Ride Of The Day-Centrifuge

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Centrifuge
Amusement Park:World Expo Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Suspended
Status:Operated from 4/30/1988 to 10/30/1988
Relocated to:Dream World as Sky Coaster
Make / Model:Vekoma / Swinging Turns

Inversions:0

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Scenic Railway

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Scenic Railway
Amusement Park:Dreamland
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 7/3/1920 to 4/7/2008
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Brakeman

Inversions:0

Photo:

Cedar Point Rarities-Gemini Postcard

Carowinds Opening Day Photos-1976

Hello,

I stumbled upon these photos while browsing online.They are from the grand opening of Carowinds in Charlotte,North Carolina in 1976.



A good depiction of the automobile fronts on Thunder Road.



Photo of people entering the station for Thunder Road after their ride with wind-blown hair!

Thanks!

Orion A.

The Poll Results!

Hello,

Well,it looks like Magic Kingdom wins for the Best Disney Park with 10 votes!

Next Poll:Best Park In Western Pennsylvania!

Thanks!

Orion A.

Diamondback Testing Underway

Diamondback at Kings Island has begun testing as evident by the above picture.


Mark your calendars for April 18th!

Thanks!

Orion A.

Six Flags Great America and KeyLime Cove Announce Marketing and Sponsorship Alliance

Six Flags Great America and KeyLime Cove announced today a partnership making KeyLime Cove the Official Resort of Six Flags Great America. The unique partnership is designed to enhance visitor entertainment options and convenience, increase overall guest satisfaction, value, and length of stay and drive additional tourism to Lake County.

"This partnership will provide families with a one-stop affordable vacation option as Lake County continues to grow as a family destination," said Six Flags Great America Park President Hank Salemi. "As two of the region's largest tourist attractions, the collaboration is a natural fit."

As the Official Resort of Six Flags Great America, KeyLime Cove will be the preferred lodging option for all Six Flags' guest inquiries. The alliance includes affordable family packages, which offer admission to the theme and water parks, accommodations at KeyLime Cove, access to the resort's indoor water park, and free shuttle service between the two attractions.

"The partnership between two family-orientated destinations - a year-round, indoor water park resort and spa and a top seasonal theme park - results in a world-class family destination unparalleled in the region," said Dale McFarland, KeyLime Cove general manager. "Guests will enjoy the best of both destinations, making the family vacation an extraordinary one."

As part of the agreement, Six Flags Great America and KeyLime Cove will collaborate on a number of co-branded marketing initiatives through multiple platforms via Six Flags Media Networks. These cross-promotional activities include in-park signage for KeyLime Cove at Six Flags; Web site presence; advertising tags; inclusion on the Six Flags radio and television networks; and a KeyLime Cove attraction sponsorship in Hurricane Harbor.

About Six Flags

Media room: http://greatamerica.sixflagsink.com/

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with 20 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and soon will be expanding beyond North America with destinations in Dubai and Qatar. Since 1961, hundreds of millions of families have trusted Six Flags to combine friendly-clean-fast-safe service with affordable, value-packed thrills, record- shattering roller coasters and special events like the Summer Concert Series, Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. Six Flags' wide array of entertainment options reaches all demographics -- families, teens, tweens and thrill seekers alike -- featuring themed attractions based on skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, the ultimate daredevil Evel Knievel, movie franchises The Dark Knight and The Mummy; as well as world-renowned, kid-friendly brands including Looney Tunes, the Justice League of America, The Wiggles and Thomas the Tank Engine.

Six Flags continues to develop new avenues for growth, acquiring ownership and management of Dick Clark Productions, producer of such perennial television hits as the American Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve and So You Think You Can Dance. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.

About KeyLime Cove

KeyLime Cove is an island-inspired family vacation destination less than an hour drive from Chicago and Milwaukee. As The Official Resort of Six Flags Great America, the year-round resort features 414 suites and staterooms and offers a complete family vacation without ever leaving the property. Created to be an American coastal experience just a short drive from home, the resort's entertainment and amenities include a 65,000 square-foot, 82-degree tropical-themed waterpark, 8,000 square-foot arcade, multiple restaurants including D.W. Anderson's Eatery and Ice Cream Parlor and The Crazy Toucan Margarita Grille with live entertainment, Paradise Mist Spa and 6,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space. An abundance of fun is found around every corner, including the uniquely themed interior, arts, crafts, interactive festivities, shops and street vendors. For reservations visit www.keylimecove.com.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Cedar Point Rarities-Main Midway Advertisement

The Sky Slide and the Balloon Girl were both typical amenities that an amusement park used to offer.

Ride Of The Day-Scramble Coaster

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Scramble Coaster
Amusement Park:Lina World
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1994
Builder:Meisho Amusement Machines
Track layout:Wild Mouse

Inversions:0
Duration:1:00

Trains:Single car trains. Riders are arranged inline in 2 rows for a total of 2 riders per car.

