boomerang)
Loop


Trains:Single train with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders.

Built by Arrow

Photo:

Cypress Gardens Offering Discount

Florida’s Cypress Gardens wants to thank the community for their ongoing support by offering $10 admission per person today through Sunday. All Cypress Gardens logo’d merchandise will be 75 percent off with everything else priced at 50 percent off throughout the weekend. We invite you to take this opportunity to come enjoy the rides and Nature’s Way sections of the park before they are closed for renovations.

On Sunday, Nov. 16, starting at 10:00 a.m., park guests can stroll through the Gardens’ Splash Island waterpark and see over a hundred corvette models ranging from 1953 to 2008. Guests will also be able to enjoy some of the biggest hits of the 1950s and 60s in the amphitheater starting with the Coasters at 1:00 p.m. and the Original Drifters at 3:30 p.m.

For more details visit www.cypressgardens.com.

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Ride Of The Day-Speed

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Speed
Amusement Park:Nascar Café
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 4/28/2000 to 2008
Make / Model:Premier Rides / LIM Shuttle Loop Coaster
Designer:Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH
Categories:Shuttle
Lift / Launch System:LIM

Length:1365'
Height:224'
Inversions:1
Speed:70 mph
Duration:0:45
Max Vertical Angle:90 Degrees
G-Force:3.5
Max Acceleration:0 − 45 mph in 2 seconds
Elements:

Tunnel
Loop


Trains:Single train with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders.

Riders must be 54" or taller to ride.

Features:Speed has a second LIM launch that accelerates the train from 35 mph to 70 mph in 2 seconds.

Photo:

Busch Shareholders Approve Of Combination With InBev

Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. today announced that a majority of its shares have been voted to approve the proposed combination between InBev N.V./S.A. and Anheuser-Busch during a special shareholder meeting held today.

At the closing of the transaction, Anheuser-Busch shareholders will be entitled to receive $70 in cash for each share of outstanding Anheuser-Busch stock, and Anheuser-Busch will become a wholly owned subsidiary of InBev. Closing of the transaction remains subject to necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. A closing date has not been announced, but the parties continue to expect the deal to close before the end of the year. InBev shareholders approved the combination on Sept. 29.

"The proposed merger between Anheuser-Busch and InBev under consideration today was a difficult decision for our board to make," said August A. Busch IV, president and CEO, in comments made during the meeting. "In the end, the board determined that the InBev proposal is in the best interest of our shareholders. The merger also provides a promising future for our beer brands and for all stakeholders -- employees, wholesalers, retailers and our consumers."

"Under the merger, the new company will expand Budweiser into new markets around the world, fulfilling the global ambitions my family has long dreamed about for this great American brand. I'm proud that the Budweiser tradition and our 150-year commitment to delivering the best brewed beer in the world will live on," said Busch. "I want to sincerely thank our shareholders for the support they have given me and this great company for so many years."

August A. Busch IV will be a director of the newly combined company, which will take the nameAnheuser-Busch InBev.

Many of Anheuser-Busch shareholders have long identified with the company and have been proud to hold its stock.

"The iconic beer brands, world-famous advertising, A&Eagle symbol, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and most importantly, the people of Anheuser-Busch who've dedicated themselves to quality in the beer and throughout the business, combined have given Anheuser-Busch meaning far beyond its stock value," said W. Randolph Baker, vice president and chief financial officer of Anheuser-Busch. "As we move toward closing, Anheuser-Busch Companies wishes to thank all Anheuser-Busch shareholders for their investment in the company over the years."

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Great Wolf Might Lose Ohio Resort

Great Wolf Resorts Inc. of Madison could lose its two-year-old resort in Mason, Ohio, if it can’t renegotiate its mortgage by the end of this month.

A dried-up credit market seems to be the culprit. The $76.8 million mortgage on the indoor water park resort matures Nov. 30. Great Wolf said in its third-quarter report that through Sept. 30, the property had $6.3 million in adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and made $4.8 million in debt payments.

“We are disappointed with the lack of progress in our discussions with the loan’s head lender toward obtaining an extension of the loan’s maturity date,” said James Calder, chief financial officer for Madison-based Great Wolf. “The Mason resort continues to provide more than sufficient cash to service the current loan balance.”

The Great Wolf Lodge in Mason opened adjacent to the Kings Island theme park in December 2006, with more than 400 suites, an arcade and themed restaurants, along with the water park.

Great Wolf Resorts (NASDAQ: WOLF) owns and/or manages 11 Great Wolf Lodges and the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. The company posted third-quarter net income of $2.2 million, or 7 cents per share, compared with $1.8 million, or 6 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter.

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Ride Of The Day-Invertigo

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Invertigo
Amusement Park:California's Great America
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Inverted
Status:Operating since 3/21/1998
Make / Model:Vekoma / Invertigo
Categories:Shuttle
Dimensions:285' 5" x 106' 8"

Length:1013' 9"
Height:160' 9"
Drop:138'
Inversions:3
Speed:50 mph
Duration:1:30
G-Force:5
Elements:

Cobra Roll (Boomerang)
Loop


Trains:Single train with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders.

Built by Vekoma

One row per car is reversed so rides sit back-to-back per car, while looking face-to-face with riders in other rows.

Photo:

Fred Bigler Dies At 80 Years Old

(Nov 12, 2008) Former Atlanta resident Alfred ‘Fred’ Bigler, age 80, died Nov. 8 at an Acute Rehabilitation Center in Sarasota, Florida, following complications from a bicycle accident.

Bigler was born on Dec. 17, 1927, in the city of Bern, Switzerland, to the late Albert and Anna Bigler. His siblings include sisters Marianna Caninzzo, Emmy Schantezer, and recently deceased Heins Bigler.


He completed his schooling in Bern with degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. His engineering career began with Von Roll specializing in the construction of Sky lifts. During his association with Von Roll he worked on projects for the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.; Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and and Stone Mountain, in Atlanta, Ga. He is also renowned for building the historical aerial tramway to Monserrate in Bogota, Colombia, which began its construction on August 13, 1953 and was inaugurated on September 27, 1955.

In 1956, while working on a project in Bogota, Colombia, he met the love of his life Stella Otero Navia. On Sept. 28, 1958 he was united in marriage in Bern to Stella. He later returned to Bogota in 1961 and served as the chief engineer in Monserrate until 1963. During the course of the next six years they started their family with four children, Freddy, Astrid, Alberto, and Yurg.


He soon moved the family to Atlanta, Ga. to work for Six Flags Corporation in 1968. During his professional career, he worked for Six Flags for more than 30 years as an engineer and eventually director of engineering. After his retirement, he continued to support Six Flags, Stone Mountain, and other parks around the world as an engineering consultant.

Fred Bigler was also recognized in the roller coaster and cable car industry as a worldwide expert on roller coaster cable car safety and construction. Together with other designers, contractors, manufactures and engineers, his work is still evident today in the development, construction, and maintenance of several illustrious steel and wooden roller coasters and cable-cars in the United States and abroad.

Harold Hudson, former vice president of corporate engineering for Six Flags remembers Bigler saying, "Fred was a talented engineer who could just stand close to a ride and tell you if it had a problem. He always shared his knowledge freely with others and in so doing he improved ride safety all over the world. Amusement rides and the welfare of the industry was his life's work. He had an extremely optimistic outlook on life and was a friend to all."

He was a devoted Catholic and parishioner in both Atlanta and Sarasota. He actively promoted his heritage among the Swiss in the Atlanta community by organizing and promoting social events and activities.

He is survived by his wife, Stella, of Bogota; his daughter and son-in-law Astrid and Jim Vose of Marietta, Georgia; his daughter-in-law and son Claudia and Yurg Bigler of Bogota; his son Alberto Bigler of Myakka City, Florida; sisters Emmy and Marianna of Sweisimmer and Zurich, Switzerland. He is further survived by grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Visitations and a Rosary will be held Nov. 13 from 5-7 p.m. at H.M. Patterson's and Sons in Marietta, Georgia located at 1157 Old Canton Road. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 4465 Northside Drive, Atlanta, Ga. Burial will be at Arlington Memorial Park at 201 Mt. Vernon Rd., Atlanta, Ga. on Friday immediately following the memorial service. Relatives and friends are welcome at all of the above arrangements.

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New AquaTram Coming From Hopkins Rides

(Nov 12, 2008) Hopkins Rides, LLC has chosen the upcoming IAAPA Expo in Orlando to introduce its newly designed Nautibus attraction, AquaTRAM.

AquaTRAM is a cost-efficient design based on the existing Nautibus attraction, but offering the latest technology and increased themeing opportunities for a variety of applications. AquaTRAM is now an affordable attraction for all amusement venues from zoos, aquariums and sea life parks to theme parks of any sizes. The AquaTRAM can now be custom designed to fit virtually any budget and theme.

The original Nautibus attraction at Le Grand Aquarium in St. Malo, France is a proven winner. Thousands of passengers daily enjoy the unique underwater experience that only a Nautibus attraction can provide.

The newly designed AquaTRAM offers better opportunities to create a real life multi-dimensional experience and a truly different dark ride. With the AquaTRAM from Hopkins Rides, guests are afforded the opportunity to view aquatic life and scenery in its own environment, almost able to touch them without getting wet.

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Drayton Manor Welcomes One Millionth Visitor In 2008

In a year which has turned out to be a phenomenal success, the UK’s Drayton Manor Theme Park passed a major milestone in mid-October when the one millionth visitor in 2008 was welcomed to the Staffordshire venue.

