Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Flights of Wonder continues to amaze guests of all ages. Especially when it comes to one particular star, Groucho, the singing parrot. Several years ago, he was named the World’s Best Singing Parrot on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Today he is still one in a million, able to sing seven full songs which include: “How Much is that Doggy in the Window?”, “Camptown Races”, “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, “Alouetta” and “Jingle Bells”. Hatched in 1986 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and raised by Theresa Barylock, Groucho’s ability to articulate will simply amaze you. The animal care staff would like for us to warn you that owning a parrot does not guarantee that you will end up with a singing sensation like Groucho. For the most part, parrots chew, bite and squawk loudly. So, instead of trying to train one, your best bet is to visit or become a fan of Groucho. Between his many words and phrases such as “Look ma! No hands!” you will have plenty to tell your friends about your encounter with this extraordinary bird on your visit to Walt Disney World.
This year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut more adventure, excitement, laughter and awe-inspiring moments than ever before – making 2012 an extraordinary year to be here.
There will be something for everyone and every family. From a new Blue Man Group show and newly re-created experience inside one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions to a stunning parade, spectacular nighttime show and brand-new blockbuster attraction based on an incredibly popular film – Universal Orlando Resort is bringing guests more new entertainment across our entire destination in 2012 than during any other year in our history.
The new experiences will begin debuting in February. Guests will discover the exhilarating entertainment of a new Blue Man Group show; marvel at breathtaking new animation and effects in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man; dance and celebrate with their favorite animated characters during Universal’s Superstar Parade and relive memorable moments from Universal Pictures most powerful and beloved films during the nighttime show Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories. And coming this summer – families will laugh together as they are transformed into minions for an incredible adventure inside the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction.
Florida’s largest water playground coming to Wet ‘N Wild
A sandcastle stretching 60-feet into the sky is set to rise from Orlando’s International Drive this spring. The largest water playground in the Sunshine State will anchor a new family area at Wet ‘N Wild.
The yet-to-be-named complex will feature 17 colorful water slides, several elevated bridges, winding staircases and remote passageways that will lead to more than 100 soaker jets, waterfalls and water cannons.
The water park confirmed early details to News 13 on Wednesday, prior to the official announcement.
Six Flags to Host Conference Call for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Earnings
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation SIX announced today that it will release fourth quarter and full year 2011 financial results on February 15, 2012 and host an investor conference call beginning at 8:00 a.m. Central Time. The call can be accessed through the Six Flags Investor Relations website atsixflags.com/investors, or by dialing 1-888-282-0415 from the United States or+1-415-228-4945 from outside the United States using the conference ID “six flags”.
Cedar Fair Is Looking Fun-Forward
Cedar Fair’s recent investor presentation, aptly titled Fun Forward has given us our first really good look at where new CEO Matt Ouimet is planning on taking the company. Personally, I like what he had to say. There’s a lot that came up during the presentation, so let’s get started! Mr. Ouimet started by pointing out that no one has really found a way to digitally replicate a ride on a 420 foot roller coaster, a fair point indeed. A funny thought, but very telling about the industry – while there’s lots of other entertainment options around it’s hard to compare them to the physical thrill parks provide. It is pretty one of a kind.
They’re currently using a technique we saw last year to “test” out new concepts, then rolling them out across the parks. Dinosaurs Alive!, Fast Lane, and even to a degree WindSeeker are examples.
Both Franklin and Woodstock characters will be joining the parks next year. Makes sense, if you already pay the licensing fees, why not! California’s Great America, now that the park is being retained, will see some expansion soon due to that unexpected change.
Wild Eagle on track for March open
The folks at Dollywood are just days from seeing a big dream take flight as work continues at fever pitch on the unique Wild Eagle roller coaster.
Stone masons are putting up the facade at the ride building, engineers are testing the track and everything is on pace for the attraction’s March 24 introduction. That debut will make the $20 million investment the first wing rider coaster in America, a fact that helped land Dollywood the 2012 Coaster Con, a gathering of hundreds of thrill ride enthusiasts.
The construction site on the park’s highest hill is currently a blur of activity that runs along rough, rutted red mud tracks that have been cut into the ridge. Looming above is all is an undulating, looping blue metal track that seems to hang from the trees around it like a haphazard string of Christmas lights. The forest that has remained along Wild Eagle’s route, at some points as close as a few feet from the track, is all part of highly-detailed theming that is part of the entire ride experience, Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens says.
Dolly’s new park freshens our memories
Has Opryland risen from the ashes?
The news last week that Gaylord Entertainment Co. and Dollywood Co. are joining up to open a water and snow park near the site of the defunct theme park rippled through Tennessee like the chills you get from a roller-coaster ride.
Almost as quickly, there were those willing to throw cold water on the announcement.
New Pinball Machine Pays Tribute To AC/DC
Music fans can now rock out to popular AC/DC tracks while enjoying a game of pinball. The legendary band is the latest pop-culture symbol to be covered by Stern Pinball Inc., which paid tribute to The Rolling Stones last year.
Stern announced the availability of its AC/DC pinball machine this month. The new pin game made its European debut in Dusseldorf, Germany, during last week’s IMA amusement and vending machine show, and is now on display in London at the European Amusement and Gaming International Expo.
The game features 12 full-length AC/DC hits, including “Back in Black,” “Highway to Hell” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.”
The Theme Park on Disney’s Doorstep
By mid-January workers, parents and students are seeking warmth to cure their winter blues. Florida is a natural destination for sun, relaxation and fun, and is famous as the home of Walt Disney (Stock Quote: DIS) World, which turned 40 last year with the distinction of being the world’s most visited theme park — nearly 17 million visitors in 2010, according to TEA/Aecom.
But for those who can’t afford to shell out hundreds of dollars for their family in just one day, or who don’t want deal with the crowds, there is a smaller and more affordable neighbor: Old Town, located about 15 minutes away in Kissimmee, Fla.
How does a small theme park compete when it has the world’s largest tourist attraction right next door?