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Rutschebanen

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Rutschebanen
Amusement Park:Tivoli Gardens
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1915 or later
Relocated from:Baltic Fair as Bergnanan
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Brakeman, Side Friction
Capacity:3200 riders per hour

Length:2362' 2"
Inversions:0
Speed:31.1 mph
Duration:2:10

History:The Rutschebanen was first built for the 1914 Baltic Fair. After the fair ended the roller coaster was sold to Tivoli Gardens. This is why the opening date of this roller coaster is so often written as "dating from 1914". The roller coaster probably opened at Tivoli Gardens in 1915, but this information hasn't been confirmed at this time.

Notes:Highest point to the lowest point is 12.9 meters.

Theme:Themed to resemble a mountain.

Etymology:"Rutschebanen" is Dansk for "Roller Coaster".

Photo:

Cedar Point Rarities-Turnpike Cars and CP&LE RR Advertisement

Boy,those were the days!The Turnpike Cars are backed up!

Shock Wave At Six Flags Over Texas Is Refurbished

Shock Wave at Six Flags Over Texas is being refurbished.The ride will not be open on Opening Day,but will be open on March 7.Here are a couple of photos:

Cedar Point Rarities-Shoot The Rapids Advertisement

Cedar Point Looking To Fill 4,500 Positions for '09 Season

Ride operators, food service attendants and merchandise and games associates are just a few of the job positions that will be available at Cedar Point during this summer's operating season.

Cedar Point will hold open interviews for more than 4,500 positions from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the park's Breakers Express Hotel, 1201 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky. Open interviews will also be held at the same time and place on Saturday, March 28.

All applicants need to complete an online application prior to attending the open interviews. To apply, visit www.cedarpoint.com and click on "Jobs."

Other available positions include marina dockhand, lifeguard, admissions employee, parking/tolls attendant and room attendants. Overall, there are more than 50 different job classifications available. Many of the jobs at Cedar Point will also qualify for college credit for an internship at many schools including Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Recreation, Marketing, Communications, Finance, Human Resources and many more.

Cedar Point offers positions starting at $7.30 per hour. Employees under the age of 16 will earn $6.55 an hour and will increase to $7.25 an hour by the end of July. Other employee benefits include low-cost housing for employees who are at least 18 years old and live more than 25 miles from the park, on-site employee cafeteria, free uniform exchange, recreation center and extensive employee activity program. This year, summer employees will also be able to enroll in a seasonal health care program.

Cedar Point employees also have free admission to Cedar Point, the Soak City waterpark and the park's beautiful sandy beach.

Cedar Point will be open daily Saturday, May 16 through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. The park will then reopen for weekend operations through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009.

To obtain additional information about jobs at Cedar Point, please call 1.800.668.JOBS (5627) or visit cedarpoint.com.

Cypress Gardens To Name New Management Group

WINTER HAVEN - Some questions the public has been asking about the future of closed Cypress Gardens Adventure Park might be answered Tuesday.

During a morning news conference, the owners of Florida's first theme park will announce a new management team.

According to a news release from Bob Gernert, the executive director of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, the news conference will be held at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the chamber building at 401 Ave. B, N.W.

Future operations, including the planned reopening date for the park, will be among the details presented, according to the release.

"We have reached a management agreement with a well-known industry leader who is very familiar with Cypress Gardens," said Brian Philpot, who owns Cypress Gardens with business partner Rob Harper. "We have been working diligently to reopen the park as soon as possible and our new manager and his team will be able to get the park up and running quickly."

Cypress Gardens has been closed since Nov. 17 so the owners could revamp and streamline park operations. The plan included selling the rides, closing the park's animal section, expanding the Splash Island water park, focusing on the botanical and topiary gardens, and moving primary parking back to the north end of the park.

Rick Dantzler, a spokesman for the park, has said that some of the rides have been sold and that new homes have been found for all the animals.

When the owners announced the park's temporary closing last fall, they said Cypress Gardens would reopen in March.

FOUND ON NEWS CHIEF

One Week Left For The Polls!

Hello,

Just wanted to announce that there is one week left to vote in the polls for Best Disney Park.The choices are:

Disneyland
Disney's California Adventure
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney TokyoSeas
Disneyland Paris
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

Thanks!

Orion A.

The Curse Of Skull Rock Advertisement

You remember a while back when I did a feature on the new 4-D film coming to Drayton Manor,right?Well,here is an advertisement for it:



Thanks!

Orion A.

Cedar Point Rarities-Corkscrew Advertisement

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Helps Locals Bounce Back From Economic Downturn

The Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Waterpark project in Kansas City, Kan., continues to move forward and to help others bounce back by providing local jobs fueling the local economy even under the strains of the current economic meltdown.