Guest Mark Dodsworth visited the park from Nottingham with his family, wife Kaley and children Laura and Nathan, as a half term treat and was delighted to find he was the millionth visitor this season. To celebrate, the family was presented with a season pass for 2009, allowing them unlimited access to the park for the whole year.“We are delighted to have welcomed our millionth visitor during October,” commented Drayton Manor’s general manager park operations Edward Pawley.

“This is a tremendous achievement at a time when everyone is suffering so much from the poor economic climate and is a great reflection on what we have to offer the public here at Drayton.

“Our major new area for 2008, Thomas Land, has obviously played a huge part in increasing our visitor numbers this year and has also been largely responsible for attracting guests from literally throughout the UK. But it is a combination of all the attractions, live shows, special events and other facilities we offer that has also helped us achieve this milestone. And of course we still have our winter opening to look forward to which we are confident will add significantly more to this year’s overall visitor numbers.”

In addition to the impressive increase in attendance figures for 2008, which are up by a staggering 40 per cent on 2007, Drayton Manor is also celebrating an equally impressive increase in secondary spend on the park, which covers retail, catering and ride photography sales. This figure is up by 37 per cent which, coupled with the increase in visitors, caps off one of the most successful season’s in the park’s history.

Having begun its winter season with the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party during the latter half of October and into November, which included the Halloween Spooky Spectacular live show, Drayton Manor also held its annual Fireworks Spectacular over the first weekend of November. This will be followed on November 22nd. by the start of Drayton’s Magical Christmas which will see the opening of a transformed, festive themed Thomas Land and the commencement of a brand new live show, Santa’s Magical Adventure, in the Big Top Theatre.

All the rides and attractions within Thomas Land, carefully created in partnership with rights owner HIT Entertainment, will be available during this period in addition to some festive ‘extras’ such as reindeer, Santa and his helpers and real snow, to create a very special atmosphere in what has been a massively popular area of the park throughout 2008. Singers will perform to the crowds too and the Fat Controller will of course be meeting and greeting guests as usual. All visitors nine years old and under will also receive a Christmas present to round off their visit.

Santa’s Magical Adventure, produced by Hamagination’s Paul Hammond, will feature the story of a young girl who has written a very long Christmas list for Santa, but who ends up being taken on a journey to discover the real meaning of Christmas. An ice rink will be centre stage in the show which will also feature white miniature Shetland ponies accompanied by performers, professional ice skaters and dancers. The show lasts for 30 minutes and culminates in all children nine years old and under receiving a present from Santa.

“It is a real Christmas pageant,” commented Paul Hammond, “with an ice rink in the centre of the Big Top Theatre and lots of features to make it a true Christmas spectacular. There will be a snow machine to add a further magical touch and we’ll be using special heaters to keep the audience warm!”

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Disney Teams Up With Verizon

Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience -- before, during and after guests arrive at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones along with reliable new services at the parks. Early next year guests will also use Verizon Wireless’ technology when experiencing Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction coming to Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort.

“With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special Park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom.”

Beginning next year, guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort to help them make the most of their Disney experiences. Planned services include an exclusive mobile application that will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more. Verizon Wireless is also continuing to invest in its wireless network from coast to coast, and the relationship with Disney means wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the Parks.

Additional details will be available next year as the companies expect to add a suite of services and functionalities to help guests at Disney parks have the most magical experience. For more information, visit www.disney.com and www.verizon.com.

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Come Visit Castaway Bay On November 22!

Join the family fun atmosphere as Michigan takes on Ohio State in the Castaway Bay Ballroom. We will broadcast the game live on the big screen and have fun door prizes. The party (and the game) kicks off at 1pm and admission is included with your stay!



For the kids we will have FREE activities! Balloon Animals, Face Painting, Snoopy Photo Booth and Carnival Head Shot. For a nominal fee, make your own Sand Art and play our famous Castaway Ca-Ching Wheel where you can win awesome prizes like t-shirts, stuffed Snoopys, keychains, food, drink and free game tickets!



Enjoy fresh-spun cotton candy, delicious snow cones and just-squeezed lemonade for just $2 each. Ice-cold beer will also be available for $3.25.



We’re bringing the famous Cedar Point midway games to Castaway Bay! Play Wacky Wire, Bank-a-Ball, Beanbag Toss, Scatterball, Milk Can Toss, Flamingo Ring Toss, Rubber Duck Pick and Football Toss. Nominal fee for each game.



Carnival packages that include tickets for games, food, t-shirts and more are available for guests staying November 21 or November 22. Call 419.627.2106 and ask about the carnival package.

FOUND ON THE CASTAWAY BAY WEBSITE

Great Wolf Announces New Head Of Operations

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: WOLF), North America’s leading family of indoor waterpark resorts, announced today that Tim Black, currently the company’s senior vice president of operations, will become executive vice president of operations, effective January 1, 2009.

“Tim’s experiences in the entertainment industry and his clear vision for operational leadership will be valuable as Great Wolf Resorts continues to lead the indoor waterpark resort category through innovation and expansion,” said president and chief operating officer Kim Schaefer. “Tim has proven his capabilities in managing multiple facilities and in finding operating efficiencies, and we’re thrilled he will be using those skills to guide our entire portfolio of resorts.”

In his new role, Black will oversee all aspects of the company’s resort operations to maintain high service levels, guest entertainment and satisfaction, and property performance. His responsibilities will include working with corporate officers and senior leadership to ensure implementation of corporate strategy, budget oversight, and management of vice presidents of operations, corporate directors, and sales & marketing to ensure brand compliance and consistency.

Black first joined the company in October 2004 as general manager of its Great Wolf Lodge property in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. He was promoted to regional vice president of operations in December 2005, and further promoted to senior vice president of operations in June 2008. He holds a B.S. degree in human resource management from LaSalle University and has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Great Wolf Resorts, Black served in senior management roles for multiple properties for Six Flags, Inc.

About Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.® (NASDAQ: WOLF), Madison, Wis., is North America’s largest family of indoor waterpark resorts, and, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, owns and operates its family resorts under the Great Wolf Lodge® and Blue Harbor Resort™ brands. Great Wolf Resorts is a fully integrated resort company and owns and/or manages Great Wolf Lodge locations in: Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; the Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash., and Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center in Sheboygan, Wis. A Great Wolf Lodge currently is under construction in Concord, N.C. and a 203-suite expansion is under construction at the company’s Grapevine resort.

The company’s resorts are family-oriented destination facilities that generally feature 300 to 400 rooms and a large indoor entertainment area measuring 40,000 to 100,000 square feet. The all-suite properties offer a variety of room styles, arcade/game rooms, fitness centers, themed restaurants, spas, supervised children’s activities and other amenities. Additional information may be found on the company’s Web site at www.greatwolf.com.

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Diamondback Construction Updates ON KI Central!

To view the latest Diamondback construction photos,visit here.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Grinchmas Celebration!

A traditional white Christmas and an encounter with the not-so-traditional green Grinch await guests at Universal Studios Hollywood as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. prepares to celebrate “Grinchmas” with tons of powder-fresh snow, meetings with The Grinch, Cindy-Lou Who and Max the Dog and a “Whoville” jubilation at the original movie sets where the classic “Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was filmed.

The “Grinchmas” celebration will be held on weekends beginning Saturday, December 6, and daily from December 22-31 and is included in the price of theme park admission. More information, including holiday promotional offers on The Universal Studios Hollywood website.

A whimsical Grinchmas tree, curving and twisting like a candy cane in true Seussian fashion will tower 50 feet at the center of the 23,000 square foot snow-covered “Grinchmas Winter Wonderland.” Families can enjoy traditional wintertime fun in a blanket of real snow, refreshed regularly to maintain powder-perfect consistency. The Grinch and his faithful dog Max will be on hand to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos amid nightly “Grinchmas” tree lighting ceremonies by the Whoville Whos.

“Grinchmas” will also allow fans of the blockbuster movie to see the original Whoville film set up close aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour and experience a one-of-a-kind performance by the residents of Whoville as they re-enact cherished scenes from the film.

Universal Studios Hollywood is now open 365 days of the year and for the first time ever will remain open on Christmas day. Hours of operation will be 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

About Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

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Ride Of The Day-Zeus

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Zeus
Amusement Park:Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 6/7/1997
Builder:Custom Coasters International, Inc.

Length:2900'
Height:90'
Drop:85'
Inversions:0
Speed:60 mph
Duration:1:25

Trains:Single train with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders.

Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.

Photo:

Great Wolf Lodge Receives Award

Niagara Falls Great Wolf Lodge (GWL) is this year’s recipient of the Delta Hotels & Resorts New Business of the Year Award which is presented by the Tourism Industry of Canada and sponsored by the Globe and Mail. The award, presented at the National Awards for Tourism Excellence ceremony in Quebec is presented to a business whose ingenuity, hard work and perseverance had a successful impact on the tourism sector.

GWL has been recognized in the past as a strong leader in the Niagara Tourism Industry, winning the Economic Impact Award in recognition of significant contributions to the overall economic development of Niagara Falls and the Best Interactive Marketing Campaign by the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership in 2007.

“The Great Wolf Lodge is honored to accept the award for Best New Business of the Year Award,” said Keith Simmonds, GM of GWL. “We are proud of our dynamic products and services as we follow our mission statement of creating family traditions, one family at a time. These traditions not only provide endless fun in the Lodge, but also promote the wealth of Niagara’s activities and attractions.”

