GabrielOak

We chatted with a few former BEC executives about what the sale might mean for the parks... http://www.blooloop.com/blog/posts/Theme-Parks--Weighing-in-on-Blackstone-s-purchase-of-the-Busch-parks/142

Thought this interview could be of interest... Exclusive! Interview with Imagineers Chris Beatty and Jon Georges on Disney World's Fantasyland Expansion http://www.blooloop.com/Article/Theme-Parks-Blooloop-Exclusive-Interview-with-Imagineers-Chris-Beatty-and-Jon-Georges-on-Disney-s-World-Fantasyland-Expansion/155

LOL Robb, that's one coaster I'll be avoiding!

Great feedback thanks guys. Still slightly confused over what constitutes "steepness" exactly. I mean once it gets to 90 degrees isn't it less steep then whichever way you go? Either way the new ride looks pretty frightening!

See BBC news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8133785.stm Just wondered if there are other coasters claiming this record? Looks superb though and the ride video is brilliant. Watched this at work and the others thought I was watching a horror film with all the screaming!

mmm I wonder, would you get the VIP treatment too, ie escorted to the front of each queue? Could be a mite frustrating standing in a long line when you had another 3 thousand rides to experience...

Thought this could be of interest. Joni Newkirk had an amazing career at Disney and looks back on it here.. http://www.blooloop.com/Article/Theme-Parks-Looking-into-the-Future-at-Disney/140

We received a DVD called "The Business of Fun", about the development of Dollywood's mystery Mine attraction and Rob Coker and John Hogg were each good enough to write a review... http://www.blooloop.com/Article/Roller-Coasters-A-Mystery-Mine-Movie-Part-1/138 http://www.blooloop.com/Article/Roller-Coasters-A-Mystery-Mine-Movie-Part-2/139

He's writing a book too which should be a good read, he has seen and achieved so much and is the the only Disney cast member who has participated in all eleven of Disney's major park openings. See the full letter here: Marty Sklar's Retirement Letter Marty Sklar, courtesy Disney

Just out today the ERA/TEA annual report on the global theme park business, listing the major theme parks world wide, their attendances, how they are faring etc. Thought it could e of interest to you guys. You can read a summary and also download the full report for free at: http://www.blooloop.com/Article/Amusement-Parks-TEA-and-ERA-Post-International-Theme-Park-Numbers-for-2008-/130

We recently chatted with Merlin Entertainment Group's CEO Nick Varney . With Merlin's phenomenal growth it should be fascinating to what new parks and attractions (and coasters) the company snaps up this year. Busch Gardens anyone? http://www.blooloop.com/Article/World-Leadership-through-People-and-Creative-Ideas-An-interview-with-Nick-Varney-CEO-of-Merlin-Entertainments-Group/119

Dunno about you guys, and I feel like an ol' curmudgeon saying this, but I'm with Bradley from the LA Times Funworld Blog, in that, dare I say this.. I just don't like getting wet. Love coasters, love speed, love the adrenalin rush, all that stuff but , getting bucket-loads of water on me , well it just doesn't ring my bell. Here in the UK the summer is often not that warm, so half way through your day getting soaked to the bone can be no fun: walking around with gun-slinger legs, leaving a trail was fun as a kid, and my kids love it, but now.. well. Gimme a warm fire and a pipe and slippers. Plus this summer it rains every day anyhow, so spending a few hours dodging the rain only to then deliberately get wet and cold kinda pours cold water on your previous efforts. However, of course once these parks open in Dubai a bit of water in the 55 degrees heat will be welcome...

Admired this site for ages, finally got round to joining. Added a great piece about X2 recently, written by a ride designer so it has a good degree of insight. Thought it might be interesting to read. Link is here: A Designer's View: Six Flags' X2: A Ride of Genius? http://www.blooloop.com/Article/A-Designer-s-View-Six-Flags-X2-A-Ride-of-Genius-/81 Is there a sub-section for Brits here on TPR? I mean I know we don't have as many coasters as the US but we have a few worth crowing about..