These unprecedented times made it necessary for Schlitterbahn to take a brief pause in ongoing development in an effort to reassess all aspects of the project and for the opportunity to reorganize the work flow to deliver the new waterpark to the people of Kansas City. As one of the few new endeavors to withstand the crunch, Schlitterbahn has managed to make the project a success and to deliver the first phase of this exciting new attraction this summer.

This forward progress provides opportunities to employ many local companies and their workforce including:

Clarkson Construction Company continues to provide services for site work and civil engineering. Capri Pools, LLC, is in charge of the Torrent Tidal Wave River construction and is well-versed in managing the complex process involved with this type of work. A variety of tradespersons from local unions, including the Construction and General Laborers Local 1290 of Kansas City, Kan., are utilized by both companies.

Schlitterbahn Waterparks and its subsidiaries are experts in designing, building and operating waterparks and attractions, not only for its own facilities, but also for other companies around the world. Henry & Sons Construction, a member of the Schlitterbahn family of companies, is on site to build certain waterpark attractions since this is a line of work in which Schlitterbahn Waterparks specializes. This particular team is part of the regular Schlitterbahn staff, some who have been with the company for nearly 30 years.

More than $140 million has been spent on the project to date. With more than $600 million additional to invest before completion, there are even more employment opportunities for the local work force in future phases of development. Not only will Schlitterbahn create jobs throughout the construction period, but also many more once the resort is complete.

“The new Schlitterbahn waterpark will generate hundreds of jobs, not only at the park but also in the area that surrounds the park,” explained Michael Catcott, project executive for the Schlitterbahn Vacation Village. “This new attraction will increase tourism in the Kansas City area, which in turn will produce incremental tax revenue for Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County. It will also boost the local economy by generating additional income for other businesses in the area.”

The first phase of the waterpark is scheduled to open summer 2009 with more than a dozen state-of-the-art attractions including the world’s largest tidal wave river, an uphill Master Blaster water coaster, a hot tub with swim-up bar, several mammoth tubing rivers and chutes, giant water slides, an interactive area for smaller children and more.

New retail, lodging and other entertainment elements will be introduced during additional phases through 2011 as planned.

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Cedar Point Rarities-Kiddieland Advertisement

This area is now Kiddy Kingdom.

Prowler-Station Work

Prowler at Worlds Of Fun is being fitted with a nice looking station.Here:



Here's a description of the latest progress as written on the WoF Blog:

"1. The crazy intersection. This area of the ride now is home to steel beems, lots of wood, and is rapidly moving up my list of most anticipated parts of the ride. The finale takes the ride right through the middle of the structure and I think the sense of speed and closeness is going to be great. Think Mamba helix fools people into putting their hands down? Wait for this!

The area came together over the weekend and work continues in this area today. The lift hill is now one continuous structure, complete with handrails, but there is still much work to be done on and below it. Still, it is nice to see 'THE' lift hill instead of a few smaller hills combining to make the lift hill!

2. The transfer building. This building received a roof over the weekend and is coming along. Crews are simultaneously working on its stairs, mechanical, roofing, structure, and more.

3. The plaza/station area. Let's start with the photo building. The interior is framed and the exterior is getting some thematic touches to fit in with the ride and the rest of the buildings in the area. It looks great!

The station exterior has received a platform and stairs, as well as an exit ramp. Inside the station, electrical work is being done on the upper floor and the station lights are in. On the lower half, the panel room is still a huge focus as crews work on power, fiber, etc."

To view more photos,visit here

Diamondbacks Trains Are In!

Hello,

I just received word that Diamondback's train have finally reached the park!Here is a photo:



More photos can be found here.

Also,the hourly capacity is 1,620 riders.

Thanks!

Orion A.

P.S. Diamondback opens on April 18th!

Ride Of The Day-Dragon Coaster

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Dragon Coaster
Amusement Park:Everland
Classification:Powered Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 2/11/1987
Make / Model:Zamperla/Dragon
Categories:Family

Inversions:0
Duration:1:08

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Runaway Coaster

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Runaway Coaster
Amusement Park:Funland Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 1997 to 1/26/2003 - 4/13/2003
SBNO from 1/26/2003 - 4/13/2003 to 2007

Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Side Friction
Track layout:Figure Eight

Inversions:0

History:Oldest touring roller coaster. Dates back to around 1920. It was found in a field in Holland. Thanks to Rotunda's former owner, Jimmy Godden, the roller coaster was restored.

