larrygator
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Posts posted by larrygator
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It all depends on how you rate the most mediocre line-up.
I would say the park with the most coasters where none would be in my Top 250 or so would be mediocre in my opinion. Of the parks I've been to
Non-US Parks
Wiener Prater takes the top spot
FlamingoLand
SunPark (China)
Chuanlord Manor
US Parks
Valleyfair!
Wild Adventures
Morey Piers
However, Wonderland Eurasia might be the true winner
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I just ran across this update
Lost Island Theme Park taking shape
Jeff Reinitz Feb 28, 2021
WATERLOO — Iowa’s newest theme park is rising from a former farm field south of town.
The purple supports and tracks of a roller coaster soar above the snow-covered ground, and buildings are beginning to spring up as construction workers continue to labor through the winter.
Work is projected to continue through 2021, and the Lost Island Theme Park remains on track for a 2022 grand opening, according to officials.
“It’s going to be a huge asset for the city,” said Tavis Hall, executive director for Experience Waterloo.
Even though it will only be open for a few months out of the year, the attraction is expected to be a large boost for the Cedar Valley economy.
Hall said the total economic impact will be about $32 million a year once open, according to a study undertaken in 2019. That includes $6 million for food and beverage, $5 million for retail, $4 million for overnight lodging and $2 million for recreation, he said.
“Most folks, when they come from out of town, they are going to make a weekend out of it and stop at restaurants,” Hall said.
Gary Bertch, who is taking on the project with his wife, Becky, said plans for the theme park have been in the works for a decade. They came up with the idea as a way to fill a gap in the children’s and family-oriented entertainment in the area.
Hall said the park will pair well with other attractions in the area.
“From a community branding standpoint it’s awesome for us to have this amazing addition to the market,” Hall said.
The Bertch’s also operate Lost Island Water Park — which opened in 2001 and is rated one of the best in the nation — the Bamboo Ridge Campground, Monaleo Adventure Golf and Monaleo’s Speedway go-cart track, which are across the road from the theme park site.
The Isle Casino Hotel is also across the road.
Stretching out over 90 acres and with a cost of around $100 million, the Lost Island Theme Park will have a 30-acre lake and five different “lands,” according to earlier reports. Concept art shows amusement park rides and play areas scattered among a volcano, temple ruins, statues and huts.
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Is the Citrus Tower still in Clermont? I remember it was a big deal when I was there as a kid.
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I saw this headline and thought maybe Goudurix was leaving. No such luck, only the dolphins, sealions and accompanying shows are leaving.
Parc Astérix announces the closure of a flagship attraction that has existed since it opened in 1989
mccadminJanuary 25, 2021
This is the side change for Parc Astérix. The amusement park announced this morning in Le Parisien that one of its main attractions, which has been around since opening in 1989, is definitely closing its doors. A big change that many people have been expecting for several years.
Goodbye to the theater of Poseidon and his animals
Since opening in 1989, Parc Asterix has offered visitors the opportunity to discover a show with dolphins and sea lions. A very popular attraction with visitors, but it has been increasingly highlighted by animal rights associations. Indeed, associations have been campaigning for the end of captivity of dolphins and the closure of the dolphinarium for several years. A few days before the debate in the National Assembly on the law against animal abuse, Parc Asterix made a good choice. The dolphinarium closes its doors and the animals are replaced. There will be no more show at the Poseidon Theater to mark the reopening of the park, which is currently scheduled for April 3rd.
The news was announced by Nicolas Kremer, General Manager of Parc Astérix, during an interview for Le Parisien. The decision had been made three years ago, but the park was waiting to find the right solution for its animals in consultation with scientists, experts and associations. The 8 dolphins and the 5 sea lions will be replaced in other dolphinariums in Europe. These animals are in full health, but after being bred in captivity, it is impossible to release them into the sea and marine protected areas are still in the planning stages. The transfer will take place in the coming weeks, but Parc Astérix does not want to say more so that the animals are transported smoothly.
The animals leave, but Poseidon’s theater stays in place. The Parc Astérix will offer a new water show in the future. This could happen next season, Parc Astérix has started a competition in this direction. In the meantime, the amusement park is preparing for the arrival of Toutatis in 2023, an exciting attraction unique in France.