Muslims Arrested At Rye Playland Melee To File Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit
Westchester County prosecutors have agreed to drop charges against 15 Muslims who were arrested at Rye Playland last summer after women visiting the park were told they could not go on certain ride while wearing their hijabs. The chaotic melee started after some Muslim women demanded a refund, and text messages were sent amongst some of the 3,000 Muslims visiting the amusement park with the Muslim American Society of New York. As growing numbers gathered near the park police station, local police rushed to the scene, and the situation quickly escalated, with a park ranger allegedly yelling, “I don’t give a f*ck about your culture.”
15 people, all Muslims, were arrested. Most were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction of governmental administration, but a handful were charged with second-degree assault. Yesterday, they accepted an offer to have the charges dismissed provided they aren’t arrested in the coming months. An attorney representing the group, Lamis Deek, says her clients would have won had the case gone to trial, but most of them live in NYC, and she tells the Associated Press, “It’s unfortunately more convenient to accept this offer, not have to enter a plea of guilty, move on with their lives and pursue this matter in a civil courtroom.”
Deek tells LoHud.com her clients plan to file federal civil rights lawsuits against Westchester County, claiming that the arrests were “abusive” and that the headgear ban violates the civil rights of the Muslim patrons. Rye Playland is located in a public park operated by the county, at a loss of $5 million a year. Rye Playand’s rules are stricter than other amusement parks’. Six Flags in New Jersey, for instance, permits hijabs on rides as long as they are securely wrapped around the head. On the other hand, Six Flags hasn’t had a fatal accident since the ’80s, and it may be that Rye Playland has tighter safety regulations because of a 2005 incident in which a 7-year-old boy who was killed on a boat ride at the park.
R.I.P. Joy Divison Mickey Mouse Shirt
Disney’s Mickey Mouse shirt inspired by Joy Division is no longer for sale. A representative from Disney says, “As soon as we became aware there could be an issue, we pulled it from our shelves and our online store to review the situation further.” Indeed, the link to the shirt on the Disney webstore is now blank.
As reported on Monday, the shirt blended the likeness of Mickey Mouse with the cover artwork from the band’s 1979 album Unknown Pleasures. So– how much are these things going to end up going for on eBay? Current top bid on this one is $202.50.
The shirt was for sale at Disneyland, Disney World, and online, but the surviving members of Joy Division were unaware of its existence.
Chase Launches Disney’s Premier Visa Card
To deliver the Disney promise of creating special memories that last a lifetime, Chase Card Services, a division of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and The Walt Disney Company, through its subsidiary Disney Rewards LLC, announced today the launch of Disney’s Premier Visa Card from Chase. The new card offers customers ways to earn rewards twice as fast, the opportunity to now redeem toward airline travel in addition to most everything Disney, plus access to special Cardmember-only perks when visiting Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resorts.
With Disney’s Premier Visa Card, Cardmembers earn 2% in Disney Dream Reward Dollars on card purchases at restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and most Disney locations at Walt Disney World Resort, the Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Store. Cardmembers earn 1% on all other purchases made with the card.
“We developed Disney’s Premier Visa Card with one simple objective in mind – to deliver what Disney’s customers told us was most important in a rewards credit card – earning rewards faster,” said Robert Belan, General Manager, Chase Card Services. “The ability to earn 2% on every day card purchases – specifically at restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores – was a key theme from our research and we’re pleased to offer that as a benefit on this new card.”
L.A. breaks tourism record with 27 million visitors in 2011
Thanks to a swell in international visitors, Los Angeles hosted a record number of visitors in 2011, prompting tourism officials to predict they will welcome even more out-of-town guests this year.
Los Angeles County broke the previous record of 25.9 million visitors in 2007 by welcoming 27 million in 2011, according to the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, known as LA Inc. The latest numbers are a 4.2% increase over 2010.
Mark Liberman, president of the bureau, attributed the increase to an improved U.S. economy and new attractions to draw visitors, such as the Cirque du Soleil show at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood and the 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall that opened in June at the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park.
A look back at Jungle Habitat made the pages of this newspaper last week, and it made me think back about my own memories of that early-day theme park. And it will also be 40 years ago this spring that the animal park opened in West Milford.
I know that because I was there the first day it opened. For those of you unfamiliar with Jungle Habitat, it was opened by Warner Bros. in an attempt to move into the theme park business similar to Disney. It sprawled over 800 acres with 26 miles of roads within the park. The entrance was off Greenwood Lake Turnpike, near Marshall Hill Road. Composed mostly of a drive-though safari, it had a small amusement park about halfway through the route.
Now for reasons that escaped me at the time, my parents, who were known for impetuous acts, decided the morning Jungle Habitat opened that we should go. So we made a quick stop at the store for snacks and filled a cooler with ice and soda. Good move. We headed up Route 23 in our Chevy station wagon with 327 cubic inches of Detroit’s finest engineering under the hood. The car had no air conditioning, but that’s no big deal buzzing up a highway on a nice late spring day.
Large entertainment center to open near Dayton this spring
A $5 million indoor entertainment center under construction north of Dayton and expected to open this spring is being described as the largest in the nation.
Scene75 Entertainment Center, one exit south of the Interstate 70/75 interchange, will feature 124,000 square feet of indoor attractions, coupled with seasonal outdoor offerings.
The attractions include a full service-restaurant; two indoor bars with 70-inch HD TVs and live sports tickers; an outdoor patio with food and beverage service; an indoor electric go-kart track; a multi-level laser tag arena; an indoor bouncing inflatable arena; a redemption and video arcade; an interactive gaming theater with giant screens; two 4D theaters; four mini-bowling lanes; a 10-car bumper car system; three outdoor sand volleyball courts (with plans to expand to nine courts); two outdoor bocce courts; live fantasy sports leagues; a concession stand; eight private party rooms; and a banquet hall.
Legoland: Just add water (park)
A dried-up water park is just so wrong and sad. It has no splash, lacks panache.
Legoland Florida is in the process of turning Splash Island, the old Cypress Gardens water park, into a happy place again. But first, the wave pool, lazy river and assorted slides had to be drained to check their condition.