Photo:

New Amusement Park Madness Widget Being Released

I will soon be posting a new application that will help you get up-to-date information from Amusement Park Madness right on your desktop. The Amusement Park Madness Widget will be a small device that will show all of the blog posts exactly as they would be shown online, but instead on the Mac Dashboard! Yes, that's right, you don't even need to get online, because anyone running Mac OS X 10.4.3 (Tiger) and higher (Leopard and soon Snow Leopard) can simply get into their Dashboard and see what's been going on lately in the Amusement industry. This is because it is coded to link directly to the Amusement Park Madness RSS feed, so everything is as up-to-date as it gets.

There are still several details being worked out, so the widget is likely to be posted within a few days. When that day comes, I will post several screenshots, a link to a direct download of the widget, and a link to the widget's page on Apple's website. I will also include various release notes and other information you may need.

So, for the next few days, keep your eyes peeled, because the Amusement Park Madness Widget is essential to every true roller coaster enthusiast!

Thanks,

Brad

Dollywood's Polar Express Creates "4D" Viewer Experience

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration, which was named the best theme park Christmas event in the nation during the 2008 Golden Ticket Awards, is creating holiday magic this season with the debut of their Polar Express 4-D Experience. As their first production in the newly upgraded theater, the Polar Express 4-D Experience has seen both unprecedented ticket demand and raving reviews from the viewing audience.

"We're calling it 4-D because it combines the 3-D movie with motion seats and smells and a lot of other features that make this a really amazing addition to our Christmas celebration," Dollywood Public Relations Manager Pete Owens says. "We spent about $1 million to basically gut the screen area and build a new, rounded screen plus install the best projection equipment in the industry."

In anticipation of presenting the future of digital cinema, the facility recently upgraded to a state-of-the-art 4D simulation theater. Industry veterans Julian Angus and Shane Nichols served as consultants during the theater’s technological upgrades. After comparing the image quality of the top projection manufacturers on the market, the two Digital Projection LIGHTNING 45 HD-3D projectors were selected because of their superb image quality and immersive 3D projection abilities. "We've heard from people at parks all over the place and they're telling us there's no better 3-D in the world," Dollywood Construction Manager Mike Teske says. "That's not just us saying that."

The two LIGHTNING projectors are working in conjunction with an impressive technological lineup, including a 34 x 63 slightly curved screen that has been treated with a metallic 3D surface coating to enhance the 3-dimensional effect. A Quvis cinema player serves as the video source, and Iwerks motion pods are creating the seated motion effects. Each movement of each chair was meticulously programmed using the Iwerks motion pods and a joystick. "This is a very unique thing," says Julian Angus. "It's a really good multisensory experience, and that's what makes it so novel here."

Polar Express 4-D Experience viewers can expect a truly encompassing event, as they’ll smell the hot chocolate as the tap-dancing serving crew makes its way through the car and feel the wind rush past as the train bumps and lurches along it’s route. "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," says Dolly Parton. "On the Polar Express 4-D Experience, all you have to do is believe, and I sure do."

The Polar Express 4-D Experience is now open to the public and will run through January 3rd, 2009. Operating hours and schedules for certain attractions at the park, like the popular stage shows and the Polar Express, can be found at www.dollywood.com.

™Digital Light Processing and DLP are registered trademarks of Texas Instruments. Emmy is a registered trademark of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

About Digital Projection International

Founded in 1989, Digital Projection International (DPI) has been instrumental in the development and application of Digital Light Processing™ technology by Texas Instruments for projection systems. DPI introduced the world’s first 3-chip DLP™ projector in 1997, and has since delivered expert system engineering and world-class customer services, thus maintaining its position as a digital imaging pioneer.

DPI’s groundbreaking projection research and development has garnered the admiration of industry professionals around the world. This has earned the company many awards, including two Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. DPI remains the first and only projector manufacturer to win the coveted award.

Today, DPI manufactures and distributes an extensive line of ultra high-performance 3-chip and single-chip DLP™ projection systems. These projectors are the reference standard for demanding applications such as large-venue, live-event staging, fortune 5000, homeland security, education, medical and scientific research, command and control, digital cinema, commercial entertainment, worship and elite home cinema.

SeaWorld San Antonio Launches New Ticket Program

SeaWorld San Antonio on Wednesday announced a new Fun Card ticket program that gives guests an entire year of visits for the price of a single-day admission ticket. The amusement and water park also introduced three new shows for the 2009 season and donated the first 1,000 Fun Cards to the Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio.

Dan Decker, executive vice president and general manager of the park, says the new ticket prices are not in response to the economic crisis gripping the nation.

“San Antonio has not been as affected by the economy as the rest of the state and the country,” Decker says. He adds that SeaWorld San Antonio had three consecutive record years in sales.

SeaWorld San Antonio planned the new changes more than a year ago based on the performance of other Anheuser Busch parks throughout the country that adopted the ticketing program, says Fran Stephenson, director of communications at SeaWorld San Antonio.

