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jedimaster1227

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Everything posted by jedimaster1227

  1. Cedar Fair's latest financial report references the depreciation of assets including the loss of a terminated project at Knott's Berry Farm... This is likely the first or closest-to-official confirmation shared to date regarding the cancellation of the Montezooma's Revenge coaster overhaul. https://www.sec.gov/ixviewer/ix.html?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/811532/000081153224000035/fun-20231231.htm
  2. After our amazing full day of activities at Aulani, it was time to pack up and move on to Honolulu for the wedding we were attending... But we couldn't leave without taking in just a little more of the resort! Ulu Cafe became a constant go-to for us during our visit for meals and snacks at all hours. The breakfast flatbread with portuguese sausage was awesome! I couldn't leave without trying that macadamia nut sticky bun and it was worth every bite! Same with the monkey bread I had been eying since the beginning of the trip! Aulani features several upcharge experiences including an opportunity to design your own Mickey Ears headband. The process was really fun to observe and the choices were numerous. Due to limited timing, we had to take our kit to go but the end result is pretty neat! I genuinely considered buying this for my office... Paradise. One more Ulu Cafe poke bowl before hitting the road... The path from Aulani to the Four Seasons (next door) in Ko Olina provides some amazing views. I'd definitely consider this excursion for a future visit. We ran out of time to give this the full experience but we had enough time to try about an hour of the Menehune Adventure Trail. This is kind of like the Midship Detective Agency on Disney Cruise Line or even "A Pirate's Adventures: Treasures of the Seven Seas" at Magic Kingom, but instead of using cards or RFID tags, you use a tablet to navigate the game. The experience triggers physical, audio and visual effects throughout the resort which was a fun added activity to enjoy onsite. This is free to experience as long as you are registered resort Guest. Varying types of cultural performances take place in the central lobby of Aulani. Some last minute rockwork detail I noticed as I was staring longingly, delaying my required leave. As a consolation for having to leave, our hotel in Honolulu was near a mall with a Mitsuwa Marketplace... The lover of Japan in me took solace that I could splurge in Japanese style groceries to drown out my sorrows for the trip nearing its end. They even have gashapon and claw machines! It felt like home to me. The rehearsal dinner for the wedding was at Honolulu Brew Works, so it felt wrong not to try the local brews. Our hotel was right around the corner from the famous Moana Surfrider, so I had to stop by to see it firsthand. It didn't make sense not to get some fresh loco moco from their kitchen since I was already there. We found another Starbucks Reserve! Yes, it was very busy... But yes... It was very much worth the wait for curry udon this good! We ended up at the Kaka'ako Farmers Market for some local foods... Fresh mochi! I indulged in some delicious crab rangoon spring rolls. And some great sushi! My wife enjoyed these hand-made everything bagels... For an authentic local experience I guess? Our final stop of the trip before heading to the airport was the Dole Plantation... We were very conflicted about whether or not this would be worth the visit having heard/read mixed reviews. The grounds are very pretty but the "attractions" are all kind of overstated/oversold in their value. This section of the "botanical gardens" was actually about 1/3 of the overall gardens that you paid extra to access... We were done in minutes and were left wondering what we actually paid for. True to advertising, you do get to see pineapples growing naturally here. Along with other fruits... The Pineapple Express felt like the best chance we had to make the value out of our visit... The operation was slow but we eventually got our chance to board after waiting about 45 minutes in queue. The train takes you through a large portion of the grounds of the Dole Plantation and you get to see lots of fruits and vegetables being grown in sections along the way. Pineapple fields forever... But as you roll along the tracks you start to notice that much of the advertised equipment, vehicles and machinery used to harvest these crops look like something out of a zombie movie... Some portions of the train ride are very pretty and others are pretty desolate. The train ride itself is only narrated for about half of the ride (a portion of which is just listening to a musical soundtrack you can buy in the gift shop). We were hoping for a live narration or at least a recorded host that spent time telling us about the grounds throughout the ride but what we got was lots of silence at times, staring out at post-apocalyptic sections of farmland with no explanation as to what we were supposed to be seeing. They grow cocoa here too. I mean... Do you even Dole Plantation if you don't have Dole Whip while you're there? My main gripe with the Dole Plantation is that there's not much to really experience... But for the crowds and the prices you wait as if there is. And one minor gripe, is that there's no small option to try fresh pineapple on the plantation. There are frozen fruit spears or you can buy a whole pineapple but there's no easy option for a quick traveler to taste the produce without wasting an entire fruit. The pineapple stick in my Dole Whip was the closest I got to trying the product. We made our way to the airport and headed towards Dallas where we would have a layover of 7.5 hours... So what did we do? We left the airport to see the first showing of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania in IMAX at a nearby theater. It's one way to burn through a lengthy layover with a ton of luggage... I'll let you decide if it was a good idea. Our flight home from Dallas was quick and easy and it brought an end to our amazing vacation in Hawaii. Hawaii isn't a cheap destination (a week here cost us more than 2.5 weeks in Japan) and there is less to do when it comes to themed entertainment and attractions, but there is a natural beauty to the destination that makes it worth at least one visit in your lifetime... And yes, Aulani blew us away and I'd be lying if I said we weren't already thinking of more excuses for us to go back!
  3. LEGOLAND New York Resort has announced the addition of the Minifgure Skyflyer, a gondola attraction that is both a themed experience and a method of transportion between sections of the park. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/legoland-new-york-resort-soars-into-the-2024-season-by-partnering-with-local-ski-mountain-to-reveal-its-new-attraction-the-minifigure-skyflyer-302060732.html LEGOLAND® New York Resort is giving guests a fun way to groove while they move when visiting the Park this summer with the addition of its newest attraction: The Minifigure Skyflyer. Opening this summer, the new gondola-style ride – a first for LEGOLAND® Resorts – offers an interactive new way to travel between themed lands of the Park. In anticipation of the new ride, LEGOLAND New York Resort has partnered with Belleayre Mountain to give families an early taste of what's to come and bring the same party-in-the-sky experience to life via two specially-themed ski gondolas. Starting today through April (weather permitting), skiers can catch a lift on two special gondola pods on The Catskill Thunder Gondola wrapped in the image of the LEGOLAND New York Minifigure Skyflyer Pirate Party Pod as an immersive and fun-filled way to ride to the top of the ski mountain. Belleayre skiers who catch a ride on the LEGOLAND New York Minifigure Skyflyer gondola pods can scan a QR code and receive exclusive access to "Kids Go Free" tickets, with the purchase of an adult ticket, so families can return to LEGOLAND New York this summer and be one of the first to ride the real Minifigure Skyflyer. It's a Bird, It's a Plane! It's the Minifigure Skyflyer! LEGOLAND New York guests can expect a fully immersive, interactive experience on the Minifigure Skyflyer from queuing to disembarking. Prior to boarding, guests can help "charge" the cable car batteries through hand-powered cranks then follow the rainbow road before reaching the boarding platform's disco-themed dance floor. Complete with LEGO® brick disco ball lights, the dance floor invites families to show off their most imaginative dance moves to help the Minifigure Skyflyer truly fly! Before boarding, guests are greeted by the Resort's famous minifigures who tell the story of how they designed and built the new Minifigure Skyflyer – but they need guests' help to make it fly. Once in flight, families can use their imaginations to help "power" the ride through movement as they dance while traveling across the Park with the best views over MINILAND and more – all from the sky! Once aboard one of seven individually themed Party Pods, ranging from pirates to space to disco, it's time to partake in the in-flight interactivity features. Guests will learn how to speak like a pirate, talk in a space alien language or participate in a sing-along all while flying through the sky. All pods are ADA accessible and seat up to ten people. "There's a lot to enjoy at LEGOLAND New York, but it's a big Resort and our fans asked us for more ways to move easily from the upper and lower levels of the Park," said Divisional Director of LEGOLAND New York Stephanie Johnson. "We take our guests feedback seriously and the Minifigure Skyflyer gives them a way to do exactly that while igniting creativity, sparking imagination, and inspiring movement through disco and dance." Family flyers who enjoy the Belleayre gondola party pods are encouraged to snap, post and share their experience tagging @LEGOLAND.NewYork as you party through the sky. To learn more and buy tickets for the upcoming season, visit https://www.legoland.com/new-york/.