“The condition of the infrastructure has actually surprised us how good it is considering it’s been idle for two years,” says general manager Adrian Jones. The water park was in better shape than Cypress Gardens proper, Jones says.
Winter Savings: Now is the Time to Buy a Cranberry Water Park Membership
Although it’s only January, Cranberry Township is encouraging residents to think about taking a dip in the community pool.
Through Tuesday, the township’s parks and recreation department is offering its least-expensive membership rates to the Cranberry Community Water Park at North Boundary Park for the 2012 swim season.
If purchased this month, the individual rate for a person living in Cranberry is $70 for the season. For a Cranberry family of four, the rate is $210. Memberships purchased Feb. 1-April 30 will be $85 for a single Cranberry resident and $240 for a family of four.
Video games at a water park? Get your game on at Great Wolf Lodge
The kids in pyjamas are everywhere, sprinting and shouting through the lodge’s third- and fourth-floor hallways with plastic wands clasped in adrenalin-clenched hands. They’re aiming the wands at the buzzing, flashing portraits and the talking treasure chests and the computer screens that have been laid out around the place.
My own kid, Cormac, has a shiny black polyester MagiQuest cape flowing behind his running, shouting, four-year-old frame. He’s totally captivated by the game’s magic, even if he doesn’t quite understand the rules.
MagiQuest is an interactive, high-tech treasure hunt – it’s a little like The Amazing Race, but for kids and tweens – that the Great Wolf Lodge water park, in Niagara Falls, Ont., introduced this month. MagiQuest has 17 levels, more or less, most of which challenge players to follow clues and riddles through the lodge as they discover 110-odd objects and “random acts of magic,” as the theme park’s general manager has called them. You’re supposed to “collect” each object, via a bit of computer wizardry with your (infrared-tipped, radio frequency identification-enabled) MagiQuest wand.
Gosack ‘surprised’ at county vote on water park
On Tuesday night, by vote of 7-6, the Sebastian County Quorum Court decided against moving forward on the Ben Geren Aquatics Facility. City Administrator Ray Gosack told The City Wire on Wednesday (Jan. 25) that a rejection by the county does not mean the project is doomed.
Confirming that ballots were already printed and that it would go to the voters in March regardless of what the quorum court decides, Gosack said the best thing voters can do is to vote for approval.
“If the people of Fort Smith want this to happen, then they should vote for it in March. The city and county could come to an agreement five months later, and we’d be in a position to move forward,” Gosack said.
State Fair board fires back at fiscal critics
Colorado State Fair leaders on Wednesday fired back at their critics about a recent audit that showed the event lost money again.
“You’re ordering us, by law, to have a State Fair. It doesn’t say the State Fair should pay for itself. If you want a program in government, you have to pay for it,” Fair Commissioner Ed Cordes said.
“The whole notion that you have to be profitable, which was stated (at the Jan. 17 audit committee meeting), was a false premise,” he added.
Study: 2011 State fair adds $13.8M to W.Va. economy, Greenbrier Co. benefits most
The State Fair of West Virginia is an economic engine as well as a festival celebrating agricuture.
A recent study says the 2011 edition of the fair added $13.8 million to the state’s economy.
The fair’s home county, Greenbrier, received the largest benefit. Greenbrier County’s economy received an economic boost of almost $10 million from the fair.
2.1 million guests visit Shedd in 2011
More than 2.1 million guests visited Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium in 2011.
Museum officials on Thursday said last year’s attendance figures are the best on record in the last decade. That makes Shedd Chicago’s most-attended cultural attraction for the fifth year in a row.
Shedd Aquarium CEO Ted Beattie says 2011 was a good year at Shedd because of its new special exhibit, Jellies, and the continuation of extended-hours programing, including the summer concert series Jazzin’ at the Shedd.”
Oakland Budget Cuts Impacts Jobs, Zoo
Oakland unveiled painful budget cuts this week that preserves police services at the cost of popular children’s attractions.
Mayor Jean Quan announced that more than $28 million would be cut from the city’s budget. The majority of the cuts will come from Oakland’s $388 million general fund.
Oakland had sent lay off notices to about 2,500 employees last week but under the new proposal will see 105 jobs eliminated.
Shedd Aquarium has best year in a decade
More than 2.1 million guests visited the Shedd Aquarium last year — the best attendance record in the last decade.
The Shedd was Chicago’s most attended cultural attraction for the fifth year in a row, museum officials say.
Shedd Aquarium CEO Ted Beattie says 2011 was a good year because of the Shedd’s new special exhibit, Jellies, and the continuation of extended hours, including the summer concert series Jazzin’ at the Shedd.”
In 1996, when the Maritime Center changed its name to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, they tapped TFI Envision to develop their new branding. Since then, the Maritime Aquarium has continued to tap TFI Envision to develop promotional materials, annual reports and special event materials.
On Saturday, February 18th, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will unveil its “FINtastic RefurbFISHment,” a $4 million makeover with 21 dynamic new exhibits – including 27 new species of animals – and an improved visitor experience. The changes will be noticeable immediately, with the Aquarium’s large main hall re-envisioned with an interactive introduction to Long Island Sound and an orientation to exploring the Aquarium. This space, renamed Newman’s Own Hall, still features the harbor seals (in a “refurbFISHed” exhibit) but also now a 36-by12-foot map of Long Island Sound – an image about the size of a school bus – with interactive quizzes about the Sound’s marine animals and habitats.
Rare Lobster Comes to Newport Aquarium
The Save the Bay aquarium welcomed a new member this week: a rare calico lobster.
The lobster boasts bright orange and yellow spots on its exoskeleten.
Calico lobsters are extremely uncommon, about one in 30 million, Adam Kovarsky, of Save the Bay, said.
Vancouver Aquarium vs. Science World: Which is best for kids?
Regular readers of Curious Dad will know we’re big fans of the Vancouver Aquarium in our house. We started taking the Older Boy there when he was just over one and have had memberships for our whole family, grandparents included, for two years running.