Decker says approximately 60 percent of guests with annual passes live within 100 miles of San Antonio, and he hopes the local economy will result in another record year. The new Fun Cards are available for $46.99 for children ages 3-9 and $54.99 for adults.

Sesame Street’s “Big Bird’s Beach Party” will debut on March 8 and will run during spring break and Easter weekend. In addition, a pirate stunt show and “Cool Vibrations,” a new interactive water ski show, will open from June 12 through Aug. 23.

SeaWorld San Antonio is operated by Busch Entertainment Corp., a division of Anheuser-Busch Inbev. Belgian brewer InBev purchased Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. last year for $52 billion.

FOUND IN THE SAN ANTONIO BUSINESS JOURNAL

Drayton Manor Spends Half A Million On Capital Expenditures

A popular Staffordshire theme park has invested half a million pounds in its restaurants and cafes before it opens its gates for the new season.

Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, has built a brand-new £250,000 Chicken Diner near to the G-Force rollercoaster as well as invested cash in its coffee shop and £200,000 into the refurbishment of its Buccaneer Burger Restaurant.

The new diner will seat 66 people inside and has an extra 80 seats outside on the veranda.

A new kitchen has been fitted to ensure food is served quickly and all chicken served in the diner will be sourced from the UK.

Colin Bryan, Drayton Manor’s managing director, said: “The new restaurants look great and I’m sure they will be very popular with our visitors.Drayton Manor has been serving food at the park since the 1960s.”

The revamped Buccaneer Burger Restaurant now has a brand new kitchen, re-designed entrance canopy and large outdoor undercover tables.

The restaurant will be able to seat 400 people which will make it the largest of the park’s five restaurants.

This is while the coffee shop has been given a 1950s Art Deco facelift complete with black and white floor tiling, booths, stool seating, a jukebox and film posters.

The cafe, which is next to the new 4D Cinema due to open for the first time in March, will also seat over 100 people and be able to serve twice as much coffee as before.

The park will re-open for the 2009 season on March 21.

FOUND IN THE EXPRESS AND STAR NEWSPAPER

Cedar Point Rarities-Mill Race and Cinema Advertisement

Two great images of two lost rides that were once at the Point.For those who did not know this,the Cedar Point Cinema was an IMAX theater.It is now the Goodtime Theater,which shows ice-skating shows.

Ride Of The Day-Jozi Express

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Jozi Express
Amusement Park:Gold Reef City
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 12/2004
Make / Model:Zierer / Force - Custom
Capacity:600 riders per hour

Length:2303' 2"
Height:78' 9"
Inversions:0
Speed:42.3 mph
Duration:1:30

Trains:Single train with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 14 riders.

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-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:

"The Universal Experience: Behind the Scenes of Universal Pictures," Beginning February 17

Universal City,California – The costumes from Universal Pictures’ multiple Oscar® nominated, “Frost/Nixon” and Focus Features’ multiple Oscar nominated, “Milk” will be on display along with props from Universal Pictures’ Oscar nominated, “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” at Universal Studios Hollywood’ ”The Universal Experience: Behind the Scenes of Universal Pictures,” movie-themed attraction designed to put the magic of Hollywood within arms reach of guests, beginning February 17.

Items on exhibit from “Frost/Nixon” will include wardrobe worn by the film’s Best Actor nominee, Frank Langella (Richard Nixon) and Michael Sheen (David Frost) from the movie’s climatic interview scenes. “Frost/Nixon” earned five Academy Award® nominations including, Best Picture – Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Eric Fellner, Best Director - Ron Howard, Best Actor - Frank Langella, Best Adapted Screenplay - Peter Morgan, and Best Film Editing - Mike Hill, Dan Hanley.

Sharing the Oscar spotlight at the attraction will be the vintage wardrobe donned by Best Actor nominee, Sean Penn in the Best Picture-nominated film, “Milk.” “Milk” earned eight Oscar nominations that also include, Best Director – Gus Van Sant, Best Supporting Actor – Josh Brolin, Best Original Screenplay – Dustin Lance Black, Best Costume Design – Danny Glicker, Best Film Editing – Elliot Graham, Best Score – Danny Elfman.

Fans of Guillermo del Toro’s “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” Oscar nominated for Best Makeup – Mike Elizalde, Thom Floutz, can preview an ecelectic display of the original prothetic masks and props and costumes featured in the film.

“The Universal Experience” showcases an extraordinary close-up view of many of the memorable items seen on film from Universal Pictures’ award-winning movies, including some of the most celebrated movies in Hollywood history. The attraction draws from a library of over 6,000 titles dating back to the Studio’s early beginnings in 1913 and offers a behind-the-scenes peek into the advances in film technology from the days of early motion pictures through modern day filmmaking.