GWL is committed to the community through its involvement in several different charities and fundraisers; Sleep Cheap for Project SHARE, the Walk for Water and raising more than $20,000 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. In addition, GWL is committed to conserving its natural resources through a special committee – “Project GreenWolf” by educating and establishing green traditions for guests and their families.

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Six Flags Announces Third Quarter Results

Six Flags, Inc. announced today its operating results for the third quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2008, as well as its revenues and attendance through the Halloween weekend.

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mark Shapiro, president and CEO of Six Flags, Inc., said: "By any measure, this is shaping up to be the best year in the history of the company. We’re on track to be free cash flow positive for the first time, our customer satisfaction scores are at all-time highs, we’re building an international footprint, and our network of parks are increasingly being seen as an out-of-home solution for advertisers. The culmination of this turnaround is within reach and we’ve laid a solid foundation for long-term growth."

Total revenues of $489.3 million increased five percent over the prior-year quarter, while total attendance increased 0.2 million. The attendance increase over the prior-year quarter was despite the loss of two full operating days at the parks and a planned reduction of 0.2 million in complimentary and free promotional attendance.

Revenue growth for the third quarter reflected growth in attendance and guest spending, as well as sponsorship, licensing and other fees, which increased $7.8 million over the prior-year period to $19.3 million. Total revenue per capita increased four percent to $40.27 in the current quarter from $38.82 in the third quarter of 2007.

Increases in per capita guest spending, which grew $0.82 to $38.67, a two percent increase over the per capita guest spending of $37.85 for the third quarter of 2007, reflected higher rentals, food and beverage, parking, admissions, and retail revenues.

Shapiro added: "Our top-line performance validates our customer focused strategy which has re-established Six Flags as a high quality entertainment destination for the entire family. The key to this year’s success has been the value proposition of our theme parks, enabling us to stand out and thrive in what is an extremely challenging economic climate for consumers."

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Central Amusement International LLC To Partner with Belle Island Village For New Ride Package

After a worldwide search, Belle Island Village officials announced today that it has partnered with Central Amusement International LLC to provide and operate a rides package for the $114 million mixed-use resort, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Central Amusement International, an operations and development company with marquee ventures in New York City’s Central Park as well as other international locations, will bring a custom-themed family ride package to Belle Island Village’s amusement park. The rides will be featured in the new “Carnival Cove” area on the Island, reminiscent of early turn-of-the-century carnivals; complete with themed games, rides and fun foods.

Carnival Cove will include a mix of nine rides from Zamperla specifically selected and custom-themed to deliver family thrills to the resort. With rides such as Twister Mountain, a classic spinning coaster, and the Great American Steamboat Chase, a high-flying carousel swing, families can experience traditional amusement park fun within the beautifully themed environment of Belle Island Village. Other rides offered in Carnival Cove will drop, pop, bounce, rock, twist and spin.

“We at Belle Island Village are excited to partner with Central Amusement International (CAI) to offer exciting rides that the entire family can enjoy,” said Glen B. Bilbo, president of Southern Venue Development, LLC, overseeing the construction of Belle Island Village. “The rides complement the truly unique themed experience that visitors to Belle Island Village will receive.”

CAI has contracted with Zamperla of Italy to provide all of the customized rides. Bilbo stated, “It is great that CAI has purchased these rides from Zamperla, as they are regarded in the industry as a true leader for safe, state-of-the-art, themed rides for the entire family.”

Beau Berni, a CAI representative said, “This is an excellent opportunity to join what we believe is the nation’s top family entertainment destination. Our rides will truly complement all of the other attractions at Belle Island Village.”

For more information visit: www.belleisland.com.

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Cypress Gardens Closes For Rebirth

After months of exhaustive analysis by park officials and owners, Florida’s first theme park, Cypress Gardens, will temporarily close on Nov. 17, for a major renovation. With a reopening scheduled for March 2009, the plans include expanding the popular water park, while preserving the history and nostalgia of the original park, with a focus on the original botanical gardens and their worldwide notoriety. The ski show shall continue as part of the original park experience. The existing animal area and the ride area will be permanently closed.

“The operating expense of running 38 amusement rides, a zoo, the botanical gardens, a ski show, and a water park are considerable,” said Cypress Gardens co-owner Rob Harper.
“It is obvious the park cannot successfully function as four parks in one. We have some exciting new plans that everyone will be thrilled to see come March,” Harper said. “We are in the process of notifying our employees. The vast majority of them will be temporarily without work at the park during the renovations, and those eligible will be reinstated when renovations are complete,” Harper said.

The renovation plans for the park are centered around the core elements that have made
Cypress Gardens famous around the world, while simultaneously making it a sustainable long-term success. According to Brian Philpot, Harper’s business partner, the key is ensuring that the integrity of the original Cypress Gardens is not compromised by non-original and non-essential elements. “The last thing we want to do is jeopardize the history and long-term future of this storied park with elements that do not promote what made Cypress Gardens what it is today - a beautiful botanical garden for enjoyment by all ages,” added Harper.

The goal is to add a modern flair to a timeless classic. Planned changes include adding a parking area and moving the main entrance back to where it was when the gardens first opened. The new parking area will provide convenient access for visitors to the waterpark and gardens. Visitors had complained about the long walk from the current parking lot through the ride area to the water park and botanical gardens. Among other changes come March 2009 are new cultural components showcasing the history of Cypress Gardens. These changes will make the visitor experience much more enjoyable.

“Rob Harper and Brian Philpot are doing the right thing with these plans and we look forward to helping them along the way,” said Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Director, Mark Jackson. “Polk County benefits greatly from the thousands of visitors that come to Cypress Gardens each year and this move will ensure the long-term
sustainability of one of Polk County’s largest tourism assets.”

The renovations come during a normally slow time of year for tourism and with the park ready to reopen right before the peak of the busiest tourism season, the new Cypress Gardens will be poised to attract the many visitors that will be coming to Polk County. Harper stated that is has been a difficult decision to temporarily close for the renovations because the park didn’t want to cause any inconvenience to its employees or guests, however, in the long term, this approach is best for all involved. “We regret any inconvenience this may bring to our employees and many guests, and ask for their patience and understanding as these changes are necessary for the sustained long-term success of the park. More information will be available for our pass holders in the weeks ahead and ask that they check our Web site in coming weeks. We are excited about the future of Cypress Gardens, and look forward to an improved guest experience,” he said.

More information and updates will be available periodically on the park’s Web site,
www.cypressgardens.com.

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Ride Of The Day-Avalanche

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Avalanche
Amusement Park:Kings Dominion
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Bobsled
Status:Operating since 1988
Make / Model:Mack / Bobsled

Inversions:0

Trains:3 trains with 8 cars per train. Riders are arranged inline in 2 rows for a total of 16 riders per train.

Riders must be 44" or taller to ride.

Photo:

Six Glags Profit Up 60%

More people flocked to Six Flags this summer and spent more money in the parks as the company reported a 60 percent increase in its third-quarter profit.

Six Flags said net income grew to $143.4 million, compared to $89.6 million in the same period last year.

Revenues also rose 5 percent to $489.3 million, up from $464.2 million in the third quarter of 2007.

The New York-based theme park chain said 200,000 more guests visited their parks during the summer, taking advantage of the company's promotion where everyone paid kid's price.

With the strong earnings report, Six Flags executives pointed out that the company is on track to be free cash flow positive for the first time in years. However, with $2.2 billion in debt and a stock price around 45 cents, Six Flags still has several financial challenges.

"We cannot grow at the rate I know we're capable of growing at carrying this amount of debt. That is simply not a company I'm interested in running," chief executive Mark Shapiro told analysts on a conference call Monday morning. "The company is ready to fire once the noose of the balance sheet is cut away and cutting away that constriction is in the best interest of all of our stakeholders, so we are exploring all of our options and that is all we will say about that today."

Executives declined to be specific during the call on what they're considering, sidestepping questions about whether Six Flags has hired advisers or how fast they intend to clean up the balance sheet.

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West Warwick Water Park Stalled Due To Slow Economy

WEST WARWICK, R.I.—The construction of a $150 million resort and indoor water park in West Warwick has stalled as developers struggle to find financing.

Construction was supposed to begin in September. But developer Michael Day of Dial Family Resorts told The Providence Journal the company is still seeking a $105 million loan it thought it secured 18 months ago.

He said the market has been “messed up” because of the nation’s economic woes.

The “7th Wave” project is a Hawaiian surfer-themed resort. It would include a 75,000 square foot water park, 409 hotel rooms and 12,000 square feet of meeting space.

Officials originally projected the resort would generate $32 million in tax revenue over 25 years. West Warwick town manager James Thomas said he remains optimistic about the project.

TAKEN FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Universal Studios To Be Open On Holidays

For the first time since opening in 1964, Universal Studios Hollywood will be open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

"Universal Studios Hollywood has always been a favorite destination for families to celebrate special occasions and also an ideal place to visit with out-of-town friends and family," Larry Kurzweil, president of the theme park, said in a statement.

The holiday openings mean Universal Hollywood will be open 365 days a year. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas.

FOUND ON THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

Ride Of The Day-Joust

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Joust
Amusement Park:Dutch Wonderland
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 5/23/1998
Make / Model:Chance Rides / Big Dipper
Categories:Family
Dimensions:48' 10" x 84' 10"

Height:16' 1"
Inversions:0

Trains:Single train with 4 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 16 riders.

Riders must be 36" or taller to ride.

Photo:

Universal Reports Decrease In Profits

Caught in the slowing economy, Universal Orlando's parent company on Friday joined those for SeaWorld and Walt Disney World in reporting a softening of the theme-park business and decreasing profits.