So it’s a bit uncomfortable to admit that, for the last couple of months, we’ve been cheating on it, with Science World.
We’ve let our aquarium memberships lapse and taken up (similarly priced) passes to the geekier and dryer Telus World of Science instead.
Newport Aquarium Penguin Poops On Ky. Senate Floor
A penguin named Paula had some business to bring to the Kentucky Senate floor on Tuesday. The African blackfooted penguin from the Newport Aquarium had been brought in by Senate President Pro Tem Katie Stine of Southgate.
The Republican senator was presenting her resolution to honor the aquarium for its work to protect sea life and penguins when Senate President David Williams asked “Are we talking about the penguin that just defecated on the floor?”
After she finished her business, an aquarium worker put Paula on the upper part of Williams’ desk while Stine finished presenting her resolution amid jokes about “business on the floor.” “Well, let’s see if Miss Kentucky can top that!” Williams joked, referring to the pageant winner’s upcoming appearance.
29-year-old bald eagle dies at Ohio zoo
A female bald eagle that contributed to the recovery of the iconic species has died at an Ohio zoo.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium said Wednesday that 29-year-old Barbara died Monday after being found unresponsive with an irregular heartbeat. Tests showed an enlarged heart.
The bird was hatched in the wild in 1982 and came to the Columbus zoo in 1988 following reports she had attacked a Boy Scout on California’s Catalina Island.
Space Florida seeks OK for KSC projects
Space Florida today will seek approval to spend more than $10 million to renovate a former shuttle hangar at Kennedy Space Center, modernize a Cape Canaveral launch pad and update the state’s space master plan.
During a meeting in Tallahassee, board members also will consider a proposal that would give the agency title to a $100 million facility being built to house the retired shuttle orbiter Atlantis at the KSC Visitor Complex, a financing arrangement that helps the complex’s operator.
If approved, $5 million would start work to ready Kennedy’s Orbiter Processing Facility-3 and Processing Control Center for commercial use by The Boeing Co., which plans to assemble commercial crew capsules there.
Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham receives $100,000 from Unimin
Unimin Corporation announced a $100,000 gift to the Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham comprehensive capital campaign Tuesday on behalf of the employees at its Marston location.
The donation, which will support the Bernoulli Blower exhibit in the museum’s I CAN Wonder Why science theme area, will be presented at a formal check ceremony in Rockingham with officials from both organizations in attendance. Currently in development, Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham will offer creative learning-through-play experiences for children and their caregivers that build essential skills by encouraging curiosity, discovery and fun. It will be the second Discovery Place KIDS museum, following last year’s successful launch of Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville.
The Discovery Science Place names new Executive Director
Making his way to Tyler from noted institutions like The Health Museum in Houston, The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios in California, Phil Lindsey joined Discovery Science Place as chief executive officer. Introduced to the community by Henry Bell, president of the DSP Board of Directors, Lindsey brings a wholly unique mix of talent, background and education and is an experienced designer, film maker and geek – qualities perfectly suited to the science museum field.
“What really drives me is the ability to help lead and create visitor experiences that are fun, fulfilling, engaging and relevant as well as being commercially viable and self sustaining,” explained Lindsey. “I love taking risks and I love entrepreneurial thinking – that is the only way for the field to advance in these fast moving times.”
Russell Meyer, correspondent for themeparkinsider.com, takes a ride on Griffon, the new rollercoaster at Busch Gardens Europe, in Williamsburg, VA on Griffon Media Day 2007 – the video was created by the park.
Universal Orlando To Reveal Big Changes
Universal Orlando says it is launching more new entertainment experiences in 2012 than in year in its history.
Some of the theme park’s big plans will be revealed in a special announcement on Wednesday.
The announcement includes more details on the park’s new Despicable Me attraction, along with the enhancement of their Spider-Man ride.
Wing-dipping Manta coaster coming to SeaWorld San Diego in May
SeaWorld San Diego will add a manta ray-themed family roller coaster on May 26 that marks the U.S. debut of a highly anticipated prototype ride.
Paired with a 100,000-gallon aquarium and outdoor ray pool, the Manta coaster will twist and turn over low terrain in the relatively unused back corner of the marine park near the Skyride and Flamingo Cove, SeaWorld officials said.
The 30-foot-tall Manta will feature dual launch zones, a 54-foot drop into a subterranean trench and a dramatic wing dip into a shallow lake over a 2,800-foot-long track. Launched from a tunnel filled with manta ray projections, the inversion-less family coaster will reach a top speed of 43 mph and pull 4 Gs during the two-minute trip. Work is currently underway on the new SeaWorld coaster.
Legoland Florida reveals details for new water park
Legoland Florida is about to undergo a big expansion.
On Tuesday morning, the theme park unveiled new details about its upcoming water park, which is set to open later this year.
The property will soon include the former Cypress Gardens’ water park, Splash Island, and will be the biggest Legoland water park planned, surpassing the one in California.
Joyland hopes to build water play area for summertime
Joyland Amusement Park is hoping to cool down the summer with a new water play area. Lubbock Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended to the City Council on Tuesday the approval of Joyland’s proposed water play area.
Joyland President David Dean said he hopes to have the park open for this summer, and it will only be open during the summer each year. Dean presented a possible timeframe of Memorial Day to Labor Day for the water park’s operation.
The water area will be west of the current park, and will be a separate entity, he said. The water area will include a few attractions, most notable two water slides and a dump bucket, Dean said. The water in the middle of the area will be between 6 and 9 inches deep, he added.
Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland expansion on schedule
The biggest expansion in the history of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is on schedule, but before the new Fantasyland opens, some existing rides will close or be relocated.
Work is underway on what’s being called Storybook Circus, the former location of Mickey’s Toontown Fair. Disney intends to relocate Dumbo the Flying Elephant to the new circus grounds that will include an interactive queue under a big-top tent to entertain children waiting in line. Disney will add a new Pixie Hollow character-greeting area, home to Tinker Bell and other fairies.