Standing tall at the center of the attraction is the “Best Picture” Oscar® statuette from “The Sting,” awarded to Universal Pictures in 1973. Other movie memorabilia include wardrobe worn by Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan from the blockbuster, “Mamma Mia!” and the miniature stop-motion animation set pieces and figures from the upcoming release, “Coraline,” and showcased exclusively at “The Universal Experience.”

“The Universal Experience” will be updated regularly with material from new movies and artifacts from the Studio’s vast archives

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex; the Universal CityWalk Cinemas; and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features such groundbreaking attractions as “The Simpsons Ride,” “Revenge of the Mummy™ – The Ride,” “Shrek 4-D™,” “Jurassic Park® – The Ride,” and the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations and sets as Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds.”

Universal CityWalk features 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and dynamic entertainment options. Universal CityWalk Cinemas, offering the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles, features 19 screens including one of Southern California’s largest IMAX® venues and newly renovated stadium-style seating.

Universal Studios Hollywood (UniversalStudiosHollywood.com) 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.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Kennywood Rarities-Lost Kennywood Advertisement

NOTE:THIS IS THE LAST POST FOR Kennywood Rarities!

Next,we we will move on to Cedar Point Rarities!

Thanks!

Orion A.

Ride Of The Day-Elf

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Elf
Amusement Park:Hirakata Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 3/2001
Make / Model:Intamin AG / Wooden Coaster

Length:2282' 2"
Height:60' 8"
Inversions:0
Speed:36.1 mph
Duration:1:38

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

History:"ELF" =Episode of Little Fairies.

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Roller Coaster

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Roller Coaster
Amusement Park:Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1932
Builder:Erich Heidrich
Designer:Erich Heidrich
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Side Friction

Height:70'
Inversions:0
Speed:45 mph
Duration:3:30

Trains:3 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 5 rows for a total of 30 riders per train.

Notes:First shown at the 1929 Colonial Exhibition.

Photo:

US Pavilion At Shanghai 2010

Yes,I know that the blog is called Amusement Park Madness,but this was extremely interesting.


Concept art for the United States Pavilion At Shanghai 2010.

Plans for realizing a US pavilion at the upcoming world expo in Shanghai, which will run from 1 May to 31 Oct 2010, appear to be on track and the nonprofit group led by Nick Winslow and Ellen Eliasoph is heading into the design development phase, with detailed estimates in place and major sponsorship announcements imminent, according to Winslow, who spoke with us by phone on Feb 13.

In April 2008, the US Dept. of State issued a letter of intent authorizing Winslow's team to take on the challenge of putting together a national pavilion concept – a package including creative, construction and sponsorship. The group reached a thin-ice stage and announced suspending its activities in October 2008, but was empowered to resume by new assurances from the State Department. Two recent design presentations given by Winslow's group in Shanghai garnered positive responses from the Shanghai expo organizers as well as the business community, including AmCham (the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, which is providing the group with office space in that city) according to Winslow.

There are still hurdles to clear. National participation in a BIE-sanctioned world expo such as Shanghai 2010 is formalized at the highest levels of government. Some money is being sought from states and cities, and it is hoped that the Fed will appropriate some funds, but most of the pavilion's $61 million budget must come from private sources. Winslow's group must have letters of intent from those sponsors by April 15 in order for the State Dept. to sign the official participation agreement and the project to break ground by May 1.

Winslow indicated that a primary corporate sponsor is on board now, and that the sponsor's identity will soon be made public by an announcement issued by the company itself. Heading up the US pavilion fundraising effort is Norm Elder, a specialist known for brokering corporate sponsorship deals for major theme park projects such as Disney's Epcot, Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

The US Pavilion will emphasize urban sustainability, health, teamwork and the Chinese-American community, in keeping with the expo's theme of “Better City, Better Life.” The guest experience is being produced by BRC Imagination Arts, a company with many past expo pavilions to its credit, including the famous General Motors “Spirit Lodge” pavilion at Vancouver Expo 86, and the US Pavilion at Aichi Expo 2005 (Japan). The building itself will be a model of sustainable design and energy efficiency. Architect Clive Grout of Clive Grout Architects also has numerous world's fair pavilions, beginning with Vancouver 86, among his numerous credits.

Ellen Eliasoph is an attorney with Washington, DC law firm Covington & Burling. She has extensive business ties and experience in China, dating back to the 1990s. Nick Winslow is a renowned leisure industry expert, economics analyst and theme park development consultant whose past positions include president of Warner Bros. Recreation Enterprises, president of Harrison Price Company and VP, Technical Subsidiaries at Paramount Pictures.

Winslow reports that Federal support and enthusiasm for the project have increased since the Obama administration took office, and that the US pavilion at Shanghai will be among the topics that Secretary of State Clinton will discuss with the Chinese government on her upcoming visit there.