  4. Following our character breakfast at Makahiki it was time to enjoy a full day of resort fun at Aulani including characters, water activities and a bit of food. Quite the view. Hi Elissa! I love that Angel is a featured character at Aulani! Menehune Bridge is the resort's water play area which is a bit larger than you'll find at the other Disney resorts. Rainbow Reef is the resort's 3,800 square foot saltwater snorkeling lagoon, available to experience for an upcharge. Fans of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon will remember Shark Reef, which offered a similar snorkeling experience. Equipment is provided before you enter the water and then you can walk in. Fair warning: This water is exceptionally cold so the amount of time you'll want to stay in may vary depending on personal preference. If you take the time to look for more than just the fish in Rainbow Reef, you'll find some hidden creatures in the rockwork. We opted for our own snorkel masks which allowed us to see more clearly in all of our snorkeling activities. And yes, there are fish in here. The location of Rainbow Reef is quite picturesque. When we were done we figured we would enjoy the Aulani Resort Beach at Ko Olina Lagoon. A unique vantage point... Next up was the Waikolohe Stream, the resort's lazy river. It even goes through a cave with a few water and lighting elements (revealed at night). Aulani has two water slides (besides the small one on the side of Menehune Bridge). Tubestone Curl is a 1-2 seater tube slide and Volcanic Vertical being an enclosed body slide. Tubestone Curl is neatly embedded into the rockwork. Like with other rockwork across the resort, the queue for these slides reveals hidden creatures. You get some decent speed on this slide! These turns are surprisingly intense for a water slide! This is a fun and accessible body slide that is a more thrilling option to enjoy on property. This is the last time you see any kind of light before the slide gets pitch black. Back over at Rainbow Reef there's another experience to be had... This time (for an upcharge) we were able to feed the fish! Ka Maka Grotto features an infinity-edge looking out into the ocean. Another look at Menehune Bridge. Keiki Cove Splash Zone is a fun water play area for the younger kids. There are some pretty cool water jets in this play area. You can't deny this view is cool. I told you I'd be back to try the Mickey Spam Musubi. Rainbow Reef also has a dry viewing area where you can observe from above and below the water line. Goofy was out and about enjoying the pool day! We decided to treat ourselves to a couples massage at the Laniwai Spa and let me tell you it was the greatest spa experience we've ever had. Laniwai has the most immersive spa experience I've had the pleasure to enjoy, with the journey from check-in to your massage being absolutely mood-setting. There are loungers to enjoy while you wait for your massage to begin, but the real magic lays beyond that doorway. Not unlike the Rainforest Room in the Senses Spa on the Disney Cruise Line ships except outdoors, Kula Wai is a relaxation space with showers, jacuzzis and loungers. There's something very unique about Kula Wai's outdoor location compared to other spa relaxation areas. Next to Kula Wai's heated jacuzzi is a polar plunge pool and it hurts so good. There's a koi pond near the front of the interior of the resort. The Waikolohe Pool is the resort's largest and has multiple entryways. Pāpālua Shave Ice is the spot to get a cool treat to counteract the hot sun. And they have a great mix of flavors to choose from including several Hawaii flavors like Liliko'i and Haupia. For $6 (the Mickey ears are $1 extra) you get this massive serving of fresh shave ice with up to three flavors and it is awesome! Off the Hook is both a pool bar and another table service dining option at Aulani... And dare I say, the best dining value onsite. This Garlic Shrimp Flatbread was one of the best dishes I consumed over this entire trip. And the Crab BLT had one of the best crab-forward crab bakes I've ever had! I still can't get over this beach view of the sunset. We got lucky with an evening open house at Aunty's Beach House where we could meet Daisy Duck! Pu'u Kilo glows beautifully at night. Aulani really is something else and it is hard to describe just how special this place feels. Our last full day at the resort was magical...
  5. Such a great report! Seeing all of those Hard Rock/Freestyle rides certainly brings back memories.
  6. Last weekend and this weekend we stopped by SeaWorld Orlando to bring our son to see some animals, shows and yesterday, to meet Blippi. Progress on Penguin Trek is visible from a few places in the park—most clearly over at Pacific Point Reserve. The coaster has only two track pieces left to install, but plenty of thematic elements and construction still to complete before the ride is ready to open. From the temporary path leading to the Pacific Point Preserve you can see the bulk of the coaster's outdoor section, including of the ride's two launches as well as its unique brake run. It will be interesting to see the coaster flying by from this view in the future. Lots of work still to be done despite most track work being complete. One of the highest points of the coaster is this turnaround, which will have netting around the track since it comes so close to guest and animal areas. I expect some fun little pops of air on these two hills. Some nice B&M curves over here... A look at the initial exit from the former Antarctica dark ride building into the coaster's first launch. The re-entry into the coaster's show building/station looks quickly carved out, so I'd expect it to be refinished or for some rockwork to be added around it to make it look a little less hasty. From the other side of the park, Penguin Trek's turnaround is tall enough to be see on the park's skyline.
  7. We were up bright and early the next morning to traverse the island, heading first to the Kualoa Ranch. This insanely picturesque, privately owned section of the island is famously favorited as the hottest spot to film movies and shows with tropical, mountainous or forested backgrounds. The ranch's notable filmography includes films from the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World franchise (earning the ranch as second moniker as "Jurassic Valley"), 50 First Dates, George of the Jungle, Kong: Skull Island, LOST and many, many more. The Kualoa Ranch offers a variety of tours and experiences, including a horseback riding experience. While tempting as that was, we were here for something a little more rugged. It is important to note that none of the individual tour options cover ALL that there is to see at the Ranch, so if you're tight on time like we were, you have to choose the one that visits the landmarks and points of interest that matter to you, or plan to experience multiple tour types to maximize your access. Reservations are absolutely recommended and walk-up availability is not guaranteed. Today we'd be piloting UTVs across the grounds of the Kualoa Ranch, the best way to get a sense of adventure off-road while seeing some of the best locations across the property. Kualoa Ranch is expansive and has coastal sections with amazing views as well as inland valleys and forested areas where you couldn't feel farther from the ocean if you tried. Over the years, film/tv production has facilitated the creation of sets that, rather than demolition when production has ended, the Ranch has maintained and reutilized, both for future productions as well as for tours to visit. The money shot. Fans of Jurassic World will recognize this as the station for the Gyrosphere attraction. This bunker was featured in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom--a key location on Isla Nublar as the island is being engulfed in lava from the re-awakened volcano. Absolutely unreal. You do get a chance to exit your UTV for several stops along the tour. This was the partially-built Indominous Rex paddock used in the filming of Jurassic World. Movie magic and digital effects completed the rest to make a fully constructed housing for the villainous dinosaur hybrid who wreaked havoc on the film's namesake park. Iconic imagery from Kong: Skull Island can be found along the tour. Seriously stunning. Another bunker along the route... Notice the tour bus to the left and the open air bus to the right of the bunker. Both are different types of tour options to explore Kualoa Ranch. A breathtaking view which also serves as the perfect location for the finale shot of Jurassic World where the hero T-Rex roars over the remains of the park before the film cuts to the credits. We filmed a ton of footage and took so many more photos over the course of our time at Kualoa Ranch but this magical place is best experienced in person and I can't recommend it enough. Next we drove to the North Shore to experience CLIMB Works - Keana Farms for an amazing zip-lining tour across this side of the island. After our ascent to one of the highest points of Keana Farms, we were met with an opportunity to crack open fresh macadamia nuts with rocks by hand and it was all kinds of fun and tasty. The experience includes zip-lines, rope bridges, rappelling and even some climbing along the way. This was a very active (sometimes tiring) course so it is definitely recommended that you come prepared to work for the reward of getting across the course. Keana Farms is an active agricultural farm as well as a wind farm, so you get some really neat views along the way. You get all kinds of neat views along the way! Did I mention that you rappel several times along the way? The experience includes 8 dual lines (which was great for us as a couple being able to zip alongside each other), 2 rappels, 3 sky bridges, a floating staircase, an ATV ride and a few surprises (hope you have core strength in your body!). Proof it was me who endured all of this. The guides are awesome and ensure you have a safe, fun and funny trip along the way... They encouraged us on this one line to try experiencing it upside down, so this was my POV. That's me on the left, just hanging out. I mentioned earlier that LOST was filmed at Kualoa Ranch, and while that is true, the production spanned much of Honolulu (and at times, beyond). One such famous location was the "Others' Camp" which is actually a YMCA on the far end of the island. With permission from the operating staff, you are allowed to visit the grounds to see this notable location. It has been repainted from its recognizable orange color but the Dharma Initiative houses-turned Others' homes-turned Oceanic Flight 815-survivors' homes are still the ones you would have seen on the show. We made the long drive back to Aulani and checked in for our first official night at the resort. In case you're wondering what a room in Aulani looks like, here you go. Such a fun touch! Color me intrigued! After a very active day we decided to take in some stargazing with our outdoor dinner at Makahiki. The restaurant has a beautiful interior that really looks great at night. Some incredibly fresh ahi tuna for dinner. Leave it to Disney to help us celebrate in small but meaningful ways! Roasted Pineapple Cobbler with a Haupia Gelato for the win! And since it was Valentine's Day during our visit we picked up some special macarons from the resort to enjoy! On the walk back to our room we noticed this neat mural. Quite incredible. The next morning we were greeted with a beautiful sunrise over Aulani. And the view from our balcony... We returned to Makahiki that morning for breakfast complete with a serenade... And a first for us--Red Velvet Minnie Waffles (accompanied by more traditional Mickey Waffles)! Punaluu Sweet Bread French Toast was my treat for the morning. Part of the benefit of breakfast at Makahiki is that you get to meet several characters in their Aulani gear! Goofy's hard at work in the kitchen! And Max has taken up being a server for the day! We also saw Minnie and Pluto during our visit. And yes, fans of POG Juice can rejoice that they have it available for breakfast at Aulani... I might have had so much that they sent me out with a to-go cup for the road. Stitch caps this update off... But there was a lot more fun at Aulani still to come!