“Most of the attractions are still open, but you’ll notice that Dumbo is closed,” said Lou Mongello, author and a Walt Disney World radio host, “but you don’t have to worry, because he’s actually moving to Storybook Circus.”
Charges Against 15 Muslims Dismissed in Amusement Park Dispute
Fifteen Muslims won conditional dismissals on Tuesday of charges stemming from an amusement park disturbance that started when women were told they could not wear religious headscarves on some rides.
Rye Town Court judge told the defendants that their cases would be dropped if they stayed out of trouble for two months. Most had been charged only with disorderly conduct, but the charges ranged up to second-degree assault.
All the female defendants wore headscarves.
Behind-the-scenes of President Obama’s visit to Walt Disney World with ABC News reporter Jake Tapper
President Obama’s recent visit to Walt Disney World to discuss a plan to boost tourism was certainly a major event, not only for the announcement but also around Disney’s theme parks in preparing for the President’s appearance. Extra hours were added to three of the Walt Disney World theme parks and even a special one-night-only fireworks show was added to draw guests away from the park where Obama would be speaking.
But as fun as a visit to Walt Disney World sounds, the trip for President Obama, or the usual array of White House media correspondents that followed him, wasn’t all a walk in the park. ABC News reporter Jake Tapper documented his short trip to “The Most Magical Place On Earth,” with cameras capturing his late-night arrival, increased security, and backstage media hub.
Busch Gardens’ Animal Care Center Opens
There’s a new attraction open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this week, and the squeamish amongst us may find it nausea-inducing. But there’s no steep drop or quick spins to contend with here. This thrill is more of the medical kind. At the theme park’s new Animal Care Center, visitors can watch many of the park’s famous animals get their medical care — everything from routine check-ups to major surgeries.
The new 16,000-square-foot building is essentially an animal hospital behind glass, with examination rooms, an operating room and lab.
At a media preview earlier this month, I watched as a park veterinarian examined an echidna — one of only two types of egg-laying mammals on earth, performed an ultrasound on a frog, and treated a flamingo’s feet that had been chapped in the recent cold temperatures.
Mecca Design and Production, a leading event and trade show exhibit design group, created 16 replica lockers for the NFL Experience for the second year in a row. The lockers are part of the Experience. Patrons can see replicas of their favorite players, pose for photo ops and see the kinds of unique equipment an individual player chooses to keep and wear on game days. The interactive theme park runs January 27 – February 4, 2012 at the Indiana Convention Center’s 500,000 square-foot space and gives fans the chance to get up close and personal with many facets of the NFL.
According to Mecca Design and Production’s Kenneth Mecca, “It is always a pleasure to work with the NFL, the host broadcast and NFL Experience promoters. This is our second year of creating display and on-screen pieces. We have been happy to make trophy cases for Super Bowl rings and helmets, giant replica Lombardi trophies, water walls, on-air interview and halftime sets and these 32 replica lockers. Being able to create a piece that will be seen by millions of viewers and touched by thousands of fans is a big thrill for Mecca.”
JW Marriott asks Palm Desert for help building $9M water park
The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort is hoping a $9 million water park will help it make a bigger splash with families — and is asking the city for $1 million to help build it.
Hotel General Manager Ken Schwartz said the new attraction would boost room nights as well as hotel tax revenue for the city.
“We do very well with the group business and we do very well with the active (singles) group coming in from the coast, but not as well with families as we’d like to do,” Schwartz said.
Water park finds magical way to entertain kids
You have to watch your step walking through the halls of Great Wolf Lodge.
Even on a weekday winter morning, dozens of kids are running around from floor to floor of the Niagara Falls resort and waterpark.
In their hands are magic wands (computerized magic, of course) that they use to find hidden treasure, slay dragons and bring characters to life.
Quorum Court vote raises doubts with Aquatic park
Not so fast on that plan for the city of Fort Smith and Sebastian County to work together to build an aquatics park at Ben Geren Regional Park.
On Tuesday (Jan. 24), the Sebastian County Quorum Court surprised County Judge David Hudson with a 7-6 procedural vote that failed to provide the votes necessary to suspend budgetary rules and expedite funding approval for the aquatics park.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors have already agreed to a plan to build two softball complexes totaling approximately $2.8 million, and supporting 50% of an about $8 million aquatics park at Ben Geren. City and county officials estimate operation of the aquatics facility will project a total loss of $125,000 each year, to be divided equally by the two entities. The city’s participation is contingent upon voter approval of the 1% sales tax extension.
No resort without ‘definitive agreement’
As moving parts go, Great Wolf Water Park and Resort is one project that is constantly changing, but according to New Baltimore Town Supervisor Susan O’Rorke, the only action before any governmental body is before the County Legislators.
Summing up what the nuts and bolts were for the future of the water park, Interim Executive Director, Greene County Industrial Development Agency, Rene VanSchaack, updated the New Baltimore Town Board on the process during their January regular meeting.
“I assure you,” O’Rorke said, “when it does come time for the town board to take action on this project we will make sure we have public outreach, public hearing and we will make sure that the public has a chance to weigh in on this project.”
Stars and Strikes, a Metro Atlanta family bowling and entertainment center chain of locations, announces they’re going lazer crazy. Stars and Strikes kicks off the year with the opening of The Laser Maze Challenge at their Dallas, GA location, renovation to the kids laser tag at the Cumming, GA venue, two story laser tag in the Stone Mountain location, and a pirate themed laser tag game in the Dacula and Dallas, GA venues.
The Laser Maze Challenge opens in late January 2012 as a new attraction. Laser Maze Challenge is an interactive timed event with the objective that components race and the person with the lowest time wins. The maze greets participants in a web of green lasers. Music, sound and lighting effects add to the adrenaline-packed immersion experience.
Each participant has the mission to navigate over and under the beams in the quickest amount of time without breaking a beam. If participants do break a beam during this fun family bowling center’s maze challenge, there’s a penalty of time added to the final score. The Laser Maze Challenge mission is complete when the Mission Complete Button is selected at the end of the maze. The score is then calculated.