Shanghai Expo 2010 augurs to be the largest world's fair ever. Expo organizers are projecting some 200 national and corporate participants, and about 70 million visitors. In hosting this international mega-event just two years after the stellar summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China underscores its new status as a major player on the world stage.

WRITTEN BY JUDITH RUBIN

Kennywood Rarities-Laser Loop Advertisement

Ride Of The Day-Bandit

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Bandit
Amusement Park:Yomiuriland
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 3/1988
Make / Model:Togo/Sitdown
Capacity:1260 riders per hour

Length:5118' 1"
Height:196' 10"
Inversions:0
Speed:68.3 mph
Duration:2:18

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

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Roller Coaster

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Roller Coaster
Amusement Park:Pleasure Beach,Blackpool
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1933
Builder:Charles Paige
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic,Family

Length:2293'
Height:61'
Inversions:0
Speed:35 mph
Duration:1:44

Trains:3 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 4 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.Riders must be 46" or taller to ride.

History:The lift hill and other parts of the Velvet Coaster were used in the construction of the "Roller Coaster".

Photo:

Kennywood Rarities-1994 Advertisement

Kennywood Rarities-1993 Wipeout Advertisement

Ride Of The Day-Robin Hood

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Robin Hood
Amusement Park:Walibi World
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 2000
Make / Model:Vekoma / Wooden
Designer:Stand Company
Capacity:815 riders per hour

Length:3395' 8"
Height:105'
Inversions:0
Speed:49.7 mph
Duration:2:25

Trains:2 trains with 4 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Nightmare

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Nightmare (2006 to ?)
Roller Coaster (6/12/1949 to 2005)

Amusement Park:Joyland
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 6/12/1949 to 8/14/2004
SBNO since 2005

Serial Number:113
Builder:Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
Designer:Herbert Paul Schmeck, John C. Allen
Construction Supervisor:Frank F. Hoover
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic
Cost:$75,000 USD

Trains:2 trains with 3 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows for a total of 18 riders per train.Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
The Nightmare (or just Roller Coaster at the time) originally had three trains. Today only two exist and the third is presumed to have been used for parts to keep the other two in operation. These old style PTC trains are the last ones still in operation.

Photo:

Hard Rock Park Finds Buyer

The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is reporting today that a buyer has stepped forward and offering to pay $25 million for the property, as is. Purchaser, FPI MB Entertainment, has put down a $2.3 million down payment and is hoping to close the sale quickly, by Feb. 20 if possible.

The new buyers are hoping to reopen the park quickly. The reason for the quick sale, according to the court documents, is that the buyers are hoping to reopen the park's gates in a soft opening prior to Memorial Day -- with a full opening that weekend.

The sale must still be approved by the bankruptcy court at a sale approval hearing Feb. 17.

Horry County Council Chairwoman Liz Gilland said a group of individuals were behind FPI, though she declined to say whether any were local or whether she knew any of them prior to the court documents being filed.

"Because of the economy, this is even going to be better news than it would have been without the economy being so bad," Gilland said. "I feel like this will be a shot -- just a real boost from a whole lot of perspectives. And that's everything from jobs to tourism and all the related businesses."

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Kennywood Rarities-Laser Loop Pin

Here is a Laser Loop Pin from the 1980s:

Ride Of The Day-Corkscrew

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Corkscrew
Amusement Park:Rusutsu Resort
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1983
Relocated from:Yatsu Yuenchi as Corkscrew
Make / Model:Arrow / Corkscrew

Inversions:2
Duration:1:20
Elements:Double Corkscrew

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Meteor

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Meteor
Amusement Park:Little Amerricka
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 8/8/2007
Relocations:Kiddytown as Little Dipper
Hillcrest Park as Little Dipper
Little Amerricka as Meteor

Make / Model:Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. / Junior Coaster
Serial Number:120
Designer:Herbert Paul Schmeck
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Family

Length:900'
Height:28'
Inversions:0
Duration:0:50

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

History:Purchased by Little A-Merrick-A at Hillcrest Park's auction for $9,000 on 10/25/2003.

Photo:

Layoffs At Kennywood Entertainment Parks

Kennywood Entertainment has laid off 10 people at its historic amusement park in West Mifflin and its two other locations locally to save money in the tough economy, said a spokesman.

The company eliminated two jobs at Kennywood Park, two at Sandcastle Waterpark in West Homestead, and four at Idlewild & Soak Zone in Ligonier. The jobs, seasonal as well as management positions, were cut a week ago.

"Every decision like this is difficult, but with the continuing challenges of the economy, it's important to manage our business even more productively," said Kennywood Entertainment spokesman Jeff Filicko.

The moves come after Parques Reunidos of Madrid, which acquired Kennywood Entertainment last June, reorganized its North American operations in December. That included Peter McAneny's departure as president of Kennywood, and his position is not being filled, said Filicko.