  8. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit Hawaii for the first time! While our main reason for going was a friend's wedding, we turned it into a trip to check off some bucket list items. Our first stop was The Big Island with the goal of visiting Volcanoes National Park and taking a night snorkel with manta rays... Landing at the airport on The Big Island was a surreal experience. The airport is small and almost entirely outdoors. You walk to and from the planes from the ground and your board/debark via small gangways. Funny enough, the first thought I had walking around the airport upon arrival was that this gave off old school SeaWorld Orlando vibes. If you know, you know. The EPCOT fan in me was highly amused by seeing wall carpet somewhere not at EPCOT. Our hotel, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is made up of several towers each about 10-20 minutes' walking distance apart (depending on your pace and if you have luggage in tow). To solve that, the resort has an automated tram/train that runs between the towers. I'd never seen anything like this outside of an airport or Walt Disney World, so naturally I was enamored. My first Mai Tai of the trip, but certainly not my last! While dinner wasn't anything unique (we ended up at the hotel's Italian restaurant due to the hour at which we were dining), this Calamansi Tart was authentic and delicious! Fair warning for those who haven't been to Hawaii before and are used to other tourism/resort destinations. Along our entire trip in Hawaii we found that most dining venues started to wind down operations between 7 pm and 9 pm. So if you plan to have a full day of activities, make sure you plan for where you could have dinner or else you might be enjoying limited fare at the bar or less exciting quick service or grab and go fare. The next day we got up ridiculously early to make the 1.5 hour drive from one side of The Big Island to the other to get to Volcanoes National Park. Thankfully the Waikoloa Village Starbucks was open and even better, it was a Starbucks Reserve location! We made it to Volcanoes National Park at 7:00 AM and had a half day allotted to see as much as possible before making the drive back to the other side of the island for our manta ray night snorkel. The National Park has awesome signage at the welcome station that helps you to plan for shorter visits or longer visits, prioritizing the main attractions in a reasonable order for visitors like us who wouldn't know where to start. Also recommended, speaking to National Park guides who can make recommendations on where to go and how best to get there. With our limited time, our first priority was seeing lava. While there was fortunately an eruption going on during our visit, it was unfortunately a very small one with very limited options for viewing. It was highly recommended that we return that night to see the caldera lit up from the lava, but with our existing snorkel commitment that wasn't an option. One guide recommended we follow the Crater Rim Trail as it would be the best spot that we could see the lava at this hour. The view from here is expansive for sure. LAVA! You don't see scenery like this every day! I wish we could have seen more lava but I was glad we at least saw this. And a lucky rainbow for good measure! For those of you interested in these kinds of things. Next we started our long trek down to walk near the caldera... Along the way you see a variety of unique landscapes and plant life that feel otherworldly. Mind the sinkholes. Very unique. Real lava rock found on the trail. There's a local superstition that you do not bring lava rock home with you from Hawaii as it will bring bad luck that can only be ended by returning what you took. As tempting as it is to bring home a unique souvenir, out of respect to the island and its culture, don't do it. Proof I was actually here! Like we're on another planet. After our two hour roundtrip hike to/from the caldera we moved next to the lava tube. While not as big as we expected, this was still a neat experience. Our last stop before heading out were the sulphur vents. And the look much better than they smell. The lengthy drive back had us crossing mountainous terrain and having to control the brakes hard to ensure that gravity didn't take control. But the views were unreal! Before our snorkel we had a little time to kill so we stopped by the Kona Brewing Co. Brewery & Pub. As it turned out this would be our final experience on The Big Island, as an unexpected storm filled with high winds, lightning and rain resulted in our night snorkel with manta rays being cancelled. We had some drinks at the Kona Brewery and made our way back to the hotel to get ready to fly to Honolulu the next day... It should be noted that the Hilton Waikoloa Village also has boating excursions that take you along the waterways of the resort. Just such a cool setup! Wouldn't be a visit to Hawaii without seeing some of these in the wild. The next morning's grab and go breakfast at the airport was fried rice with Portuguese sausage and a fried egg on top. And it was honestly delicious! Time to fly to Honolulu! So our first day at Aulani was kind of a cheat day... When we originally planned our trip to only be in Honolulu we booked two nights at Aulani (for three days at the resort) but when we added The Big Island to our itinerary, we also added another day in Honolulu. We couldn't add an additional night at Aulani on the front end so we ended up at the Marriott Vacation Club Ko Olina (which was an awesome resort on its own) but spent much of our day visiting the neighboring Aulani because we simply couldn't wait another day. I mean, could you blame us? We certainly didn't plan it this way, but our cheat day at Aulani also happened to be a day that they were taping performances for American Idol. Love it! Very cool! Everyone raves about these... I'd be back to try some later in the trip. I would definitely be back to try these! This was actually the second time I was present for a taping of American Idol, having been in the audience for a taping in Los Angeles in 2003. Ulu Cafe, the resort's quick service venue, would end up being our favorite dining option at Aulani. And this build-your-own poke bowl option would definitely be the reason! I might have had three of these throughout the course of our visit... I might have. Over at the Wailana Pool Bar we had tuna poke nachos... And crab rangoon! That was the end of our time at Aulani for the day but we'd move into our room at the resort the next day. It felt absolutely important for us to visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial during our time in Honolulu. Out of respect for those lost, their families and the experience I won't share any photos beyond these but I strongly recommend visiting if you're ever in Honolulu. This is a sobering reminder of a critical moment in history and the experience is well curated and honoring of those impacted. We returned to the Marriott Vacation Club Ko Olina for a restful evening but couldn't help but admire this sunset. Stunning. Any day that ends with pie (from Monkeypaw) is a good day!