In its third-quarter 2008 financial statements posted this morning, Universal City Development Partners reported a slight decrease in operating revenue and attendance and a steeper cut in profit for the three months that ended Sept. 28, compared with the same period in 2007.

In a news release, the company cited two other factors for the dip in the quarter's profits compared with last year: a one-time gain that added to last year's bottom line when Universal sold off some excess property, and the higher capital spending the company is doing right now to build a new, signature roller coaster in Universal Studios and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter land in Islands of Adventure.

On Thursday the Walt Disney Co. and the Anheuser-Busch Cos., parent companies of Disney World and Sea World, also released quarterly reports showing a bit of a theme-park business slowdown during the period.

Universal's operating revenue was reported at $264.2 million for the quarter, down less than 1 percent. Net income was reported at $46.9 million, down 18 percent. For the quarter, the company's two Orlando theme parks saw combined paid attendance drop about 2 percent, to just over 3 million people.

Universal contended that its nine-month figures for 2008 still look strong, indicating that the nation's general economic decline in the third quarter was a significant factor for the theme parks' performance.

"Our financial results show that we have a strong and resilient business," said Bill Davis, president and chief operating officer for Universal Orlando. "We will continue to manage our business well – and we will maximize the growth opportunities ahead of us with Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter."

FOUND ON THE ORLANDO SENTINEL

Real-D Coming To Legoland

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In its first alliance with a theme park, RealD, the world’s largest digital 3D experience provider, and LEGOLAND®, California have partnered to present the LEGOLAND 4D presentations Spellbreaker 4D and LEGO® Racers 4D, powered by RealD PRO technology at the theme park’s Show Place Theater. This new partnership harnesses the most advanced digital 3D technology and offers a unique sensory experience for LEGOLAND guests. An exciting new film will launch in early 2009.

LEGOLAND 4D presentations combine RealD PRO 3D technology and eye-popping digital 3D effects with environmental elements, such as wind and water, to create an out-of-this-world experience far beyond any 3D film audiences have ever seen.

“It is exciting for LEGOLAND California to be working with RealD PRO – the single projector technology is outstanding; it has improved the audience experience and reduced time and expense related to dual projector maintenance,” said Andy Morrison, Entertainment Supervisor for LEGOLAND California Resort.

“RealD is delighted to team with an institution with the pedigree and global reach of LEGOLAND California,” stated Michael V. Lewis, chairman and CEO of RealD. “We’re excited to bring our expertise to this great brand, and to broaden the scope of quality 3D content to audiences worldwide.”

Building over 25 years of innovation in stereoscopic 3D hardware and software, RealD PRO delivers uncompromising 3D visual power users demand. RealD PRO sets the industry standard for engineers and researchers who use 3D computer graphics models in CAVEs® and other immersive environments. RealD PRO provides technologically advanced solutions for theme parks and museums to maximize the immersive experience. RealD PRO business partners are worldwide, including NASA, Boeing, BMW, Pfizer, DreamWorks and Disney.

LEGOLAND California is a 128-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun! There are three other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO.

FOUND ON YAHOO! FINANCE

Ride Of The Day-Wolverine Wildcat

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Wolverine Wildcat
Amusement Park:Michigan's Adventure
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1988
Builder:Dinn Corporation
Designer:Curtis D. Summers

Length:3000'
Height:85'
Inversions:0
Speed:55 mph
Duration:2:00

Photo:

Vote! Vote! Vote!

Nov. 7th, 2008 -- The end of the year is in site, leaves are falling to the ground, and there are incessant Christmas commercials just around the corner. That can only mean one thing: it’s time again for Mitch Hawker’s coaster poll to open!

Mitch has made it even easier on us this year, by offering both steel and wooden coaster polls at the same time.

The easy-to-use poll helper is available at Coaster Fanatics or you can use the classic text poll at BestRollerCoasterPoll.com.

Either way you submit your ballott, you have until December 5 to submit your ballot!

FOUND ON THRILL NETWORK

Latest News On Prowler

The ride is still broken up into three areas of work.
1. The helix is gaining additional support, boards for track, handrails, etc. This section is the farthest along.

2. The out run from where the ride converges with the return run, all the way to the second to last turn is complete with wood bents. Crew members are working on additional wood support for these areas (track, supports, etc.)

3. The lift, drop, and first few and last hills area is buzzing with activity as many projects are happening at once. Trenches are being dug, footers poured, and existing footers are being surveyed. The retaining wall project is complete and the area for the maintenance building and bridge back to the station is being graded.

Check out all the action at prowler.worldsoffun.com!

Around the park, Halloween cleanup is complete and the park is getting winterized.

FOUND ON THE PROWLER BLOG

Ride Of The Day-Hydra the Revenge

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Hydra the Revenge
Amusement Park:Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 5/7/2005
Make / Model:Bolliger & Mabillard / Floorless Coaster
Categories:Floorless
Cost:$13,000,000 USD
Capacity:1245 riders per hour

Length:3198'
Height:95'
Drop:105'
Inversions:7
Speed:53 mph
Duration:2:35
Max Vertical Angle:68 Degrees
Elements:

Heartline Roll
95' tall Lift Hill with a 100' drop
62' tall Inclined Dive Loop
Zero−G Roll (Camelback)
Corkscrew (Flat Spin)
Cobra Roll
Corkscrew (Flat Spin)


Trains:2 trains with 8 cars per train. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.

Riders must be 54" or taller to ride.

Built by Bolliger & Mabillard

Etymology:In Greek Mythology, Hercules was a great warrior. In order to be forgiven for a crime, he had to perform twelve labors, each requiring great strength. One of these labors was to slay Hydra, a horrible serpent with many heads that grew back as soon as they were cut off.

Dorney Park appears to have adapted this story to have Hydra return and seek revenge over Hercules.

Location:Built where the Hercules once stood.
Theme:Green track.

Photo:

Polar Express:The Ultimate 4-D Experience Coming To Dollywood

Dollywood’s 19th annual Smoky Mountain Christmas festival, recently awarded the industry’s international Golden Ticket award for Best Christmas Event, begins Nov. 8, highlighted by the arrival of the Polar Express 4-D Experience™.

“This Christmas, I’m inviting families to take a spectacular holiday journey where dreams become real, and everybody knows I dream bigger than just about anybody else,” Dolly Parton said. “On The Polar Express 4-D Experience, all you have to do is believe, and I sure do!

For the first time, Smoky Mountain Christmas continues through Jan. 3, 2009. Operating days and times vary.

The Polar Express 4-D Experience is presented daily in the park’s Imagination Cinema. This holiday season…What if there is a place beyond your imagination and to get there all you have to do is BELIEVE! Dollywood guests are invited to come journey to the North Pole where dreams become real and all of their senses come alive in this magical 4-D Experience. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The Polar Express 4-D Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, and includes 3-D and 4-D effects that will make you BELIEVE.

“The Polar Express is by far the finest magical cinematic experience of our lifetime,” Mark Cornell, SimEx-Iwerks Vice President, Attraction Development said. “This iconic film is further brought to life with the perfected use of our own 4-D Special FX technology, and makes for an unforgettable multi-sensory adventure, leaving all who see with hair-raising goose-bumps! Upon your arrival at the North Pole…it actually begins to snow inside the 4-D Special FX Theater and when the conductor sings “Hot Chocolate” and the dancing waiters begin to pour, the audience can smell the delightful aroma of every cocoa cup!! The state-of-the-art 3-D Digital projection system allows you to see images virtually leap off the screen and when combined with 4-D FX, a blend of realism and fantasy unlike anything seen before is impeccably delivered. A must see for the whole family!!” SimEx-Iwerks is the worldwide exclusive distributor of The Polar Express 4-D Experience.

In addition to a winter wonderland of more than four million holiday lights, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival includes a lineup of award-winning entertainment. Dollywood’s Babes in Toyland, highlighted by the march of the 21 toy soldiers and a spectacular surprise finale, won the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Honorable Mention for 2007 Best Overall Production. Rounding out the Christmastime entertainment lineup are Christmas in the Smokies, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, An Appalachian Christmas, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, The Victorian Melodies, O’ Holy Night, Carol of the Trees plus the nightly Lighted Christmas Parade. All shows are included with park admission.

Families also can explore Santa’s Workshop, a magnificent 500-square-foot home away from home featuring larger-than-life-sized toys including “Jumbo the Elephant,” which measures nine-feet-tall; a seven-foot-tall sailboat; a five-foot-tall tricycle; an eight-foot-tall dollhouse; a six-foot-tall View?Master® that displays a variety of holiday images and more.

Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and operates mid-March through Jan. 3, 2009. Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions; five award-winning seasonal festivals and live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.

Media: Contact Dollywood Public Relations Manager Pete Owens at 865-428-9486, 865-755-7972 or email at powens@dollywood.com for B-roll, photography and more information. Check the Dollywood Press Room at Dollywood.com/PR/Press.asp for updates and new images.

About SimEx-Iwerks

SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment is a private company based in Toronto and Los Angeles. SimEx-Iwerks first projects were the legendary Tour of the Universe created by Moses Znaimer at the CN Tower, Toronto, which was the world’s first Simulator-Based Attraction. We trade under the name “SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment” since the merger of SimEx (Toronto) with Iwerks (Los Angeles) in 2002.
SimEx-Iwerks is the leading entertainment company specializing is 3-D and 4-D cinematic experiences. We have installed over 300 Attractions in over 40 countries and are the largest distributor of 2-D / 3-D / 4-D Attraction films. With over 125 titles (see film Library). Our passion is the delivery of highly immersive motion picture presentations that use proprietary 3-D Projection, 4-D Special Effects, Motion Seating and Blockbuster films. SimEx-Iwerks is respected for its worldwide client support and the extraordinary impact of its Attractions.