Fair board could get $8.5 million
Even as it makes significant cuts to most state programs, including education, Gov. Steve Beshear’s proposed budget would provide an $8.5 million bailout for the Kentucky State Fair Board.
In testimony before the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, state Budget Director Mary Lassiter said Tuesday that the board, which operates the Kentucky Exposition Center, has been socked with “a confluence of unfortunate events” in recent years.
The closing of Kentucky Kingdom amusement park, Lassiter said, meant the fair board lost about $2 million a year in revenue.
State Fair commissioners look to shorten State Fair days
There may be fewer days to enjoy the fast rides and fattening foods at the 2012 New Mexico State Fair.
State Fair commissioners are muling over a proposal to shorten the fair from 17 days to 12 days.
Officials said blacking out Mondays and Tuesdays last year did not work because security and utilities were still needed during that time. Last year’s attendance was just under 400,000, which was a seven percent drop from 2010.
New fair food? Try a deep-fried marshmallow
Last year, the inventors of the doughnut burger tempted the taste buds of Florida State Fair patrons with a bacon-stuffed ice-cream cheeseburger.
This year? Dennis and Cheryl Reas, owners of Carousel foods, announced they are featuring selections that should attract even the most adventurous carnivore or sweet tooth during the fair’s run from Feb. 9 to 20.
Progress being made on KC’s first aquarium
Sea Life KC, Kansas City’s first large scale aquarium, will finally receive the 130,000 gallons of water it takes to fill it up. The aquarium will house 5,000 different species of sea life including sharks.
Visitors will be able to walk through underwater tunnels to get a fully immersed experience.
“I like the immersion experience – the face that you walk in the door, you feel like you’re in an underwater environment,” said Aaron Sprowl, the curator for Sea Life KC.
Seattle Aquarium welcomes baby sea otter
“It’s a girl!” said The Seattle Times article, regarding the gender of Seattle Aquarium’s newest edition of otters.
Early Saturday morning on Jan. 14, mama otter Aniak gave birth to her healthy newborn. Visitors that day created a crowd around the area to snap some photos and watch in delight as Aniak nursed for the first time what visitors called a “fluffy” and “adorable” baby otter. All the while, an otter-watch team set up equipment to monitor the mom and pup every five minutes.
Following the birth, the father was sent to the Oregon Zoo in Portland to create an environment similar to what is found in the wild, where the mom isolates herself with the pup so that she is able to take care of her pup without interference.
Children pour first water into Sea Life aquarium
Nine-year-old Kyle Gerding of Lee’s Summit had just two concerns for Tuesday’s ceremonial pouring of water into the ocean tank at the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium.
“We’re just going to get the water and just throw it in there, but hopefully not let go of our buckets,” he said.
And they were going to try not to get wet.
Resolution honors Newport Aquarium’s contributions to the economy
Representative Addia K. Wuchner, (R-Florence) Tuesday filed House Resolution 95 honoring the Newport Aquarium for their economic development contribution to Northern Kentucky and the Commonwealth. As part of the resolution filed in the House, the Newport Aquarium sent Paula the Penguin, their ambassador from the aquarium’s Penguin Palooza exhibit.
“The Newport Aquarium, in particular their penguin display, has been a great boon to Kentucky serving as a tourism draw for travelers up and down Interstate 75,” said Rep. Wuchner. “The aquarium was created as part of the Kentucky Tourism Development Act passed in April 1996, and has served as the center of the successful Newport Riverfront development.”
Newport Aquarium, a privately funded center, first opened its doors in May 1999 and later opened a $4.5 million expansion in 2004. The Newport Aquarium was named the No. 1 aquarium in the Midwest in the Zagat Survey’s U.S. Family Travel Guide in 2004 and the Best Rainy Day Outing in 2006 in Cincinnati Family Magazine.
The Living Planet Aquarium board of trustees selected Beecher Walker Architects and Layton Construction for the development, design and construction of the new Living Planet Aquarium, to be built in Draper City.
The Living Planet Aquarium solicited statements of interest and qualifications from top design teams and commercial contractors recognized for strong experience to develop a complete design and structure for the 130,000-square-foot building off Interstate 15 near 12300 South, which will be the permanent home for the popular non-profit attraction. “The new Board, consisting of seasoned executives, is excited with the tremendous progress made by the aquarium in the last two years, including fund raising, state appropriations and land acquisition,” said Ragula Bhaskar, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board. “The aquarium has raised nearly $7 million and has obtained the support of the City of Draper to bond $11.7 million to complete the Aquarium. It is expected to be one of the best aquariums in the Intermountain West,” said Bhaskar.
Aquarium celebrates wide outreach of free education programs
Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard greeted and worked with school children today as part of a celebration in honor of the success of free education programs at the Aquarium.
The Aquarium reports that more than 2 million children have participated in the free education programs. Today the four schools from the four counties (Fresno, Santa Clara, Monterey and Santa Cruz) that have brought the most students to the aquarium over the past 27 years helped celebrate the milestone.
Florida Aquarium Announces a $15,000 Donation from Pepin Distributing
The Florida Aquarium announced today that Pepin Distributing Co., has made a donation of $15,000 for the sponsorship of The Florida Aquarium’s No Bones Zone educational exhibit and Aquarium fundraising events.
Tom Pepin, President of Pepin Distributing Co., and his family are intimately involved with Pepin Academies Inc., a tuition- free charter school in Tampa for kindergarten through 22 year-old students with learning disabilities. Established in 1999, many of the children who attend Pepin Academies have sensory related disorders and the Pepin Academies has a one-of-a-kind sensory lab to help work with students. The Florida Aquarium’s No Bones Zone is a sensory exhibit for children of all ages to experience while visiting the Aquarium.
“Pepin’s sponsorship of the No Bones Zone is a hallmark example of how partnerships between educational establishments and the Aquarium can help make positive impacts in children’s lives” said Thom Stork, The Florida Aquarium’s President and CEO.