  9. Six Flags and Cedar Fair have entered into an agreement to merge into a unified company under the "Six Flags" brand, comprised of 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and 9 resort properties across 17 states, Canada and Mexico. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2024, following receipt of Six Flags shareholder approval, regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. https://investors.sixflags.com/news-and-events/press-releases/2023/11-02-2023-100020810 Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN) and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to combine in a merger of equals transaction. The combined company, with a pro forma enterprise value of approximately $8 billion based on both companies’ debt and equity values as of October 31, 2023, will be a leading amusement park operator in the highly competitive leisure space with an expanded and diversified footprint, a more robust operating model and a strong revenue and cash flow generation profile. Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Cedar Fair unitholders will receive one share of common stock in the new combined company for each unit owned, and Six Flags shareholders will receive 0.5800 (the “Six Flags Exchange Ratio”) shares of common stock in the new combined company for each share owned. Following the close of the transaction, Cedar Fair unitholders will own approximately 51.2%, and Six Flags shareholders will own approximately 48.8%, of the combined company’s fully diluted share capital on a pro forma basis. One business day prior to the close of the transaction, Six Flags will declare a special cash dividend composed of: (i) a fixed amount of $1.00 per outstanding Six Flags share, totaling approximately $85 million in the aggregate, plus, (ii) an amount per outstanding Six Flags share equal to (a) the aggregate per unit distributions declared or paid by Cedar Fair to unitholders with a record date following today’s date and prior to the close of the transaction, multiplied by (b) the Six Flags Exchange Ratio, which special dividend will be payable to Six Flags shareholders of record as of one business day prior to the close of the transaction, contingent on the closing of the transaction. “Our merger with Six Flags will bring together two of North America’s iconic amusement park companies to establish a highly diversified footprint and a more robust operating model to enhance park offerings and performance,” said Richard Zimmerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair. “Together, we will have an expanded and complementary portfolio of attractive assets and intellectual property to deliver engaging entertainment experiences for guests. The combination also creates an enhanced financial profile with strong cash flow generation to accelerate investments in our parks to delight our guests, driving increased levels of demand and in-park value and spending. I have great respect for the Six Flags team and look forward to joining forces as we embark on this next chapter together.” “The combination of Six Flags and Cedar Fair will redefine our guests’ amusement park experience as we combine the best of both companies,” added Selim Bassoul, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags. “Six Flags and Cedar Fair share a strong cultural alignment, operating philosophy, and steadfast commitment to providing consumers with thrilling experiences. By combining our operational models and technology platforms, we expect to accelerate our transformation activities and unlock new potential for our parks. We are excited to unite the Cedar Fair and Six Flags teams to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunities and operational efficiencies of our combined platform for the benefit of our guests, shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders.” Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits A Successful Amusement Park Operator with Complementary Portfolio of Attractive Assets: The combined company will operate a portfolio of 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and 9 resort properties across 17 states in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company’s complementary portfolio will include some of the most iconic parks in North America with significant brand equity and loyal, recurring guest bases within the highly competitive leisure space. The combined company will also have entertainment partnerships and a portfolio of beloved IP such as Looney Tunes, DC Comics and PEANUTS to develop engaging new attractions enabled by compelling characters, environments, and storytelling. Diversified Footprint and Guest Experiences: Cedar Fair and Six Flags have minimal market overlap of park operations, and the combined company’s complementary geographic footprint is expected to mitigate the impact of seasonality and reduce earnings volatility through a more balanced presence in year-round operating climates. The portfolio will include diversified experiences for guests including safaris and animal experiences, campgrounds, sports facilities and luxury lounges, enabling the combined company to better meet rising consumer demand for varied and engaging entertainment options. Enhanced Operating Platform to Improve Guest Experiences: By uniting Cedar Fair and Six Flags’ complementary operating capabilities, the combined company will benefit from a more robust operating platform for improved park offerings and more efficient systemwide performance. The companies expect to leverage Cedar Fair’s recent park investment experience to accelerate the transformation underway across Six Flags’ portfolio. Cedar Fair and Six Flags will seek to create a more engaging and immersive guest experience. The combined company will also offer expanded park access to season pass holders along with an enhanced, combined loyalty program featuring additional perks. Experienced and Proven Leadership Team: The senior leadership teams of Six Flags and Cedar Fair bring different and complementary skillsets and experience to the combined company, including decades of park operating experience as well as significant expertise integrating businesses and achieving synergy targets. Significant Cost Savings and Revenue Uplift Opportunity: Following the close of the transaction, Cedar Fair and Six Flags expect the combined company will benefit from the significant value created by total anticipated annual synergies of $200 million. Approximately $120 million of these synergies are expected to be related to identified administrative and operational cost savings, which the companies anticipate realizing within two years following transaction close. The companies also expect to leverage their complementary operating capabilities to deliver additional revenue uplift, generating approximately $80 million of incremental EBITDA that the companies anticipate realizing within three years of transaction close. Strong Financial Profile: Over the last 12 months, through the third quarter of fiscal 2023, Six Flags and Cedar Fair collectively entertained 48 million guests, and, as a combined company, would generate pro forma $3.4 billion1 in revenue, $1.2 billion1 in Adjusted EBITDA2, and $826 million1,3 of free cash flow4, reflecting run rate cost savings of $120 million and revenue uplift resulting in $80 million of incremental EBITDA. The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share for Cedar Fair unitholders and Six Flags shareholders within the first 12 months following transaction close. The combined company is also expected to have a pro forma leverage ratio of approximately 3.7x net debt to Adjusted EBITDA, inclusive of synergies, with a path to reduce the leverage ratio to approximately 3.0x within two years of transaction close. Significant Free Cash Flow Generation and Enhanced Financial Flexibility: The combined company’s increased free cash flow will provide it with greater flexibility to invest in new rides and attractions, broader food and beverage selections, additional in-park offerings, and cross-park initiatives, such as consumer technology and enhanced guest services. The combined company’s resources are expected to be strategically deployed to grow attendance, increase per capita spending, and improve profitability, all while enhancing guests’ value and experience across the park portfolio. The combined company is committed to allocating capital to maximize shareholder returns once the company achieves its targeted net leverage ratio. Leadership, Corporate Governance and Headquarters The combined company will be led by a proven management team that reflects the strengths and capabilities of both organizations. Upon closing of the transaction, Richard Zimmerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Fair, will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and Selim Bassoul, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags, will serve as Executive Chairman of the combined company’s Board of Directors. Brian Witherow, Chief Financial Officer of Cedar Fair, will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company and Gary Mick, CFO of Six Flags, will serve as Chief Integration Officer of the combined company. Following closing of the transaction, the newly formed Board of Directors of the combined company will consist of 12 directors, six from the Cedar Fair Board and six from the Six Flags Board. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will operate under the name Six Flags and trade under the ticker symbol FUN on the NYSE and will be structured as a C Corporation. The combined company will be headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will maintain significant finance and administrative operations in Sandusky, Ohio. Approvals and Closing The merger is expected to close in the first half of 2024, following receipt of Six Flags shareholder approval, regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Approval by Cedar Fair unitholders is not required. Six Flags’ largest shareholder, which owns approximately 13.6% of Six Flags’ shares outstanding, has signed a voting and support agreement to vote in favor of the transaction. The transaction is not expected to trigger any change of control provision under Cedar Fair’s and Six Flags’ respective outstanding Notes. The companies expect to refinance their respective revolving credit facilities, and Six Flags expects to refinance the Six Flags Term Loan, ahead of transaction close. Cedar Fair and Six Flags Third Quarter 2023 Results In separate press releases today, Cedar Fair and Six Flags reported results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. The Cedar Fair release is available at https://ir.cedarfair.com and the Six Flags release can be found at https://investors.sixflags.com. Advisors Perella Weinberg Partners is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP are serving as legal counsel to Cedar Fair. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to Six Flags. Conference Call and Additional Materials Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE: FUN) and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX) will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss the pending merger and review both companies’ third quarter 2023 results. Participants on the call will include Six Flags President and CEO Selim Bassoul, Cedar Fair President and CEO Richard Zimmerman, Cedar Fair Executive Vice President and CFO Brian Witherow, and Six Flags CFO Gary Mick. Investors and all other interested parties can access a live, listen-only audio webcast of the call on the Cedar Fair and Six Flags websites. Those unable to listen to the live webcast can access a recorded version of the call on either company’s investor website Past Events, shortly after the live call’s conclusion. A replay of the call will also be available by phone starting at approximately noon ET on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, until noon ET, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. To access the phone replay, please dial (866) 813-9403 or (929) 458-6194, followed by the Conference ID: 830378. About Cedar Fair Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world, is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to make people happy by providing fun, immersive, and memorable experiences, the Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. Cedar Fair’s parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas and Toronto, Ontario. This news release and prior releases are available under the News tab at http://ir.cedarfair.com