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The saga may be over, Standard Amusement is allowed to run Playland
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/12/18/playland-standard-amusements/
Exclusive: Westchester County Executive Agrees To Turn Over Playland Management To Private Firm
By Tony AielloDecember 18, 2020 at 7:40 pm
RYE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — There has been a major development for the future of Playland, the country’s only government-operated amusement park.
The county executive in Westchester has agreed to turn over management of Playland to a private company starting in 2022.
A thaw in the legal battle over control of Playland in Rye means Westchester County will allow a private firm to run the park, CBS2’s Tony Aiello reports.
“We’re at a point now where cooperation, cooperative effort together, is the best way to protect the interests of the taxpayers and the users of the park,” County Executive George Latimer said.
It’s a strategic reversal by Latimer, who just last year tried to kill a deal cut by his predecessor with Standard Amusements to manage the park.
Standard filed to bankruptcy, which made the county unlikely to win a lawsuit over canceling the contract.
The settlement ends a legal roller coaster ride between Westchester County and the company. It was bitter at times, like two guys in bumper cars trying to knock each other out.
Standard was modest in claiming victory, saying it “looks forward to working closely together in the coming years to ensure that Playland thrives.”
The county says the settlement will strengthen oversight of Standard’s commitment to spend $25 million on new rides, attractions and food service.
“People will come to the park, have a better experience. They will be more likely to return, which is part of how we reach our numbers, not just by the one-time trial visit, but by the repeat visit,” Latimer said.
The county also negotiated better terms for fees and revenue sharing that could eventually earn Westchester $1 million a year.
If the pandemic eases and the park reopens in the spring, it will be the final season before the 30-year deal with the private firm kicks in 2022.
The settlement does require final approval from the county board of legislators and federal bankruptcy court.
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If I remember correctly, Wonder Garden was as you assumed, but for kids only.
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I was about to post similar info and photos Yahoo News picked up from engadget after the press release
Other Key Takeaways:
Although small to open a Donkey Kong area is under construction
Osaka is a COVID hot spot again
Super Nintendo World, the much anticipated “life-size, living video game” theme park will open on February 4th in Osaka, Universal Studios Japan has announced. The opening date is a welcome surprise, as Universal and Nintendo last said that the park would open in the spring of 2021.
To get folks revved up, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has provided a preview of a key park attraction, the Mario Kart rollercoaster. Set inside Bowser’s castle, it uses AR and projection-mapping tech, with each rider donning a Mario cap-shaped AR headset. Though the ride itself is on rails, each car has a steering wheel and the AR tech will allow visitors to “compete” against each other. To gain an edge, visitors can collect virtual coins via a wristband while roaming the park with a Switch console.
“During the race, guests can throw the swords they get from the item box to repel the enemy and will compete for first place with Mario and Princess Peach to advance in the course,” the translated PR reads. The experience changes for each ride and it sounds like there’s a strong element of chance when it comes to winning or losing.
Bloomberg noted that the Super Nintendo World park section seemed a bit small, which is not ideal if it hosts a lot of visitors in the middle of a pandemic. However, it will eventually expand via a Donkey Kong area that’s already under construction. USJ also promised “hygiene enhancement measures,” being created in partnership with health officials, and plans to operate at half capacity. All that said, things could also change depending on what happens with the pandemic, as Osaka has become a COVID-19 hotspot over the last several weeks.
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5 days of complimentary nights at the resort is worth half the price. If a family of 4 buys 4 passes are they entitled to 4 separate 5 night stays. It is a large investment but, if you look at it that way it's not a bad deal.
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It's all about adding money to the bottom line immediately during Q4 since 2020 passes were extended through 12/31/2021. I'm more surprised they are not trying to pre-sell Flash Passes to 2020 Season Pass holders at this time.
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I've never been one to go all gaga over Anton, but I enjoyed this coaster. And the Polyp fits in nicely with the park's classic vibe. These two rides are choices by the new owner.
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Here are a few photos that ran in a variety of Japanese newspapers last month. The new Opening Date is Spring 2021
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Very happy to see this wonderful park working with this great roller coaster designer/builder. Now to start traveling again and get back Silverwood.
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Thanks for the feedback. I'll contact Robb and ask him to restore the Park Index to back-up files from June 15th. That is around the last time I can guarantee its accuracy.