Recent SimEx-Iwerks clients include National Aquarium Baltimore, Cincinnati Zoo, Landry’s Kemah Boardwalk, Universal Studios; Six Flags; Busch Entertainment; Warner Bros; Paramount Parks; Stone Mountain, Volkswagen; Ogden Entertainment; Pier 39 San Francisco; COSI; Reuben H. Fleet Science Center; Detroit Zoo; San Diego Wild Animal Park; National Museum of Science & Industry, London (UK); Osaka Maritime Museum; Singapore Science Centre; Shanghai Film Studios; Shanghai Scienceland; The Beijing Planetarium and Dalian Ownar Cineplex.

For more information, please visit our website at simex-iwerks.com.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About The Polar Express

Castle Rock Entertainment Presents, in Association with Shangri-La Entertainment, a Playtone / ImageMovers / Golden Mean Production of a Robert Zemeckis Film: Tom Hanks in The Polar Express. Directed by Robert Zemeckis from a screenplay by Zemeckis & William Broyles, Jr., the film is produced by Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, Gary Goetzman and William Teitler and is based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg. Tom Hanks, Jack Rapke and Chris Van Allsburg are the executive producers. The production team includes directors of photography Don Burgess, A.S.C. and Robert Presley; production designers Rick Carter and Doug Chiang; and editors Jeremiah O’Driscoll & R. Orlando Duenas. Senior visual effects supervisors are Ken Ralston and Jerome Chen. Co-producer is Steven Boyd. Music score is by Alan Silvestri, and original songs by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri. The Polar Express is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. Soundtrack album on Warner Sunset/Reprise Records. This film is rated G by the MPAA. For more information, please visit polarexpressmovie.com.

THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Europa Park Seeing More Diversity

Europa-Park, one of the world´s leading theme parks, reached its goal for the summer season 2008: despite the bad weather and a therefore slow start into the season, more than 3.6 million people have visited Germany’s biggest theme park, which is located in Rust/Germany. Particularly August was the most strong-selling August since the opening of the park in 1975. However, not only visitor numbers made this season successful: compared to the previous year, per capita expenditures of visitors have gone up.

At the same time, the visitor structure becomes more and more international. With about 800.000 visitors each, the Swiss and the French are the largest visitor groups after the Germans. But also more and more guests from Austria and Arab countries are visiting Europa-Park. For the first time, Austrian and French overnight stays lay level. All flights from Austria to the Black Forest Airport in Lahr/Germany were fully booked.

During the summer season 2008, Europa-Park recorded an extremely good occupancy rate in the hotel resort. Germany’s biggest theme park can therefore stabilise the trend for an independent short break destination – despite constantly rising petrol prices. In an academically supported representative survey, 97 per cent of the visitors stated that they planned another visit to Europa-Park.

Petra Hedorfer, chairman of the German National Tourist Board, calls Europa-Park a “visitor magnet for tourism in Germany”. Nationally and internationally, the park is an “absolute highlight of the travel destination Germany”. Concerning “tourism intensity”, which is defined as overnight stays per 1,000 inhabitants, Rust, with 175,000 overnight stays, is ahead of major German cities like Berlin, Munich or Stuttgart.

Today, more than 80 per cent of the guests are repeat visitors. For Europa-Park´s managing partner Roland Mack this is a “firm proof of the above-average quality and class” of Germany’s biggest theme park. Without a constant flow of new ideas and initiatives, such a level could not be maintained. Roland Mack’s strategy: “We need innovation, emotion and quality.”

The results after 33 years of Europa-Park are impressive: almost 80 million people came to see Europa-Park until today, more than 500 million Euro were invested by the Mack family, without public subsidies. Approximately 3000 people are employed at Europa-Park and more than 8000 indirect jobs were created by the leisure business. Roland Mack: “Europa-Park is an important initiator and a strong leader for the economy of our region.”

Spooky moments on Halloween

From the end of September until early November, more than 150,000 pumpkins, 6,000 corn stalks, 5,000 chrysanthemums, 2,000 bales of straw and 200 skeletons turned Germany’s biggest theme park into a playground for a wide range of creepy creatures. During this time, also the special evening event “Terenzi Horror Nights” achieved a new visitor record: compared to the previous year, the visitor numbers doubled with a total of 30.000 guests. Moreover, the Halloween-Show “DJ BoBo goes Halloween” was very successful. The most famous pop star from Switzerland celebrated the finale of his tour “Vampires Alive” at Europa-Park.

Experience Marc Chagall – a completely new art exhibition

On 29 November, Europa-Park starts its winter season, which will last until 11 January 2009. One of the highlights of the winter opening is the Chagall exhibition “The Marc Chagall Experience – His Love of Greece”. With walk-in paintings, a hall of mirrors and oversize details, Europa-Park presents an entirely new form of exhibition. Chagall's love of Greece is reflected in the 69 exhibited original lithographs, illustrating the Greek romance "Daphnis and Chloe", Homer's epic "Odyssey" and the cycle "In the land of the gods". All these art works are especially loaned by the artist´s family estate. Therefore, Chagall’s granddaughter Meret Meyer was substantially involved in the planning of this exhibition.

From 21 November 2008 until 24 January 2009, the dinner show “Cirque d’Europe” presents its new program “One Night” and a 4-course menu created by the French starred chef Emile Jung. Europa-Park becomes more and more popular as an attractive location for conferences, company events and entertainment. To meet the growing demand and requirements, a new classical ballroom will therefore be opened in the “German Alley”.

In 2.5 seconds from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour

From 2009 on, Europa-Park is upside down! The new coaster with catapult launch and overhead elements promises pure adrenaline. The new attraction will be put into operation in April 2009. The more than 1 kilometre long and 34 metres high ride will have a capacity of 1,720 passengers an hour. The train, which has a weight of 10 tonnes, is accelerated from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in only 2.5 seconds. In addition to that, a new themed area is in planning. Approximately 35 million Euro will be invested within the next five months. This will be the most extensive expansion of the park since its opening 33 years ago.

Walt Disney Conpany Revives Hotel Discount

Walt Disney Co. announced its first major hotel discounts in years Thursday to counter a "sobering" economic outlook for 2009, after reporting lower profit in its most recent quarter because of a decline in movie and theme-park earnings and losses from the bankruptcy of one of Wall Street's giant investment firms.

Disney President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger said early hotel bookings for 2009 are down "considerably," though he also said "it's just too early to tell" whether that's more the result of people delaying their vacation plans or canceling them altogether.

"Our brand and the experiences we offer have never been stronger. But consumer confidence is the lowest we've seen in over three decades," Iger said, noting that retail spending is also down. "That could impact us possibly during the holiday season but almost certainly during 2009."

Disney is bringing back a deal it last offered in 2003: For most of the first six months of next year, vacationers can get seven nights in Disney World hotels for the price of four. Those who book vacations for January, February or March will also get a voucher for $200 worth of food and souvenirs. For either deal, reservations must be made by Dec. 20.

TAKEN FROM ORLANDO SENTINEL

Anheuser-Busch Third Quarter Results

U.S.: Beer volume rose 2.3 percent, while revenue per barrel was up 3.7 percent. Sales to retailers were up 3.6 percent, driven by the introduction of Bud Light Lime, as well as by the Bud Light and Michelob brands.

International: Beer volume grew 6 percent, while sales were up 19 percent. It saw increases in volume in China, Canada, Mexico and Argentina, while volume fell in Britain and Ireland.

Entertainment: Revenue at the company's parks like SeaWorld rose 4.1 percent, mainly due to higher attendance driven by the opening of the Aquatica water park near SeaWorld Orlando.

Packaging: Sales fell 2.5 percent on lower aluminum can revenues, but that was partially offset by higher recycling sales.

TAKEN FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS

Six Flags New England Is Allowed To Go Sky High

AGAWAM - Local officials Thursday applauded the City Council for approving a zoning ordinance amendment that will allow Six Flags New England to build roller coasters up to 200 feet tall without a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The amendment, which was under discussion for months, was passed by an 8-2 vote Wednesday. Because it involves zoning, it needed at least eight votes to pass.

"I believe that this will expedite the process of building rides for Six Flags," Mayor Susan R. Dawson said. "It doesn't allow them anything more than the opportunity to build something as high as what's already there."


"From the town's point of view," Dawson said, "it is important to work cooperatively with all businesses in town."

City Councilor George Bitzas said, "This is only for the amusement park, not for other businesses in town."

Saying Six Flags is a major taxpayer in Agawam, Bitzas said easing its process to build new rides, "is, I think, in the best interests of the town." The amusement park pays more than $2 million a year in real estate and property taxes to the city.

The amendment will allow Six Flags to build roller coasters and other rides up to 200 feet in height without a special permit inside a buffer zone of 250 feet around the perimeter of the park where it abuts Main Street and other residential areas. The previous maximum height allowed without a special permit was 45 feet.

Bitzas pointed out that the buffer zone had been increased from 150 feet in earlier proposals to 250 feet in the approved version of the amendment and said the Planning Board and other local and state agencies would still have to review any future roller coaster projects for safety and other potential issues.