  10. Busch Gardens Williamsburg has announced that the iconic Loch Ness Monster coaster will live on with new track and an updated experience featuring an enhanced queue and storytelling elements! In the year 564, the mythical Loch Ness Monster is believed to have been first spotted in the Highlands of Scotland. Centuries later in 1978, the Loch Ness Monster came alive in Busch Gardens Williamsburg in the form of a coaster so original and iconic that it became a registered landmark. Now in 2024, the Loch Ness Monster will resurface with a fully restored experience loaded with all-new thrilling elements, dramatic storytelling and innovative effects, as it takes riders on its journey through the Scottish terrain across “Nessie’s” signature steel track, featuring over 900 feet of all-new track. The adventure begins with an enhanced queue experience featuring new storytelling elements, and the quest continues during the lift hill climb, guided by an all-new soundtrack created just for Loch Ness Monster. New in 2024, while braving the first drop, guests catch a glimpse of something monstrous lurking under the water. Next, after plummeting over 100 feet, riders race towards the first of two interlocking vertical loops, traveling up to 60 miles per hour. Thrill-seekers emerge into a spiraling tunnel, traversing a helix and coming face-to-face with the monster in a shadowy cave lair. Out of the darkness and into the daylight, the train descends into the second iconic loop and makes one final turn before returning to the station. After four and half decades of operation, the original Loch Ness Monster will close to the public on Tuesday, Oct. 31. For the first time in the park’s history, Busch Gardens Members will have exclusive “last to ride” access for one final weekend on November 4 and 5, in addition being the first to ride the reimagined Loch Ness Monster: The Legend Lives On when it opens in 2024. A Busch Gardens Membership is the best way to experience new attractions and fan favorites, offering unlimited visits and unbeatable benefits. Memberships are on sale now. “Loch Ness Monster has been a staple to our park since 1978, even being recognized as a registered landmark by the American Coaster Enthusiasts,” said Kevin Lembke, President of Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. “We are excited to continue Loch Ness Monster’s story in 2024 and beyond.” 2024 promises to be a monumental year filled with new reasons to visit in every season. The fun kicks off with a grand Mardi Gras celebration and ends with anniversaries for two of Busch Gardens’ signature events, Howl-O-Scream® and Christmas Town™. Plus, stay tuned in the coming months as we unveil an all-new summer event! The new year previews what is to come for Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s highly anticipated 50th anniversary in 2025, creating new and elevated experiences for guests while restoring and refreshing the timeless legacy of the world’s most beautiful theme park. For a full calendar of upcoming 2023 and 2024 events, visit https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/. Members enjoy exclusive benefits like unlimited admission and unbeatable benefits all year long, including free parking, free guest tickets, monthly rewards, savings on merchandise and exclusive events with a Busch Gardens Membership. Memberships start as low as $13.00 per month. For construction updates, first to ride opportunities and more information on Loch Ness Monster: The Legend Lives On, visit BuschGardens.com/Williamsburg and follow Busch Gardens on social media.
  11. Today The Walt Disney Company announced plans to accelerate and expand their investment in the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment, including investments in domestic and international parks as well as Disney Cruise Line! https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-plans-to-expand-investment-in-parks-business/ The Walt Disney Company is developing plans to accelerate and expand investment in its Parks, Experiences and Products segment to nearly double capital expenditures over the course of approximately 10 years to roughly $60 billion, including by investing in expanding and enhancing domestic and international parks and cruise line capacity. Today, Senior Disney executives, including Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro, gathered with Wall Street analysts and investors at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida for an investor summit focused on Disney’s Parks business and its track record of investing aggressively and intelligently in experiences that leverage the powerful and ever-growing library of Disney stories, which has proven incredibly effective. “We’re incredibly mindful of the financial underpinning of the company, the need to continue to grow in terms of bottom line, the need to invest wisely so that we’re increasing the returns on invested capital, and the need to maintain a balance sheet, for a variety of reasons,” said Bob Iger. “The company is able to absorb those costs and continue to grow the bottom line and look expansively at how we return value and capital to our shareholders.” “We have an ambitious growth story that is supported by a proven track record and a bold vision for the future of our Parks business,” said D’Amaro. Central to the business’s growth strategy will be a focus on stories, scale, and fans. Stories All over the world, Disney leverages its incomparable library of intellectual property through immersive storytelling experiences in its Parks and Resorts, on board its cruise ships, and through its consumer products and licensing business. The Parks business serves as a powerful platform where Disney’s beloved stories come to life in innovative ways, and where fans across generations and geographies can connect with and explore the Disney brands and franchises they love, from Avatar to Zootopia, and everything in between. Disney continuously reimagines its theme park offerings to appeal to more guests by incorporating new stories from its popular films and series. Disney Parks has seen growth following previous periods of significant investment, which included the additions of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, and more. Today, as Disney considers future growth opportunities, there is a deep well of stories that have yet to be fully explored in its theme parks. Already, new Frozen-themed lands are coming to Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort, as well as a Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort. However, Disney will explore even more characters and franchises, including some that haven’t been leveraged extensively to date, as it embarks on a new period of significant growth domestically and internationally in its parks and resorts. “We have a wealth of untapped stories to bring to life across our business,” said D’Amaro. “Frozen, one of the most successful and popular animated franchises of all time, could have a presence at the Disneyland Resort. Wakanda has yet to be brought to life. The world of Coco is just waiting to be explored. There’s a lot of storytelling opportunity.” Scale Today, Disney has the largest physical footprint of any global theme park travel business, with 12 parks across six sites around the world.[1] Its newest resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, opened in 2016. Disney Cruise Line visits 94 ports in 40 countries, and Disney’s industry-leading consumer products division brings Disney IP into fans’ homes across the globe. Notably, Walt Disney World Resort is twice the size of the island of Manhattan, Disneyland is the most “Instagrammed” place on Earth, and tens of millions of guests travel on Disney’s transportation networks each year. Disney’s Parks business is a key driver of value creation for the company, and positive segment results in recent past quarters through FY23Q3 have come in part from strong performance at Disney’s international parks, particularly those in Asia. Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland, which have both shown meaningful growth coming out of the pandemic through Q3 FY23, have even further growth opportunities with the expansions set to open later this year. However, in addition to development plans already underway, there is significant room for further expansion on land and at sea. “We stand alone when it comes to scale,” said D’Amaro. “And while our scale is impressive, we have no shortage of space or regions of the world in which to tell new stories.” In fact, Disney Parks has over 1,000 acres of land for possible future development to expand theme park space across its existing sites – the equivalent of about seven new Disneyland Parks. Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line serves as a powerful ambassador for the brand in ports and markets around the globe beyond its theme parks, including Australia and New Zealand for the first time later this year, extending the reach of Disney’s high-quality experiences. As previously announced, over the next two years, Disney will nearly double the worldwide capacity of its cruise line, adding two ships in fiscal year 2025 and another in 2026, delivering even further growth potential and introducing new markets to Disney experiences, including a new homeport in Singapore beginning in 2025 to expand its reach further into the Asia-Pacific region. Fans Today, Disney has seven of the top ten most attended theme parks in the world, including Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, which has been the #1 attended theme park on earth for decades. Disney Parks welcome approximately 100 million guests each year. Yet there is still enormous untapped potential for reaching more consumers. According to Disney’s internal research, there is an addressable market of more than 700 million people with high Disney affinity it has yet to reach with its Parks. In fact, for every one guest who visits a Disney Park, there are more than ten people with Disney affinity who do not visit the Parks.[2] “Ultimately what is most important to us is the relationship that we have with every guest,” said D’Amaro. “Guests can spend a day with us at our Parks, a week with us on a Cruise, or the rest of their lives with us through Disney Vacation Club membership.” As Disney expands its footprint and offerings, not only will the company be able to reach more of its existing fans, but it will create new fans and loyal consumers. As the company develops plans to accelerate and expand investment in its Parks business, it looks forward to introducing fans to more of the most powerful characters and stories, expanding its global footprint, advancing its state-of-the-art commercial capabilities, and leveraging its unmatched global talent to forge relationships with new generations of fans around the world. “Throughout our history, we’ve created enormous growth by investing the right amount of capital into the right projects at the right moment,” said Iger. “We are planning to turbocharge our growth yet again with a robust amount of strategic investment in this business.”