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Am I the only one getting no parks showing up in the park index except 1001 Fairyland?
Thanks for letting me know. Was July 22nd/23rd the last time you looked in the Park Index? Just trying to estimate the hack date.
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I don't know what happened between 12-3 today. I arrived at the parking booth at 3PM, three hours after the person above left. The parking attendant said the park is open but the park doesn't have power to run the rides and didn't know when they would be back online. I figured I would still take a chance since I was there. I was told the same thing at the temperature check and by the person scanning my pass. So I figured I would grab lunch and take two laps around the park. As others have said, the food reservation process works quite well (although you can't make a custom order).
So as I walked El Toro, an employee asks where I'm going. I told her I was just walking around the park since the rides are closed. She told me I couldn't keep walking towards El Toro since the park is closed. I asked her when the park closed. She said it just happened. I turned around and kept talking and said when did the park make the announcement. She said they can't make an announcement about the park closing. I asked what she meant, and she said the park doesn't make closing announcements, it was her job (and her counterparts) to tell everybody. Ten seconds later the announcement was made over the PA, a little before 4PM
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Drayton Manor has been purchased out of administration by The Looping Group.
The Looping Group owns 15 European parks, including 2 others in the UK: West Midlands Safari Park and Pleasurewood Hills
The Bryan family will be kept on as part of the management team
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/almost-600-jobs-saved-looping-18707961
Almost 600 jobs saved as Looping Group buys Drayton Manor Park
By Laura Watson 14:36, 3 AUG 2020 Updated15:03, 3 AUG 2020
Drayton Manor Park has been sold to Looping Group
A family-run theme park which attracts more than one million visitors a year has been sold out of administration to a group which owns a West Midlands rival.
Representatives from PwC were appointed as administrators of Tamworth-based Drayton Manor Park Limited - along with its catering and hotel businesses - earlier today.
Now it has been revealed that the resort has been sold to Looping Group.
The buy-out will see the resort's 599 employees transfer across to the new business while all trading aspects of the group will remain in operation as usual, and existing bookings will be honoured.
Mike Denny, joint administrator and PwC director, said: "The Group had been facing exceptionally challenging trading conditions. In February, Storm Dennis forced the park to close unexpectedly, whilst its planned reopening in March was delayed due to Covid-19.
"These factors combined exacerbated cash flow pressures on the Group.
"We are delighted to have helped secure a sale which preserves 599 jobs and ensures the survival of a much loved leisure attraction that is steeped in history and heritage.
"The purchasers will be working with the existing management team to continue to grow and develop the business, we wish them every future success."
Related Articles
Drayton Manor Park boasts more than 100 rides and attractions - including Europe's only Thomas Land - as well as a 15-acre zoo and four-star hotel.
The deal will see the theme park and zoo operate under the company name of Drayton Manor Resort Ltd while the Bryan family, who have owned and run the resort since it first opened to the public in 1950, remain a key part of the management structure with William Bryan retaining his role as managing director.
Looping Parks is a European group of regional leisure parks which boasts 15 parks across the UK, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Portugal.
In the UK, it currently owns West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley and Pleasurewood Hills in Suffolk.
Laurent Bruloy, CEO of the Looping Group, said: "We are thrilled and proud to welcome Drayton Manor Park and its talented team to our group.
"I would like to commend the Bryan family who has, over three generations, been developing the park and made it one of the most beautiful references of our industry in the UK. We are deeply respectful about all that has been achieved by the teams.
"We aim to continue the story and support Drayton Manor’s development with the same entrepreneurial DNA and values that we share whilst keeping the strong local anchorage of the resort.
"Our aim is to provide visitors with an unforgettable, fun and entertaining family day out. The park’s offering is the perfect fit with us, with its extensive range of award-winning rides and attractions including Europe’s first and only Thomas Land."
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I appreciate the quick change of direction from Knoebels
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Rye Playland will not open in 2020
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/06/30/rye-playland-not-opening-coronavirus/
Rye Playland Amusement Park Will Not Open This Year Due To COVID-19
June 30, 2020 at 9:04 pm
RYE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Rye Playland Amusement Park will not open this year.