Smithsonian reports dip in visitors and increase in donations
Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough reported Monday that the number of visitors to the Smithsonian had declined by 2 percent. That meant only 29 million people had visited the museums, still making the complex bulging with visitors.
At the same time donations from the private sector had exceeded the Smithsonian’s own goal for last year and brought in $182 million.
“We are pleased with this trend and how the gifts fit into our strategic plan,” Clough said at a press briefing. The data was given to the Smithsonian Regents Monday. For the first time at a regularly scheduled meeting, Vice President Joseph Biden, Jr., joined the group for lunch.
Experience “The Rattler” roller coaster!
Video Rating: 4 / 5
La Ronde will set the limit in 2012 with its upcoming new extreme tower ride
La Ronde announced today that it will help park visitors fly with the upcoming arrival of the latest sensation in tower rides, the “Vol Ultime.” Park visitors will have the chance to soar to new heights in one of the 16 twin seats, circling up to 45 metres above the park – as high as a 15-storey building! “Vol Ultime” will offer passengers a breathtaking view of La Ronde, Montreal and the surrounding area. Once at the top, the circle shaped by the 32 passengers at the summit of the tower will stretch nearly 30 metres in diameter with riders flying at almost 60 kilometres/hour.
“La Ronde prides itself on offering a variety of rides and attractions for guests of all ages”, said Phil Liggett, President of La Ronde. “We are very excited to introduce a new ride that families can experience and enjoy together. This new addition strengthens La Ronde’s position as the family entertainment destination of choice in Quebec”.
Disney OKs Facial Hair For Cast Members
Disney is loosening its guidelines for employees’ shaving habits, paving the way for cast members to grow beards and goatees.
The entertainment and amusement park giant made the announcement Monday.
Disney cast members who decide to grow beards and goatees. According to the Disney Look Handbook, they must be well groomed and can be no longer than a quarter of an inch.
Playland cases may be disposed today
Most of the Muslim suspects cited during a melee at Playland Amusement Park last summer are expected to have their cases disposed of today, their lawyer said.
Lucian Chalfen, spokesman for the Westchester District Attorney, said he didn’t know what was going to happen in court this morning, but some kind of resolution to the cases was possible.
The 15 defendants have been facing a range of charges from disorderly conduct infractions to felony assault for an Aug. 30 scuffle that broke out with police and park rangers over the park’s safety policy prohibiting headgear — such as traditional Muslim hijabs, like the ones worn by many female visitors that day — on certain rides.
Possible Bearish Inside Day Candle Pattern Detected for Cedar Fair (NYSE:FUN)
Analysts have spotted a possible bearish inside day candle pattern in Cedar Fair (NYSE:FUN) based on the price action in the company’s shares. Yesterday’s price range of $24.70 and $25.02 is within the prior day’s high and low of the day. This trading action often signifies indecision by bulls and bears to drive prices higher or lower and often implies a possible change in trend. Owners of Cedar Fair may want to consider a possible hedge in the event a pullback occurs. Look for confirmation in the next few trading days.
In the past 52 weeks, shares of Cedar Fair have traded between a low of $16.44 and a high of $25.98 and closed yesterday at $24.88, which is 51% above that low price. Over the past week, the 200-day moving average (MA) has gone up 0.4% while the 50-day MA has advanced 0.9%.
Cedar Fair (NYSE:FUN) is currently priced 3.5% above its average consensus analyst price target of $24.00. The stock should discover initial support at its 50-day moving average (MA) of $22.39 and subsequent support at its 200-day MA of $20.25.
Arson Suspected in Abandoned Amusement Park Fire
“We’ve been to several incidents in this property,” Chief Mario Murillo of the Socorro Fire Department said. The latest, just this morning when flames and smoke lit up the dark sky. the fire started at about 3 a.m. and it took about 20 volunteer firefighters from all around the county to put it out.
“There are two structures two story buildings primarily old buildings that they are not using currently,” Murillo said. Without a quick response from the firefighters, the fire could have gotten out of control.
“The problem here was to make sure we had enough supply of water. There are no hydrants nearby,” Murillo said. This isn’t the first time the place has gone up in flames, the Magic Landing closed its doors to the public in 1988 and it’s been a problem for firefighters ever since.
Six Flags Annual Job Fair Set February 18-19
With the unemployment rate still high in California, it is understandable why many job seekers are looking to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor to fulfill their career needs. Being a Six Flags employee means having the opportunity to meet new people, enjoying numerous rewards and events, plus receiving free admission to both parks.
On Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor will host its annual job fair for potential employees. The theme park and water park combined are looking to fill approximately 2,000 positions with energetic team members.
Waterpark Operators Court Wildomar, Lake Elsinore
As a Lake Elsinore waterpark moves forward, Wildomar residents recently got two opportunities to hear about a similar park for their city.
But concerns about water have bubbled to the surface.
“I’m not entirely against this project, but I am concerned about the water,” said Wildomar resident Sharon Carter, who lives near the proposed Wildomar project site that’s bordered by the 15 Freeway, Baxter Road, and Kilarney Lane.
Splash park enthusiasts float plan for Royal Oak
Proponents for a splash pad at Grant Park, which would be equipped with mushroom showers, water-spewing flowers, mounted squirt guns and the like, are testing the waters for federal funding.
The $488,000 project is one of many eligible for a Community Development Block Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A committee that reviews applications for public improvement projects is meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
“They have about $4.5 million of requests and $2.3 million to work with so they will pare the list down,” said Tim Thwing, Royal Oak’s planning director.
Rink Side Sports Hosts Full Day of Family Fun Benefitting Imerman Angels
On your mark. Get set. Go! Rink Side Sports Ice Arena and Family Entertainment Center will host a day of adventure for the entire family benefitting Imerman Angels on Saturday, February 4.
From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Rink Side Sports Ice Arena and Family Entertainment Center (located in Gurnee Mills Mall on Grand Ave., parking lots J or H) will open its doors and give half of the proceeds to Imerman Angels, a not-for-profit organization that enables 1-on-1 cancer support by connecting cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers all across the country.