  12. Yesterday Raglan Road hosted TPR and other outlets for a preview of this weekend's Mighty St. Patrick's Festival. This annual festival has been running at Raglan Road Pub for 17 of the 18 years that the Pub has operated at Disney Springs, and each year the offerings expand with new acts and new food and beverage options, all on top of what already makes Raglan Road a special place to visit year round. The Mighty St. Patrick's Festival takes place this year between March 16th and March 19th! One of my favorite places to eat and drink in Orlando! We had an opportunity to sample some Raglan Road favorites as well as new menu items, starting with the Berry UnIrish (a non-alcoholic drink featuring muddled blackberries, fresh lemon juice, rosemary & honey syrup and sparkling lemon Pellegrino) and the Misty Irish Eyed (a mixture of Irish Mist honey, Grace O'Malley gin, Italicus, lemon sour & prosecco). While a normal visit to Raglan Road is filled with entertaining musical and dancing acts, during the Mighty St. Patrick's Festival, the schedule is filled from end to end authentic Irish entertainment! In what I could best compare to a savory cupcake, the Truly Scrumpet Goat Fig features caramelized (torched!) goat's cheese with a fig & port jam on a chive scrumpet with walnuts, pickled beets & poached figs). This was easily the most unique and standout taste of evening! "That Salad with Seared Beef" was a surprising combination of flavors, textures and perfectly prepared ingredients. I'd happily order a plate of this during my next visit! A staple on the Raglan Road menu for many years, the Dalkey Duo is a perfect Dalkey mustard beer battered Cheshire Heritage pork sausage served with Dalkey mustard mayo and buffalo apple sauce. These battered sausages are heavy and filling but the rich batter and unique sausage make them perfectly addicting bites that you'll definitely want to keep digging into. There's lots to see and hear while dining at Raglan Road! The center of the restaurant gives guests an up-close chance to experience all the fun of the pub. The Seafood Sharing Board offers a selection of sesame crusted tuna, smoked fish cakes, "The Pink Panko" (panko crusted seared salmon) and the "Kiss Before Shrimp" (a garlicky-bathed set of shrimp bites with toast). It is always a pleasure to hear from the owners of Raglan Road Pub. The restaurant along with the attached shop, bars and Cookes of Dublin quick service venue are all owned an operated independently of any larger corporation. The venues operate out of scratch kitchens so you know everything is served at its freshest. Much of the staff and entertainers are Irish and the menus offer authentic tastes of Irish heritage with modern flair. Clare Sands (pictured right) is a 6ht generation fiddler, bilingual singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist who is performing daily along with her sister (pictured left) during the Mighty St. Patrick's Festival before moving on to perform in New York, Washington D.C., the United Kingdom and Europe. We capped off our tasting experience with the Guinness Chocolate Cake, made up of dark chocolate, soda bread ice cream and a whiskey caramel sauce. There is no better place to experience authentic Irish step-dancing than at Raglan Road Pub. Defying gravity. Step-dancing isn't reserved to the main stage, with a center stage to put guests in the center of the action. A truly unique experience! Thanks again to Raglan Road for hosting us for another fantastic evening! Be sure to check out the Mighty St. Patrick's Festival this weekend, or if you can't make it before then, don't hesitate to add the Pub to your future Orlando plans--you won't regret it!
  13. It has been announced that Rogers: The Musical, a one-act musical inspired by the show of the same name in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is coming to Disney California Adventure for a limited run this summer! https://www.marvel.com/articles/culture-lifestyle/rogers-the-musical-disneyland-resort-summer-2023 For anyone out there who has long dreamed of seeing a real-life production of Rogers: The Musical, your dreams are about to come true. Starting this summer for a limited-time engagement, a short one-act version of Rogers: The Musical will debut on the Hyperion Stage inside California Adventure Park. More details will be announced at a later date, but Disney Parks shared a small tease of what’s to come when the Avengers step into the spotlight. The fictitious musical all about the life of Steve Rogers, the first Captain America, first debuted in the Disney+ original series, Hawkeye. In the show, all the Avengers are invited to New York for the premiere of the brand new, showstopping musical but only Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, shows up. The MIA Avengers don’t know what they’re missing, though, as viewers are treated to a musical number based on The Battle of New York…though a few creative liberties have been taken here and there. More details regarding the storyline, music, and debut date will be shared in the future and it’s sure to be a SMASH. SMASH. SMAAAAASH.
  14. Walibi Belgium has announced a major expansion project for the Aqualibi water park! https://walibibelgium.prezly.com/grand-projet-dextension-pour-aqualibi MAJOR EXPANSION PROJECT FOR AQUALIBI From December 2023, Aqualibi will host a major extension which mainly consists of the creation of a new tower containing 4 innovative water slides. In addition, several actions are carried out in line with the water park's carbon neutrality trajectory. Overall cost of the project: 30 million euros. A wave of novelties is sweeping over Aqualibi! A first project consists of the extension of nearly 1,000m² of the water park by creating a new tower, approximately 25m high, housing a set of water slides unique in the Benelux. Thrill-seeking swimmers will thus be able, from the end of this year, to discover 4 new experiences ranging from side-by-side sliding competitions in buoys or mats, to a whirlwind adventure in a large funnel, to the push of a adrenaline during a vertiginous propulsion in a wave 18m high! In a second phase, the park will also open an outdoor tropical garden fitted out as a relaxation and dining area. We are very excited to be able to announce such an investment for our water park! These 4 "state-of-the-art" slides all have unique elements in the Benelux - and even in Europe. For example, a toboggan will allow duels of slides in buoys with high-speed ascents thanks to water jet propulsion technology. This new project is perfectly in line with our ambition to strengthen our position as a water park of reference in Belgium, offering an offer rich in sensations for an audience of all ages. Jean-Christophe Parent - Managing Director Walibi Belgium-Aqualibi Net Zero Carbon Trajectory About half of the investment budget is allocated, on the one hand, to the energy efficiency of the water park and, on the other hand, to the decarbonisation of the remaining uses. Since the beginning of the year, several renovation works have been carried out in order to achieve significant energy savings. These include, among other things, the strengthening of current insulation, the replacement of the heating and ventilation system with high-performance systems and the optimization and automation of the operation of energy-consuming installations. In addition to acting on the reduction and improvement of energy performance, Aqualibi wishes to green its inputs through the production of renewable electricity. To do this, a park of photovoltaic panels with an area of more than two football fields (15. 700 m²) will be developed this year at the level of the staff car park, multiplying by 4 the production generated by the existing photovoltaic panel installations. The energy supplied will be used to operate the Aqualibi. Open during carnival holidays A first phase of work will be completed on February 17. Visitors will therefore be able to enjoy the water park during the carnival holidays from February 18 to March 5 . During the school holiday period, Aqualibi will offer 7 nights until 10 p.m. on February 18, 19, 23, 24 & 25 and March 3 & 4 , with various activities for young and old. Then, Aqualibi will still be open until August 27, 2023 before starting a second phase of work between August 28, 2023 and December 21, 2023. Useful information Website: https://www.aqualibi.be/fr/aqualibi-travaux-exceptionnels Closure of Aqualibi for works Phase 1: 09/01/2023 - 17/02/2023 Phase 2: 08/28/2023 - 12/21/2023 Slide manufacturer: ProSlide Technology Inc. https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/d0ddaba1-f954-4025-9257-373c4b0832de/Projet - Extension Aqualibi 2023.mp4