Councilors Dennis J. Perry and Donald M. Rheault voted against the amendment, saying it would remove a layer of review for Six Flags future projects and reduce input from concerned residents. Council President Gina M. Letellier, who is on maternity leave, was absent.

The amendment will make it easier for Six Flags to build new roller coaster and other rides in the limited time it has between the close of its fall season and the reopening in the spring, several officials said.

"Six Flags has been a good neighbor," Council vice-president Cecilia P. Calabrese said, "and I want them to know that we want them to stay, and I think we sent that message."

"I'm ecstatic. I couldn't be more thrilled," Six Flags New England President Larry D. Litton said after Wednesday's vote.

"What it's going to do is allow us to look at more options, (because now) we can do them in a timely fashion," Litton said. "I couldn't be more pleased that the town is both willing and able to work with us (on this)."

The long process of winning approval from the Zoning Board earlier this year contributed to Six Flags abandoning a $7.5 million indoor roller coaster project, Litton has said.

Donna J. Piper, of Southborough, who led a small contingent of members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts to Wednesday's meeting to support the proposed zoning ordinance amendment, said after the vote, "I love the park. And with tonight's decision, as Mr. Litton says, it opens up options."

"We really want Six Flags to have the opportunity to grow and present (more recreational) opportunities for families," Piper said.

TAKEN FROM LIVE MASSACHUSETTS

Why Visitors Still Love Blackpool Pleasure Beach

THE worst season ever – try telling that to Blackpool's attraction bosses.
If you thought the dreadful weather and the credit crunch had kept visitors away from the Golden Mile, then think again.

Blackpool's leading attractions say they have enjoyed something of a boom time this year.

Leisure Parcs, which owns Blackpool Tower and Circus, Louis Tussaud's Waxworks and the Winter Gardens complex, has invested millions of pounds in its attractions this year.

The waxworks is definitely the place for A-listers following a £1m refurbishment including a new entrance on the Promenade opposite Central Pier.

Stars including Ricky Hatton and Laurence Llewelyn Bowen are next on the list to be immortalised in wax.

Michael Williams, Leisure Parcs' operations director, said: "2008 has been a good season for all our attractions and has just been completed with an excellent half-term which has seen a 20 per cent increase compared to last year."

Jungle Jim's Towering Adventureland is the result of a £3m investment on level five of the Tower.

Mr Williams added: "Blackpool Tower has seen a fantastic return on the multi-million pound investment completed on Level Five earlier this year.

"Advance sales are already looking extremely positive for the Christmas Circus production of Aladdin which starts on the December 3."

The Winter Gardens welcomed almost 1,000 visitors when it hosted its first Family Halloween party and more spooktacular fun is promised after Carnesky's Ghost Train opened last week.

Some high profile names performed at The Opera House including The Mighty Boosh and singing star Jane McDonald, who has now confirmed she will return in 2009.

Steve Coogan and Scouting for Girls will hit the resort before Christmas and Russell Brand, Dave Spikey and Ross Noble have also been confirmed for 2009.

Creatures of the deep made a welcome entrance to Blackpool SeaLife Centre as part of Suckers, which is dedicated to octopuses and their relatives.

Marketing manager John Filmer said: "We have beaten our visitor budget already this year so anything else is a bonus. Hopefully we'll have a great 2009 too."

Water fun – human style – was had by all at the Sandcastle Waterpark which has seen visitor numbers rise by 21 per cent on last year.

The waterpark has swept the board at a number of prestigious award ceremonies, the most high profile being for customer service at North West Tourism Awards.

John Child, Sandcastle Waterpark's managing director, said: "This has been a fantastic year.

"We have some great things coming up at the end of this year with a Caribbean Christmas and are also looking forward to next year with a new and exciting Spa being introduced into the waterpark."

Three new giraffes and the arrival of a family of aardvarks has also helped to pull in the crowds at Blackpool Zoo.

Spokeswoman Jude Rothwell said: "We've had yet another successful season, recording small increases in both revenue and visitor numbers.

"The bad weather during the summer holidays has obviously affected our gate this year, but we're hopeful 2009 will be sunny and much warmer for our visitors and, of course, the animals."

Neil Thomson, Grand Theatre general manager, said highlights this season included the UK premiere of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and two fabulous weeks of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

He added: "Blackpool has become a year-round experience for theatre, particularly in the Grand's case.

"We have continued with our 2007 policy of an eclectic mix of touring shows in place of a traditional summer season show, which again has proved very popular."

There were record-breaking numbers for Legends on Central Pier, which celebrated its 10th anniversary, and Joey Blower celebrated 15 years at The Merrie England on North Pier.

Pearl Mina, spokesman for Six Piers Ltd, owners of North, Central and South Piers, said: "The highlights and shining stars of our piers this season has undoubtedly been the fantastic, top quality and sensational shows that have entertained thousands of visitors throughout season.

"Blackpool piers have hosted a wide variety of high profile and successful special events from Gay Pride, The World Accordion Championships, World Firework Championships, a royal visit during Veterans' Week, and a stunning wedding to TV celebrities filming on location for their new shows including Gok Wan and Peter Kay."

North Pier has ended the season on a high with the announcement that children's TV hero Sooty will be returning to his birthplace.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which was knocked off the top spot as the most popular free tourist attraction in the UK this year, was hit by a wave of criticism after announcing its decision to break with a century of tradition by introducing a charge for admission.

The new entry system will mean that from the beginning of the 2009 season, visitors will have to either purchase an Unlimited Ride Wristband or a £5 Freedom Pass. Under-threes will get in free.

A £20 all-inclusive fee, which was charged by the fun park throughout October, also sparked fury among tourism bosses and hoteliers who worried holidaymakers would "not be willing to pay that sort of money".

Although official visitor figures have not been released, Pleasure Beach boss Amanda Thompson told The Gazette: "Due to the credit crunch we have found families are not taking as many day trips as they have in previous years.

"Because of this our visitor numbers are slightly down this year."

TAKEN FROM THE GAZETTE

Tokyo Disneyland Receiving New Attraction For 2011

Theme park operator Oriental Land Co. (TSE:4661) on Wednesday announced plans to spend Y6 billion ($US60.79 million) to introduce a new attraction in 2011 at Tokyo Disneyland Park in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture.

Mickey's PhilharMagic will invite guests into a concert in a theater, then take them on a 3-D musical tour through popular Walt Disney Co. films.

The theater itself will seat 450.

TAKEN FROM TRADING MARKETS

Dollywood Postpones Planned Expansion Project

Dollywood has announced the delay of their newly-released attraction.To read more visit the Dollywood announcement here.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Disney Profit Down 13 %

Disney said it earned $760 million, or 40 cents a share, in the fourth fiscal quarter, compared with a profit of $877 million, or 44 cents a share, in the same quarter a year ago.
Financial-services firm Lehman Brothers went bankrupt in September, helping to trigger a global financial meltdown.
Disney said that excluding the charge and other special items, it would have earned 43 cents a share in the latest three months.
Revenue rose 6% to $9.45 billion on improved results at the company's cable networks and theme parks.
Analysts polled by FactSet Research expected the company to report a profit of 49 cents a share on sales of $9.31 billion.
Parks, resort bookings down
Chief Executive Bob Iger told analysts that the company is seeing the lowest consumer confidence in more than three decades due to the dismal state of the economy, which could curtail consumer spending during the holiday season in 2008, "and almost certainly during calendar year 2009."
Bookings at the company's theme parks and resorts during the last month "have fallen off considerably," Iger said during a conference call.
He added that consumers are being "very careful about what they spend" and could be waiting to see if discounts become available.
Iger emphasized that the company's exposure to local television advertising, one of the areas of biggest turmoil during the current crisis, is "limited," as Disney owns only 10 TV stations.
"This is a team that manages through good times and really tough times -- particularly in the 2001 period," Iger remarked. "So not only have we gone through this before, but we've gotten better at it, particularly in parks and resorts."
The company's media networks division, which includes its broadcast and cable television networks, saw revenue increase 4% to $4.2 billion. Cable networks revenue jumped 5% to $2.93 billion on greater ad sales and rates at ESPN, as well as higher fees paid by cable and satellite operators. The unit was also once again lifted by strong DVD sales of "High School Musical 2" and increased fees paid by cable and satellite operators for carriage of Disney Channel.
Revenue at the company's ABC network and television stations rose 4% to $1.29 billion, but the segment posted an operating loss of $150 million on decreased advertising sales at both the network and the local stations. Expenses also increased at ABC, reflecting costs related to coverage of the presidential election and late decisions on which new shows would be picked up for the season.
Studio operations revenue fell 5% to $1.45 billion, reflecting weaker performance of movies during the latest three months and higher marketing expenses for releases including "Beverly Hills Chihuahua."
Theme parks and resorts revenue rose 7% to $3 billion, but operating income fell 4% on a decrease in domestic operations, partially offset by improved results at Disneyland Resort Paris.
Disney shares fell $1.42, or 6%, to close at $22.81 ahead of the announcement.

TAKEN FROM MARKET WATCH

Wild Mouse For Funtown Splashtown USA

The Wild Mouse will be the newest attraction at Funtown Splashtown USA. You will take a circuitous trip on this 1200-foot long track with hairpin turns and steep hills and dips. At over 50-feet tall, it will be one of the tallest rides at the park.

Logo:

Diamondback News

Workmen began clearing the area where the queue line and station for Diamondback will be early this morning. The stage located to the left of the Rivertown Mining Company -- the location for the August 6 announcement of Diamondback -- was torn down this afternoon.