The park was originally supposed to open in May, but Westchester County Executive George Latimer says it just could not open safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Latimer says the county will use this time to make some planned capital improvements.
While the amusement park is closed, the Playland beach and boardwalk are open to county residents.
A mini-golf course and nature preserve at the complex are also open.
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I think this change was necessary and I'm glad it's finally happening! I will say, I think Disney missed an opportunity to come forward with a true acknowledgment of why the retheme of Splash Mountain is necessary. The press release mentions their aim to make the new ride more inclusive, which is definitely great. But I wish they had been more explicit in their explanation, stating why the ride has always been problematic, apologizing for their longtime silence regarding its problematic nature, and clarifying how this retheme is a part of their effort to enact real change in the parks.
I know we are all tired of reading longwinded apologies from corporations. It is about the action, and Disney is taking action here. However, I think recognizing and owning up to their faults when it comes to the ride (and Song of the South in general, that's a whole other discussion), would have been impactful.
Anyway, not trying to be negative! I think this change is well-intentioned and could be very cool. I don't post much on here, but I have been trying to be more vocal recently. Also, very on board for Elissa's idea of a Chip and Dale-themed Splash Mountain!
1) Actions speak louder than words
2) Making a statement such as you suggest is easy to do, but also opens up Disney to immediately needing to respond to every covert unseen racist accusation against the company. I'm certain would want to able to respond properly to any accusation and preparing for that takes time and planning.
3) Chip and Dale mountain in Japan in the final straw in the Alvey's moving to Japan.
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The pandemic is the reason for the delayed opening, not the fact that the pandemic delayed construction.
It is all about the money at this point and not worth opening Jersey Devil if they can't bring in large crowds with social distancing. Even if SFGAdv draws COVID capacity crowds the the park will struggle to make a profit since an even higher percentage of park visitors will be eager season pass holding enthusiasts willing to make reservations in an effort to maximize the return on investment on their season pass. With reduced park capacity it is a battle between season pass holders and the park to maximize profits. Once season pass holders buy those passes, they are no longer revenue generations at the park.
Delaying the opening til 2021 is not going to bite them. SF will take short term pot shots for the enthusiast community online, but those same enthusiasts will buy passes or continue memberships and come back next year
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Update on the timing of this project: 2023
Harry Potter theme park to open in Tokyo in 1st half of 2023
KYODO NEWS KYODO NEWS - 14 hours ago - 20:40 | All, Japan, Lifestyle
A 94-year-old amusement park Toshimaen in Tokyo will be closed at the end of August, its owner said Friday, and part of the site will be used for a new theme park based on the Harry Potter films, due to open in the first half of 2023.
Seibu Railway Co. signed a deal to sell a large part of the 22-hectare site to the Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to build a park that will also be used as an emergency shelter space in the event of a disaster.
The railway company will lease part of the land to Itochu Corp. and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. will run the Harry Potter theme park.
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike welcomed the prospect of the theme park, which would be the second such facility in the world, following the one in London.
Toshimaen's closure is scheduled on Aug. 31, excluding a hot-spring spa. Seibu said the amusement park will reopen from Monday, except for the swimming pool area, after having been shut due to the spread of the new coronavirus.
Toshimaen, which opened in 1926, is one of the largest amusement parks in Tokyo with over 30 rides and attractions, including a wooden carousel that was made in Germany in 1907 and brought to the park in 1971.
It has also been famous for its various kinds of swimming pools such as a 350-meter, doughnut-shaped pool, which is said to be the world's first flowing pool.
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Regarding the Andrews, I referred to them as Andy (you), AJ, Andrew and with Rector I was usually just shaking my head.
I once coached a 5th-6th grade basketball team where 5 of the 10 kids were named Mike.
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I was actually smiling because Drievliet is possibly my favorite micro park. But thanks for continuing to promote NeuroGen.
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This is the prototype
Disneyland Resort (DL, DLR, DCA) Discussion Thread
in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Posted
Unless I'm missing something, simply stated, we're looking at the start of a public relations campaign to expand Disneyland. Of course if the focus is on what it can be, they are going to show the "best of" from other properties. I like their comment about removing old rides as a starting point to quiet the opposition from the Disneyland elitists who think their park is the best because it is the original park and sometimes oppose change because they are living in the past.