  15. Thorpe Park has announced their newest experience, Ghost Train which will open in the Spring of 2023. This experience replaces the former Derren Brown's Ghost Train attraction which operated for 7 years. https://www.thorpepark.com/explore/theme-park/rides/ghost-train-ride/ Say your final farewell... Depart the mortal world on a one-way ticket beyond the veil into darkness on THORPE PARK Resort’s newest ride experience – Ghost Train. But watch your tracks, death is always one stop ahead. This next generation of Ghost Train will take you on a harrowing ride into the realms beneath THORPE PARK Resort to where the supernatural believers call home. Ghost Train is one of the UK’s longest ride experiences featuring live actors and multisensory effects to create a terrifying attraction like no other! There’s nothing virtual about this petrifying experience, so prepare to meet your maker as you come face-to-face with horrors that dwell within. Opens Spring 2023 Ride FAQs When does Ghost Train open? Ghost Train is set to arrive at Thorpe Junction during Spring 2023, we'll confirm an opening date as soon as we know more. Do you need a timed ticket? What time does the ride open? We will confirm this via our app and website ahead of the ride opening. Has this replaced Derren Brown's Ghost Train? Yes, Ghost Train has replaced Derren Brown's Ghost Train. Does the ride feature VR? No, there's nothing virtual about this petrifying experience! Has the ride experience changed much? Yes, Ghost Train features an entirely new storyline and special effects. Does the ride feature live actors? Yes, live actors are featured throughout the experience. Is Derren Brown involved in the project? No, after seven years Derren Brown's Ghost Train has reached the end of the line and has now departed the island. What is the minimum height/age restriction? We will confirm this via our app and website ahead of the ride opening. Is this wheelchair accessible? Wheelchairs may be taken into the ride; however, the user must be able to transfer onto a ride seat and be able to walk unaided. We are constantly looking at ways to make our rides more accessible and we will update via our website and app should any changes occur in the future. For a video teaser visit: https://www.facebook.com/thorpepark/videos/947649396226321
  16. Gardaland has announced the addition of Jumanji The Labyrinth which will debut in 2023! https://www.gardaland.it/en/jumanji-the-labyrinth/ Are you brave enough to take on the Labyrinth to save Jumanji? Drought threatens the very existence of Jumanji! The rains have stopped falling, the wells have run dry, and the rivers have stopped flowing. Only you can save the day - by returning the sacred gem to the elephant temple, that will bring back the waters flowing back to the land Venture into the Labyrinth where you will have to face the dangers of an ancient temple mirror maze, before stepping into a dark adventure tunnel adventure – but watch out for the spitting snakes! Then finally enter the wild jungle maze, with its innumerable pitfalls and surprises Will you be able to survive the Labyrinth and save Jumanji? Good luck adventurers!
  17. Efteling has announced that an updated scene will be added to De Vliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman) coaster. The new scene will debut on April 1st, 2023. https://www.efteling.com/nl/blog/nieuws/20230202-nieuwe-scene-voor-de-vliegende-hollander Starting April 1, the new scene will have you sailing through a graveyard of derelict shipwrecks. Efteling Designer Karel Willemen explains the design. What do you think the new scene will look like? Karel: “The curtain of rain, where the ghost of a ghost ship suddenly approaches you during the ride, regularly provides extra maintenance. That is why we have chosen to replace this scene during the regular winter maintenance of De Vliegende Hollander. Nice detail: in the new decor we use the large wooden figureheads that were made years ago for the attraction, but which we have not been able to install until now.” The key visual of the new scene in the water attraction De Vliegende Hollander by Efteling Designer Karel Willemen. Audio directs the revamped scene “Previously, the pouring rain drowned out the audio, but in the situation from April 1, we can let the music and soundscapes play a greater role,” Karel continues. “Together with composer René Merkelbach, I looked at whether the existing music still needed to be adapted. We soon found out that it fits the new scene perfectly. We even let the music direct what you see while sailing: lightning strikes to the beat of the music, the water splashes up and the shipwrecks with their immense figureheads loom. I think it will be fantastic.” De Vliegende Hollander will open again on Saturday, April 1, 2023. In honor of the reopening, a new music album will be available on Spotify and other streaming services. Description of the first part of the ride in De Vliegende Hollander After embarking, we sail out of the seventeenth-century harbor in a sloop. We pass two impressive VOC ships and reach the open sea. The starry sky seems to predict a calm weather picture, but nothing could be further from the truth. We get into a dense fog with our sloop and hear lugubrious ghosts all around us and their echoes from past, present and future. In the distance, a ship's bell sounds panicked… When we sail out of the fog bank, we see driftwood floating in the night darkness, barrels and boxes on which ship rats have taken refuge. Then: a lightning strike! The seawater splashes meters up and the bright light briefly shows us a shipwreck with a mouldering, angelic figurehead. We are sailing through a ship graveyard! A second and third lightning strike reveals in a short flash several wrecks and figureheads that seem to sing to us like Sirens. Then suddenly: darkness and ominous silence, we hold our breath! Frontally in front of us, De Vliegende Hollander looms with much fanfare and comes straight at us. The infamous ghost ship, with a smoldering figurehead in the form of a bloodthirsty lion, was waiting for us, pulling us in and swallowing us! We crash into the depths of the underworld; the darkest part of the soul of De Vliegende Hollander… About The Flying Dutchman Since 2007 you can defy the age-old legend of ghost ship De Vliegende Hollander in this spectacular water roller coaster. At the beginning of 2004, a start will be made on the attraction on the site of the former open-air swimming pool. Karel Willemen is designing a harbor town with a 22.5 meter high tower for this purpose. A dune landscape and De Kombuys with terrace complete the surroundings. The Flying Dutchman tells the story of the greedy VOC captain, Willem van der Decken. Against all rules, he sails to the East on Easter Sunday 1678, in the middle of a heavy storm. His ship turns into a fiery ghost ship doomed to sail the world's seas forever. An encounter with this ship in the adventure attraction is not excluded at all…
  18. And while that may be true... What about what the ride actually is justifies the other five years of development?
  19. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced that Serengeti Flyer will be opening on February 27th, 2023! https://buschgardens.com/tampa/rides/serengeti-flyer/ Have you heard about the record-breaking Serengeti Flyer coming to Busch Gardens February 27, 2023? With each swing, riders will soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while experiencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth. If you have an Annual Pass and have been collecting your Passport to Thrills tickets, your exclusive time to ride is almost here! Guests who have visited Busch Gardens Tampa Bay one time each in December and January AND collected those tickets, have until February 23, 2023 to collect their February ticket. Come back on February 24, 2023 from 10am – 2pm and present your December, January, and February tickets for entry into the exclusive Passport to Thrills event. The event includes the FIRST opportunity for Pass Members to ride Serengeti Flyer, free popcorn, soda, button, and more. February tickets will not be distributed on February 24, 2023.
  20. While I don't disagree... It doesn't feel like any part of it was so revolutionary that it required eight years to open.
  21. Today Merlin Entertainments announced "The Curse at Alton Manor" as the new ride-through haunted house dark ride that will open at Alton Towers this Spring. https://www.merlinentertainments.biz/newsroom/news-releases/2023/alton-towers-new-dark-ride/ The Curse at Alton Manor is the official name of the new attraction and is set to be the Resort’s most immersive dark ride to date. An eerie image of the new ride-through haunted house has also been unveiled which hints at what’s to come with the attraction when it launches this Spring. The Resort is keeping ride details, including the backstory of the Manor’s sinister past under wraps for now, however it has said it will be a haunting ride which will frighten and excite both brave youngsters AND adults, as it takes them on a hair-raising journey through the spectacular twists and turns of the cursed manor. Although there is limited information around what to expect with the ride, creators of The Curse at Alton Manor are said to have found new and unimaginable ways to scare and surprise fans, with special effects and visuals that have never been seen before from a UK theme park. The spooky site where Alton Manor resides was once home to the attraction Duel, however the ride was abruptly closed after the building was repossessed last year due to unnatural activity in the area. Although information around the strange goings-on inside the house is limited, the image offers a set of clues about what’s in store for fans who dare to ride The Curse at Alton Manor, but The Resort is leaving it up to fans to figure this out. “Let the countdown begin! The Curse at Alton Manor is no ordinary dark ride. It has all the components of a supernatural tale - it’s dark, compelling and promises some thrilling and scary moments along the way. Fans of eerie rides will certainly appreciate this one. More details on The Curse at Alton Manor will be revealed next month, so stay tuned for what’s to come.” - KATE MCBIRNIE, HEAD OF PRODUCT EXCELLENCE AT ALTON TOWERS RESORT Alton Towers Resort is renowned for providing world-class attractions for guests of all ages, including Wicker Man, the UK’s first wooden rollercoaster to be built in over 20 years, Oblivion, the world’s first vertical drop rollercoaster and The Smiler, the world’s first 14 loop rollercoaster, to name a few. The Staffordshire based theme park continues to welcome millions of guests from across the globe, delivering memorable and unique experiences and events each season.