Since 1999, Rink Side Sports Ice Arena and Family Entertainment Center has been home to a wide variety of sport and leisure; featuring an NHL size ice rink, laser tag arena, 18 holes of mini glow golf, hundreds of games, and full service restaurant.
Commission considers shortening NM State Fair to save money
Future state fairs may be only 12 days instead of the traditional 17 in a move to save the state money. State fair officials say that closing the fair on Mondays and Tuesdays over the past few years to save money hasn’t worked.
Interim general manager Dan Mourning told State Fair commissioners Monday during their first meeting of 2012 the darks days were a failure.
State Fair Grounds May Not Seek New Site
Despite years of struggle to move the State Fair Grounds to another site, it seems as though it will have to stay at its current location off of Roosevelt Road. Though the official decision will not be made until March, budget restrictions limit the fair’s ability to make a move.
A new location off of I440, between Jacksonville and North Little Rock, would be ideal for attracting larger crowds, allowing easier access, and drawing bigger attractions.
Though the average size of other state fair grounds is 360 acres, Arkansas’ grounds are only 96 acres.
The Living Planet Aquarium board of trustees selected Beecher Walker Architects and Layton Construction for the development, design and construction of the new Living Planet Aquarium, to be built in Draper City.
The Living Planet Aquarium solicited statements of interest and qualifications from top design teams and commercial contractors recognized for strong experience to develop a complete design and structure for the 130,000-square-foot building off Interstate 15 near 12300 South, which will be the permanent home for the popular non-profit attraction. “The new Board, consisting of seasoned executives, is excited with the tremendous progress made by the aquarium in the last two years, including fund raising, state appropriations and land acquisition,” said Ragula Bhaskar, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board. “The aquarium has raised nearly $7 million and has obtained the support of the City of Draper to bond $11.7 million to complete the Aquarium. It is expected to be one of the best aquariums in the Intermountain West,” said Bhaskar.
Polar bear centre waiting for furry tenants
The doors are open and the video screens are glowing — now, all that’s missing from the city’s brand-new International Polar Bear Conservation Centre are the big white bears.
Or rather, the little white ones. On Monday, the Assiniboine Park Zoo formally opened the IPBCC to the public. The research and conservation facility will specialize in rehabilitating orphaned polar bear cubs rescued from the shores of Hudson Bay. Though the facility can house as many as a dozen cubs, zookeepers don’t expect to see that many — and in a way, they aren’t too eager to see any at all.
“We really hope we don’t see any orphaned polar bear cubs,” said zoological director Tim Sinclair-Smith, touring the stainless-steel enclosures that will house the rescued cubs. “But realistically, it’s going to happen. So we’re ready right now… we could get one next week, or we may not see anything until next year.”
Thousands surf in for Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s debut
More than 16,000 people splashed into the Greater Cleveland Aquarium during its opening weekend.
Kayla Ott, marketing manager for the aquarium, says 5,544 people visited on Saturday, while 10,518 guests dove into the attraction on Sunday.
Ott says they allow 300 people in every 15 minutes with a maximum capacity of 1,100.
WCS Appoints New President and CEO
The Wildlife Conservation Society announced today that Dr. Cristián Samper, Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, has been named its President and CEO, effective August 1, 2012. He will serve through July, 2012 at the Smithsonian.
Dr. Samper, a scientist and an international authority on conservation biology and environmental policy, will follow Dr. Steven E. Sanderson who announced his retirement as WCS President and CEO, effective July 2012.
During his tenure, Dr. Sanderson, who has led WCS since 2001, has overseen the expansion of its global conservation programs into more than 65 nations, the renaissance of the Bronx Zoo, the launch of the re-birth of the New York Aquarium, a successful $650 million capital campaign, and the alignment of WCS parks and global programs to create an unmatched force protecting nature and our planet. Under Dr. Sanderson’s leadership, WCS has modernized governance and experienced 10 years of fiscal balance.
Polar bear centre opens at Winnipeg zoo
One of the most significant upgrades in many years to Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo has opened.
The International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC) was unveiled on Monday. The $4.5-million centre will provide a home for orphaned, injured or problem polar bears.
The zoo has been without a polar bear since its long-time resident, Debby, died in 2008 at age 42. The zoo was not able to get another polar bear because its enclosure no longer met provincial standards.
Marine tank at Minnesota Zoo targeted for repairs
Fifteen years after the Minnesota Zoo opened Discovery Bay, the $25 million marine center that was then the biggest addition in its history, saltwater is eating away at its innards and it needs a lot of work.
A $7 million allocation for “asset preservation” recommended by Gov. Mark Dayton is the latest sign that for all its outward pizzazz, the zoo is a state facility unlike any other.
But there’s also hope that the cost of merely attacking structural issues won’t keep the zoo from adding some long-needed enhancements in the dolphin area, zoo officials say, not the least of which would be real seats for visitors — definitely an upgrade from the concrete risers.
One Man’s Quest To Capture America’s Endangered Zoo Animals (With A Camera)
To spend a day in the life of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, there are a few things you have to get used to. Really long drives, for one. Tigers charging at you. And, of course … well … messes.
“I’m the only studio portrait photographer I know whose subjects routinely poop and pee on the background right in front of me,” he says from behind the lens.
It’s a comical sight here behind the scenes at the National Aquarium in Baltimore: Sartore, two animal handlers and a ridiculous amount of gear are cramped into a tiny, 50-degree back room. All for a puffin. Sartore is doing all he can to coax the little guy into a handsome headshot. In my mind, this is fun, but for him, it’s serious business.
Video of it’s a small world at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, December 2007. All images, music and content the property of the Walt Disney Co.
The press conference announcing that Legoland Florida will be coming to the former Cypress Gardens property in late 2011. For more information about Legoland Florida, visit www.attractionsmagazine.com .
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Cheetah Hunt Employee Testing at Busch Gardens i took multi angles of the coaster testing with team members riding the coaster
Video Rating: 4 / 5
New Years fireworks at Walt Disney World in Orlando FL