The Rivertown Mining Company building, where Red Beard's Ravenge was located during Halloween Haunt, has been cleared out and is expected to be torn down on Tuesday.

Work also continues in the area outside the entrance to the Beast. The new entrance to the Beast will be in virtually the same spot guests entered the ride when it first opened in 1979.

Mark your calendar! An exclusive Preview Day for Kings Island 2009 Gold Passholders will be held Friday, April 17, 2009. Be among the first to challenge the new Diamondback roller coaster on Preview Day!

Gold Passholders will also enjoy early rides every day on Diamondback during 2009 public operating days.

E-mail bag:

Q: How deep are the footings?

Kevin MacDonald - Flint, MI

A: Most of the footings for Diamondback are between 12' and 30'.

Q: Why is the final piece of track before the brake run left out?

Jeremy Holland - Pittsburgh, PA

A: The piece before the brake run has been left out to allow adjustment if needed to complete the ride. That will be the last piece of track installed on the ride.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in building Diamondback so far?

Tony Lawson, Columbus, OH

A: The biggest problem facing the project was crane and assembly space in the park while we were open.

TAKEN FROM THE DIAMONDBACK BLOG

Herschend Family Entertainment Prepares For Disaster

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Thousands of people visit this theme park in the woods of southern Georgia each operating day, so Wild Adventures is taking steps to ensure the safety of its guests and team members.

The theme park, which is popular with families along the Gulf Coast, hosted its first mock disaster drill on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to help prepare more than 200 city, county and area officials for various situations at the park.

In this first ever disaster preparation drill, Wild Adventures took steps towards what will be an annual training event, according to a news release. The park's safety and security team worked in concert with officials from Valdosta and Lowndes County to practice a situation where a guest evacuation may be required.

"Public safety agencies throughout our community spend countless hours training to meet the emergency needs of citizens, and it is encouraging to see the park accept that same level of responsibility with regards to meeting the safety expectations of guests," said Lowndes County Public Information Officer Paige Duke.

"It is important to prepare ourselves in order to best respond to potential situations that may occur during the day to day operations at the park," Safety and Security Manager Evan Schukman said.

Every year, the 20 Herschend Family Entertainment properties around the nation (including Wild Adventures) are required to conduct disaster preparation drills to ensure that all team members and external agencies are up to date with situational protocol, the release said.

TAKEN FROM NEWS HERALD

Ride Of The Day-Phoenix

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Phoenix
Amusement Park:Knoebels Amusement Park & Resort (Elysburg, Pennsylvania 17824 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 6/15/1985
Relocated from:Playland Park as Rocket
Serial Number:111
Builder:Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
Designer:Herbert Paul Schmeck

Length:3200'
Height:78'
Drop:72'
Inversions:0
Speed:45 mph
Duration:2:00

History:Knoebels moved the ride to Elysburg between January and June of 1985 and rebuilt the ride with Charlie Dinn's assistance. The relocation and reassembly cost 1.5 million dollars. Since blueprints were not available every board was numbered. 34 trucks were used in the move.

Photo:

New CEO For Great Wolf Resorts

Nov. 5th, 2008 -- Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ:WOLF) , North America's leading family of indoor waterpark resorts, announced that Kim Schaefer, currently the company's president and chief operating officer, will become chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2009. Randy Churchey, who has served as the company's interim chief executive officer since May 2008, will resign from that position on January 1, 2009 and remain as a director on the company's board.

"Kim has been instrumental in the development and evolution of Great Wolf Lodge as a premier, national, family-oriented brand, and I am pleased to announce that she will continue to guide that growth as CEO," said Chairman of the Board Joe Vittoria. "Kim's vision for providing a great guest experience, involvement in the development process for our new resorts, passion in truly living our brand every day, and demonstrated ability to lead make her the ideal choice for this new role. We thank Randy for his contributions and leadership over the past few months in his role as interim chairman, and look forward to a smooth transition." Vittoria added that Churchey's day-to-day experiences working with management team members will continue to provide value to the company's board.

In her new role, Schaefer's responsibilities will include providing strategic direction to the company's development team, including licensing arrangements and joint ventures as an effective use of equity capital as the company seeks to expand the geographic reach of its brand, both domestically and internationally. Most recently, she oversaw the expansion of the breadth of amenities and the addition of conference centers at several of the company's resorts, which resulted in significant occupancy gains this year.

Schaefer has served in various leadership positions for the company since its inception, first serving as senior vice president of operations at its predecessor in 1996. She has more than 20 years of accounting and hotel operating experience, and holds a B.S. in accounting from Edgewood College in Madison, where she sits on the advisory board for the school of business.

About Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.(R) (NASDAQ:WOLF) , Madison, Wis., is North America's largest family of indoor waterpark resorts, and, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, owns and operates its family resorts under the Great Wolf Lodge(R) and Blue Harbor Resort(TM) brands. Great Wolf Resorts is a fully integrated resort company and owns and/or manages Great Wolf Lodge locations in: Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; the Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash., and Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center in Sheboygan, Wis. A Great Wolf Lodge currently is under construction in Concord, N.C. and a 203-suite expansion is under construction at the company's Grapevine resort.

The company's resorts are family-oriented destination facilities that generally feature 300 to 400 rooms and a large indoor entertainment area measuring 40,000 to 100,000 square feet. The all-suite properties offer a variety of room styles, arcade/game rooms, fitness centers, themed restaurants, spas, supervised children's activities and other amenities. Additional information may be found on the company's Web site at greatwolf.com.

TAKEN FROM THRILL NETWORK

Digital Rendering Of New Coaster At Europa Park

Here is a digital rendering of the new coaster coming to Europa Park known as Entdecke die pure Energie! Here is the picture:



DIGITAL RENDERING TAKEN FROM THE EUROPA PARK WEBSITE

Ride Of The Day-Big Bad Wolf

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Big Bad Wolf
Amusement Park:Busch Gardens Europe (Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Suspended
Status:Operating since 1984
Make / Model:Arrow / Suspended Coaster
Designer:Ron Toomer
Track layout:Terrain

Length:2800'
Height:100'
Drop:80'
Inversions:0
Speed:48 mph
Duration:3:00
Elements:

50' tall Lift Hill
100' tall Lift Hill with a 80' drop


Trains:3 trains with 7 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.

Built by Arrow

Restraints: Shoulder harness.

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Fireball Is Right On Schedule

China's first wooden roller coaster – the Fireball at Happy Valley near Shanghai – is on target to open next summer as planned. Alain Vleminckx of Martin & Vleminckx Rides, LLC (the coaster's builder) has just returned from a two-week progress inspection, which he does monthly during the installation process. Alain reports that Paul Voyer, MVR project director, as well as the local installation contractor, have met all the milestones to date and that the quality of the work on the new ride is excellent. This week, MVR will top off the 109-foot-tall lift hill and commence the application of the steel running rails. The trains are en route and will be arriving soon.

TAKEN FROM AMUSEMENT TODAY

New Ride Coming To Splash Island Water Park

Valdosta, GA -- Wild Adventures announced that they will add a new water ride to Splash Island Water Park for 2009. Wahee Cyclone, a giant funnel-shapped tube slide, will open at the Valdosta water park on Saturday, March 28, 2009.

Built by ProSlide, Wahee Cyclone is a 45-foot Tornado tube slide that accommodates up to four riders at once in cloverleaf shaped inner tubes. In addition to Wahee Cyclone, Wild Adventures plans to make additional improvements to the water park in advance of the grand opening.

Wahee Cyclone is the largest capital improvement Herschend Family Entertainment has made since it acquired Wild Adventures in 2007.

Splash Island water park is included with admission to Wild Adventures theme park.

TAKEN FROM ULTIMATE ROLLER COASTER

Ride Of The Day-Comet

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Comet
Amusement Park:Waldameer (Erie, Pennsylvania 16505 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1951
Serial Number:117
Builder:Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
Designer:Herbert Paul Schmeck
Construction Supervisor:James L. Martz
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Family
Capacity:300 riders per hour

Length:1300'
Height:37'
Drop:25'
Inversions:0
Speed:25 mph
Duration:1:24

Trains:Single train with 4 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 16 riders.

Riders must be 46" or taller to ride.

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Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Reveals Tiger Exhibit

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has unveiled plans to create Odin's Temple of the Tiger - a new exhibit to showcase the park's white Bengal tiger.

Besides Odin, the exhibit also will feature the park's 10 other tigers, including two recently acquired cubs, park officials said.

The attraction is scheduled to open next spring in the LAND area, said park spokeswoman Nancy Chan.

Odin's Temple of the Tiger will be housed in the former Jungle Theater, redesigned to create a more expansive area for the big cats, and with improved arena seating. The stage's focal point will be a pool with an underwater viewing window offering a unique platform to observe the tigers submerged in water.

Multiple shows will take place daily at Odin's Temple of the Tiger, and during off-show hours, the theater will serve as an outdoor tiger exhibit. This new attraction will demonstrate tigers' natural behaviors and highlight their affinity for water and agility on land.

"Tigers are among the most powerful and iconic animals on earth," said park president Eric Gilbert. "Like many of our attractions, Odin's Temple of the Tiger was designed to create a unique opportunity for our guests to relate with amazing animals in a controlled environment. We strive to create animal-human encounters unlike any other."

TAKEN FROM TIMES-HERALD

Schlitterbahn Reveals New Chrismas Event

New Braunfels, TX -- World famous Schlitterbahn waterpark will turn water into snow during the upcoming holiday season for a special event − Schlitterbahn's Hill Country Christmas.
Schlitterbahn Hill Country Christmas

Beginning November 28 and continuing through January 4, 2009, the original Schlitterbahn waterpark will transform into a holiday wonderland with more than one-million lights, amazing attractions, dazzling shows, festive food, unique shopping and the chance to meet with Santa himself.