  22. Universal Orlando has announced details for this year's Universal's Mardi Gras, which will feature concerts, a parade, food, live music and new offerings that extend the fun beyond Universal Studios Florida to the other parks and resorts! https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/mardi-gras We’re Going Beyond the Bayou for Mardi Gras! What’s even more exciting than Mardi Gras? Universal’s Mardi Gras! We’re going beyond the bayou with an awesome party inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world. Watch a parade (on select nights) of spectacular floats. Sample flavors from the bayou to Brazil and beyond. Enjoy live music all around and concerts (on select nights), then go ahead and get your beads and your party on! Prices, times, dates, entertainment, event and/or experience details are subject to changes and/or cancellation without notice. Daytime and Nighttime Fun at Universal Studios Florida At Universal’s Mardi Gras you’ll enjoy a glittering parade and some of the biggest names in music live in concert (both select nights only), along with unforgettable food from around the world (food available for purchase). Don’t Miss the Spectacular Parade The dazzling floats will be rolling, the colorful performers will be moving to the beat, and the beads will be flying. This year’s parade features traditional floats plus six all-new floats straight from New Orleans and the party will bounce! Float Riding You haven’t experienced Mardi Gras until you’ve experienced it from atop one of our spectacular floats. Toss beads to the crowd while you make your way through the streets for an unforgettable time. A limited number of spots are available per night. Reservations will be accepted in-park via the Virtual Line™ experience in the Official Universal Orlando App. Note: There is no Mardi Gras parade on March 31. Food & Beverage Universal CityWalk The Mardi Gras festivities extend to CityWalk with specially-themed food and drink offerings in a number of venues. Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverage. Mardi Gras Dining at Universal Orlando Hotels The best way to experience Mardi Gras is with a stay at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s spectacular hotels. Whether you’re actually staying as a guest or just stopping in for a delicious meal, you’ll find a variety of tantalizing menu items specially themed for Mardi Gras. Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Trattoria del Porto CAJUN JAMBALAYA PASTA Shrimp, Smoke Sausage, Chicken, Onions, Peppers, and Mushroom in a Creole Sauce with Fettuccine Pasta MASQUERADE CANNOLI Mixed berry insalada The Thirsty Fish BOULEVARDIER Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Campari, Sweet Vermouth Splendido Bar & Grill MOJITO LAMPONE (Lampone is Italian for raspberry) Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chambord, simple syrup, raspberry, mint Hard Rock Hotel® The Kitchen BOURBON STREET BEIGNETS Bourbon Caramel Sauce, Powdered Sugar FRENCH 75 Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, champagne Velvet Bar N’AWLINS PO’ BOY SLIDERS Smoked Andouille Sausage, Sautéed Peppers and Onions, Cajun Remoulade, Toasted French bread FRENCH 75 Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, champagne beachclub HURRICANE Papa’s Pilar Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, grenadine, pineapple, and orange juice Loews Royal Pacific Resort Islands Dining Room KING CAKE PANCAKES Lemon and powdered sugar glaze, spiced walnuts (breakfast only) Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar ORCHID Nikka Gin, St.Germain, Crème de Violet, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Pea Flower Float Tuk Tuk Market CHOCOLATE BOMB Choose from: chocolate and caramel with spiced pecan with Mardi Gras purple, green and gold decor, s’mores or cookies & cream Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Amatista Cookhouse SHRIMP & ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE GUMBO POT PIE Vegetables and Okra Strong Water Tavern CUCUMBER HURRICANE TWIST Light rum, lime juice, midori, sliced cucumber New Dutch Trading Co. TRADITIONAL KING CAKE Universal’s Aventura Hotel Bar 17 Bistro CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE Classic dish of crawfish, the holy trinity of onions, celery and bell pepper served over rice MUFFULETTA SANDWICH Genoa Salami, Mortadella, ham, provolone and swiss cheese, and olive salad Bar 17 Bistro and Bar Ventura HURRICANE Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers’s Original Dark Rum, passion fruit, tropical juices SAZERAC Rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Galaxy Bowl Restaurant SHRIMP PO’ BOY WITH ZAPPS CHIPS Crispy Cajun fried shrimp piled on a French baguette and topped with a creole inspired creamy remoulade sauce – add $7 for a choice of 16-ounce Abita draft beer or 12-ounce Abita king cake soda (Also available a la carte) LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER HURRICANE Let the good times roll with Bacardi Light Rum, Cruzan 12yr Single Barrel Rum, passionfruit puree, orange juice and grenadine – served with a 32-ounce souvenir Galaxy Bowl cup Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites Beach Break Café NEW ORLEANS BBQ SHRIMP & DIRTY RICE A classic creole dish. Sautéed shrimp in a rich butter and Worcestershire sauce on a bed of flavorful Cajun spiced rice with andouille sausage Sand Bar THE ENDLESS CARNIVAL Castillo Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, a pinch of dried blackberries, pineapple wedge and a green sugar rim Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites Pier 8 NEW ORLEANS CAJUN ROASTED CHICKEN & DIRTY RICE A classic creole dish of Cajun spiced oven roasted half chicken on a bed of flavorful Creole rice with andouille sausage topped with spicy sweet candiedbacon Sunset Lounge, The Oasis Beach Bar and The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar THE ENDLESS CARNIVAL Castillo Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, a pinch of dried blackberries, pineapple wedge and a green sugar rim
  23. Temper your expectations. While you’ll be able to experience attractions during your visit, you’re going to wait longer than you would typically (for a Thursday or for any other time of year in general). Things that normally would have minimal wait times will have excessive waits as well. Shows have the potential to fill up during this busy period, so plan accordingly and queue early to ensure you can get in. My best recommendation is to prioritize what really matters to you for your visit and focus on working down that list as best as possible as your day goes on. Rope drop the park so you’re amongst the first people in the gates so you can rush to the most popular attractions before the largest crowds roll in within the next few hours that follow. With only one day, you won’t likely get to do everything you aim to. Also keep in mind that navigating the parks and park hopping will likely take longer than normal as there will be more people in park paths and in the line for entrance turnstiles. Plan ahead. Arrive early/on time. Set realistic expectations and be pleasantly surprised if they’re exceeded. Have a good time.
  24. The announcement post has been updated with more details from Universal including news about a new Minions Cafe and more!
  25. The Universal Orlando Resort has announced the new "Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast" which will open at Universal Orlando in the Summer of 2023! https://corporate.universalparks.com/its-so-much-fun-its-a-crime-universal-orlando-resort-announces-illuminations-villain-con-minion-blast-a-first-of-its-kind-diabolical-family-attraction-inspired-by-illuminations-popular-mi/ Next summer, guests will engage in loads of diabolical fun for kids, teens and adults as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Developed in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination, this interactive, blaster game experience will invite guests to put their villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains. Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films in a whole new way. The world-class attraction transports guests to Villain-Con – the biggest criminal convention on the planet – to take part in an epic competition to see if they have what it takes to become the newest member of The Vicious 6, a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Guests who are up for the challenge will grab an interactive blaster and step onto a motion-based pathway to put their skills to the test. They’ll wind and glide through various scenes where they earn points by blasting a variety of items and causing as much mayhem and destruction as possible. It’s a unique, mischief-filled experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime. Villain-Con Minion Blast will open in Summer 2023 at Universal Studios Florida within the new Minion Land on Illumination Ave. This new area will also feature the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, a new Minion Café and other surprises inspired by popular characters from Illumination’s blockbuster franchises. More details about Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast and Minion Land will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.
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