Kennywood Park employs most of the company's off-season work force, now at 100, as well as about 1,500 of the three venue's 2,300 people during their warm-season peak.

FOUND IN THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Kennywood Rarities

Hello,

I hate to make this blog regional,but I am starting a series of posts that feature rarities of my home park,Kennywood in Pittsburgh,PA.First up,the official press release for Steel Phantom:








Thanks!

Orion A.

Ride Of The Day-Supersonic Odyssey

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Supersonic Odyssey
Amusement Park:Cosmo's World
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 9/29/2003
Make / Model:Intamin AG / Looping Coaster (Custom)
Designer:Ing.-Büro Stengel GmbH
Categories:Indoor

Length:2624' 8"
Height:124' 7"
Inversions:3
Speed:43.5 mph
Duration:1:30
Elements:Heartline Roll (Zero−G−Heart Roll)
Loop
Corkscrew (Screw)


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

Theme:Orange track with purple supports.

Features:Lift hill is in the middle of the ride between the hearline roll and the loop.

History:Construction took 3 years, which is also the reason why this rather new coaster uses the older looping trains rather than the new ones used on Colossus at Thorpe Park in Chertsey,England for example.

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Little Dipper

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Little Dipper
Amusement Park:Kiddieland
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1950
Make / Model:Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters,Inc./Junior Coaster
Serial Number:115
Designer:Herbert Paul Schmeck
Construction Supervisor:Frank F. Hoover
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Family

Length:700'
Height:28'
Inversions:0
Duration:0:50

Trains:Single train with 4 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 16 riders.Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.

Restraints:Single position lap bar.

Photo:

Ride Of The Day-Whirl Wind Looping Coaster

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Whirl Wind Looping Coaster
Amusement Park:Wonder Island
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 2003
Relocated from:Magic Land as Corkscrew
Make / Model:Vekoma / Whirlwind

Length:1148' 4"
Height:64'
Inversions:2
Speed:37.3 mph


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

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Little Dipper

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Little Dipper
Amusement Park:Hillcrest Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 1967 to 9/1/2003
Relocations:Kiddytown as Little Dipper
Hillcrest Park as Little Dipper
Little Amerricka as Meteor

Make / Model:Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters,Inc./Junior Coaster
Serial Number:120
Designer:Herbert Paul Schmeck
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic,Family

Length:900'
Height:28'
Inversions:0
Duration:0:50

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

History:

Purchased by Hillcrest Park in 1966 for $6,000. The ride was moved by Hillcrest Park at a cost of $66,000 and it reopened in 1967.

The Little Dipper is a mirror image of the Little Dipper at Kiddieland in Melrose Park, IL.

The train was replaced in the early 1980s.

Photo:

February Poll-Best Disney Park

Hello,

These are the newest options for February's poll,Best Disney Park!

Disneyland
Disney's California Adventure
Tokyo DisneySeas/Disneyland
Disneyland Paris
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

In this poll,you may vote for more than one answer.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Nighthawk-New Paint Job

This is sort've old news,but,I figured I'd still put it on here.Nighthawk at Carowinds is receiving a new paint job as these pictures show:

Ride Of The Day-Kumba

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Kumba
Amusement Park:Superland
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Inverted
Status:Operating since 6/16/2001
Make / Model:Vekoma / SLC (689m Standard)
Capacity:1040 riders per hour

Length:2260' 6"
Height:109' 3"
Inversions:5
Speed:49.7 mph
Duration:1:36
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.Riders must be 51" or taller to ride.

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Lil' Dipper

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Lil' Dipper
Amusement Park:Camden Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1961
Builder:National Amusement Device Company
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Family, Hybrid (Steel Structure)

Inversions:0
Duration:1:05

Trains:Single train with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 10 riders.Built by National Amusement Device Company.

Photo:

Lack Of Posts and Poll Results

Sorry about the lack of posts recently,I've been quite busy.The poll results are:

Intamin Ag-5 Votes
Bolliger and Mabillard-7 Votes
Premier Rides-5 Votes
Vekoma-5 Votes
Mack Rides-4 Votes
Gerstlauer-6 Votes
Great Coasters International-5 Votes
The Gravity Group-4 Votes
S and S Arrow-5 Votes

Wow!Quite a nice voter turnout for January's poll!Bolliger and Mabillard wins!

Thanks!

P.S. The February poll will be up soon.

Coaster Classic Corner-Leap The Dips

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Leap The Dips
Amusement Park:Lakemont Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 1902 to 1985
SBNO from 1986 to 1998
Operating since 5/31/1999

Designer:Edward Joy Morris
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Side Friction

Length:1452'
Height:41'
Drop:9'
Inversions:0
Duration:1:00
Max Vertical Angle:25 Degrees

Photo:



COURTESY OF JOEL ROGERS