Attractions planned for Schlitterbahn's Hill Country Christmas include a real outdoor ice skating rink where guests will skate under the starry Texas sky.

Instead of tubing down the park's famous tube chutes, the park will instead produce snow to create a sled run. Hop on a toboggan and ride down the snowy hill.

For those looking for snow Schatze's Winter Wonderland will have plenty of it to play in and be the place to meet Schlitterbahn's mascot, Schatze, who will be dressed for the occasion.

Santa Claus himself will be visiting Schlitterbahn through December 23 and children of all ages can meet him.

The park also plans to have a life-size lit nativity, Candy Cane Lane Light Tunnel with lights synched to lively music, and a traditional model train display.

Three live shows Scrooge's Haus, Christmas Reflections: A River of Lights Spectacular, and Holiday Illuminations will be presented nightly. There will also be Christmas carolers, street performers and bands throughout the park.

Keeping with the park's tradition of being a waterpark, one of the park's large outdoor hot tubs will be open for all to enjoy. Adult beverages will also be available.

For guests who like to shop the Christmas Shoppe located in the beautifully restored 150-year-old Hill Country home will feature three floors of unique, designer collectibles elaborately displayed throughout holiday-themed rooms. Crafter Village will be a collection of shops featuring handcrafted items.

"We're excited to create a new family tradition this holiday season," explained Darren Hill, general manager for Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. "This new event truly captures the magic of Christmas morning every night. Visiting families will be thrilled with the variety of holiday attractions, shopping, food and shows that can all be enjoyed in one evening together."

Schlitterbahn hopes this new Holiday event will become the next must-see holiday family tradition.

Schlitterbahn's Hill Country Christmas event opens for weekend operation (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) on November 28. The event is open daily December 18 through January 4, 2009 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The park will open at 5:00 pm and closing times will vary.

Tickets are on-sale at schlitterbahnchristmas.com for $14.99 (plus tax) and $12.99 (plus tax) for children, ages 3 − 11 and seniors 55 years or older. Parking is free.

TAKEN FROM ULTIMATE ROLLER COASTER

Expoland Files For Bankruptcy

Expoland, the operator of Expoland amusement park in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, Japan announced it had filed for bankruptcy protection under the Civil Rehabilitation Law with the Osaka District Court.

The park has seen a drastic decrease in visitors since the May, 2007 derailment of Fujin Raijin II, a Togo Stand up coaster, killed one woman and injured 19 others. The park suspended operations immediately after the accident and did not reopen until August. The park closed again in December because the number of visitors had dropped by 80%.

The park hopes to reopen in the future with a focus on attracting families. Tadakazu Shimizu, president of Expoland, said at a press conference that the park had asked seven firms to support its reconstruction.

"We couldn't overcome the negative image caused by the fatal accident," Shimizu said. "The firms didn't believe they could profit from supporting us because of the unexpectedly large decrease in visitors."

He added that he planned to make the amusement park a place that could be enjoyed by the whole family, with a new petting zoo and family farms, breaking away from the conventional amusement park concept of rides and attractions.

Masanori Ito, former director and administrative manager of the park, and two other park employees were indicted in April on charges of professional negligence resulting in death and injuries, relating to the fatal accident. An investigation revealed that the axels on the standup coaster had not been inspected as required and had never been replaced.

Expoland is home six steel roller coasters, although Fujin Raijin II never reopened after the accident.

Last Day For Corkscrew At Alton Towers

The Corkscrew at Alton Towers opened on 4 April 1980 and was Europe's first double-looped rollercoaster.

It cost £1.25m to build, reached speeds of 44mph (70km/h) and has carried an estimated 43 million people.

After nearly three decades of service technology has moved on and park managers said it was being retired to make way for an even better ride.

Russell Barnes, from the theme park, said: "The corkscrew has played a key part in the heritage of the Alton Towers Resort, and I am sure millions of our guests will look back with fond memories of the first time they were inverted upside down, twice within three seconds."

Memories are not the only things that have been left behind. Staff said they had found a prosthetic leg, a prosthetic ear and a diamond wedding ring among the 5,000 items of lost property left behind on the ride.

Mr Barnes said the vigorous upside down twisting action of the ride probably accounted for some of the losses.

The park closes for the season at 2100 GMT but visitors can still win the chance to ride on the last Corkscrew train when it re-opens for a special day of celebration to mark the end of its life on November 9.

TAKEN FROM BBC NEWS

Do You Remember.....?

Do You Remember This Ride?

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Batman And Robin: The Chiller
Amusement Park:Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey 08527 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 1998 to 2007
Make / Model:Premier Rides / Dueling LIM Shuttle Loop Coaster
Designer:Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH
Categories:Shuttle
Lift / Launch System:LIM
Cost:$15,000,000 USD
Capacity:1360 riders per hour

Track:Batman Robin
Length:1137' 1229' Cobra Roll
Height:200' 200'
Drop:139' 105'
Inversions:1 2
Speed:65 mph 65 mph
Duration:0:32 0:48
G-Force:5 5
Elements:Top Hat − Inside (180° Inversion)

Trains:2 trains with 5 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train.

Riders must be 54" or taller to ride.

Batman And Robin; The Chiller was originally built with over-the-shoulder restraints. In 2001 the over-the-shoulder restraints were replaced with lap-bars on the Robin half. For the 2002 season, the Batman half was converted to lap-bars.

Restraints: Individual ratcheting lap bar.

Features:54 LIM motors on each side - 47 in each launch area and 7 in each boost.

History:

Opened on 6/7/97 and closed down shortly after due to problems. Opened full time in 1998.

Designed and Built By: Premier Rides (coaster), Force Engineering (Linear Induction motors). Theming By: Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc.

During the 2006/2007 off-season, the Zero-G Roll's were removed from The Chiller and replaced with small hills.

Photo:

Ride Of The Day-Beast

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Beast
Amusement Park:Kings Island (Kings Mills, Ohio 45034 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 4/14/1979
Builder:Charlie Dinn
Designer:Al Collins, Jeff Gramke
Track layout:Terrain
Cost:$4,000,000 USD
Capacity:1200 riders per hour

Length:7359'
Height:110'
Drop:141'
Inversions:0
Speed:64.8 mph
Duration:4:10
Max Vertical Angle:45 Degrees
Elements:

110' tall Lift Hill with a 135' drop
Lift Hill with a 141' drop at 18.0°
540° Helix


Trains:3 trains with 6 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows for a total of 36 riders per train.

Riders must be 48" or taller to ride.

Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.

Features:Three tunnels

Photo:

New Coaster For Europa Park-Name Revealed

I was just recently on the website of Europa Park and I found the video advertisement for the new coaster being built at the park.The name of the coaster has been revealed as Entdecke Die Pure EnergiE.

To watch the video,visit the Europa Park website.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Latest Construction Photos Of Manta At Sea World In Orlando

Here are the latest pictures of Manta,the new roller coaster that is going to be released in Summer 2009 at Sea World Orlando:




Thanks!

Orion A.

Another Letter To Six Flags From The NYSE

Nov. 1st, 2008 -- Six Flags received a second letter from the New York Stock Exchange warning it that it could be delisted from the stock exchange.

Six Flags already faced delisting for its low share price in a first letter, and the second letter warned it of its low capitalization.

Six Flags said it wasn't in line with the NYSE's rule of maintaining and market cap and shareholders' equity of more than $75 million each.

The company's stock tumbled near $1 earlier this summer.

It got a letter Oct. 2 saying its stock was below the $1 threshold on a 30-day average.

TAKEN FROM THRILL NETWORK

Do You Remember.....?

Do You Remember This Ride?

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Dipper (1958 to 1984)
Little Dipper (1948 to 1957)

Amusement Park:Kennywood (West Mifflin, Pennsylvania 15122 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 1948 to 1984
Designer:Andy Vettel
Categories:Family

Length:1650'
Height:40'
Inversions:0

Trains:2 trains with 3 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 12 riders per train.

Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.

The Little Dipper originally utilized the old Teddy Bear train. When converted to the Dipper the old Teddy Bear train was replace by two new PTC trains.

History:The Dipper was remodel and renamed between the 1957 & 1958 seasons. The Little Dipper was originally built with a mild double dip. During the transformation the double dip was removed and the height was increased from about 25-30 feet to 40 feet. The roller coaster was also modified to allow for two train operation.

Photo:

Ride Of The Day-Tennessee Tornado

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Tennessee Tornado
Amusement Park:Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863 USA)
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 4/17/1999
Make / Model:Arrow / Custom Looping Coaster
Track layout:Terrain
Cost:$8,000,000 USD
Capacity:1360 riders per hour

Length:2682'
Height:163'
Drop:128'
Inversions:3
Speed:63 mph
Duration:1:48
G-Force:3.7
Elements:

110' tall Loop
Loop
Sidewinder


Trains:7 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.

Photo:

Hard Rock Park For Sale

Nov. 1st, 2008: Hard Rock Park, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September, is up for sale. According to court documents, officials want to sell the park by the end of the year.

The park will not reopen in 2009 if a buyer is not found.

Creditors have until November 13 to file objections, and a judge is set to rule on the issue on November 20, according to court papers.

The park cites the economy as well as a lack of funding for marketing as the major reasons for filing for bankruptcy.

TAKEN FROM THRILL NETWORK