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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has announced the addition of a new attraction which will open this March, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. This new experience will include new artifacts, exhibits and a new 4D flying theater with four different "journeys" to choose from! https://media.kennedyspacecenter.com/kennedy/kennedy-space-center-visitor-complex-launches-into-future-with-gateway-deep-space-launch-complex-opening-march-2022.htm In an ongoing mission to bring the epic story of the U.S. space program to life, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex today announced a new attraction. Slated to open in March 2022, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, will focus on the present and future of collaborative space exploration, enabling guests to experience the interstellar travel of tomorrow while celebrating what is happening right now within the space program. It will feature a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware with immersive displays, as well as a “journey” through space, unique launch viewing opportunities and more. Upon entering Gateway on the first level, “space travelers” will be greeted with a futuristic design intended to set the stage for their journey. Displayed like massive space sculptures in an outdoor garden, visitors will be surrounded by actual space flown artifacts and full-scale models, placed around the floor and suspended from above to allow 360-degree viewing and interaction. They include: Orion Crew Vehicle from EFT-1 Mission (space flown) Boeing CST-100 Starliner Crew Vehicle (full-scale engineering model) SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, officially known as Booster 1023, which supported two SpaceX missions (space flown) Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser (full scale replica) NASA Space Launch System (scale model) ULA Atlas V and Delta IV heavy (scale model) As well as offering a “nose-to-nose” view of the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, Gateway’s second floor features a 30-foot, floor-to-ceiling Robotic Trail Blazers Wall with interactive, touchscreen displays through which guests can learn about almost 40 different satellites and probes in space. Also in this area will be a HoloTube presentation station where guests can learn about the high-powered James Webb Space Telescope by manipulating holographic imagery, video and animation through a touchscreen kiosk. Nearby, guests will be transported into the future of space travel at Spaceport KSC, the first and only airport of the future. Upon entering the concourse, travelers will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of a galactic spaceport: atmospheric airport chatter will surround travelers as they peer through windows at distant views of active launches and landings. The main concourse features multiple screens that will showcase destination promo videos and departure and arrival information. Guests will then board their “spaceships” – in the form of a two-story, 4D flying theater – for one of four journeys: Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet or Uncharted Worlds. Each distinct destination allows for the possibility of a different experience with each visit. Gateway’s rooftop will be a versatile space for both launch and landing viewing and hosting special events. Affixed to the rooftop will be a Planewave CDK20 Telescope with a Espirit 100mm triplet deep sky APO Refractor, and an Altair 125mm solar refractor will offer access to some of the sky’s most amazing celestial and solar wonders. The stunning images can then be shared for educational purposes. As always, the health and safety of employees and guests is the highest priority for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations, the visitor complex continues to operate at a limited attendance, accommodating social distancing, encouraging advance daily admission purchases, and implementing increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection. All guests, including those vaccinated against COVID-19, are required to wear face coverings in all indoor locations, except when actively eating or drinking. This includes all attractions, attraction queues, show viewing areas, restaurants and buses. Guests who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are not required to wear face coverings outdoors. Additional details are available at: www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/coronavirus. SPACEX BOOSTER ARRIVAL See the incredible arrival of a spaceflown SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, officially known as Booster 1023. This booster supported two SpaceX missions and can be seen inside Gateway in 2022.

Toverland has announced a significant renewal project on the way for Expedition Zork, the park's signature log flume! https://www.toverland.com/en/press/news/theme-park-toverland-renews-water-rapids-ride-expedition-zork Theme park Toverland will use this winter to upgrade their water rapids ride Expedition Zork. The attraction, which opened in 2004, receives a whole new storyline and will be extensively themed. Also the décor of Expedition Zork will be extended with an interactive marble run for the entire family. Expedition Zork is scheduled for reopening in the spring of 2022. More information can be found on toverland.com/zork. In the past years, Toverland has carried out various restyling projects for their indoor theme area Wunderwald in which Expedition Zork is located. “Toverland’s quality standard is getting higher and higher and we think it’s very important to include our older theme areas as well”, explains general director Jean Gelissen jr. “Even in these special times we want to continue investing and at the moment we think that renewing Expedtion Zork fits best with our strategy.” Expedition Zork Ever since the log flume ride opened in 2004 its rockwork has always contained an image of Zork, a mysterious green swamp creature. “We have never really explored the background story of this character”, says senior designer Peter van Holsteijn. “Expedition Zork’s new storyline will connect all the existing elements of Wunderwald. An alpine village, an eccentric inventor, a water rapids ride and an unknown mountain monster." Visitors of Expedition Zork will step into a transport system that has been devised by inventor Maximus Müller to search for the mythical character Zork. During the expedition they will find out whether Zork is this dreaded monster from the folk tale, or that perhaps the truth of the mystery is a completely different story. “All pieces of the puzzle will fall into place”, according to the designer. Interactive marble run An interactive marble run called Maximus’ Wunderball will be added as part of the décor of Expedition Zork. At the start of the run, visitors can obtain wooden Toverland-balls, and roll them through a giant track as often as they like. There are two different tracks with a combined length of 125 metres. More information The renewed Expedition Zork and Maximus’ Wunderball are scheduled for reopening in the spring of 2022. Construction will start after the Christmas holidays. Spinning coaster Dwervelwind is going to be the alternative attraction during Toverland’s indoor season when Expedition Zork is closed. Vistors who are curious about the project can have a peek inside Maximus’ Bauhaus from the start of the Christmas holidays. Frequently updated drawings of this project can be admired in this office. The project can be followed online via toverland.com/zork.

SeaWorld Orlando has announced that Ice Breaker will officially open on February 18th, 2022! https://seaworld.com/orlando/roller-coasters/ice-breaker/ THE STEEPEST BEYOND VERTICAL DROP IS JUST THE BEGINNING. SEAWORLD’S FIRST LAUNCH COASTER | OPENING FEBRUARY 18, 2022 Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will feature four airtime filled launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida - a 93 feet tall spike with 100 degree angle. The thrills continue as riders fly over a near vertical tophat maneuver into a series of exciting twists, turns, and airtime hills. The brand-new coaster will be located across from Wild Arctic and opens February 18, 2022.

Amazing pictures! Phantasialand has always been on my to-do list for an eventual Europe trip. Rookburgh only makes me want to plan that trip sooner! Thanks for sharing this great report!

Today it was announced that the construction contract for Six Flags Qiddiya had been awarded, bringing the project one step closer to reality! https://qiddiya.com/en/media/press-office/qic-announces-sar-375-billion-construction-contract-to-build-six-flags-qiddiya/ Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced the award of a SAR 3.75 billion contract, to build Six Flags Qiddiya, to Bouygues Bâtiment International (BBI) - a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction - and Saudi Almabani General Contractors, in a joint venture between the two construction companies. The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by officials from both companies at the Qiddiya Experience Centre and was followed by a ground-breaking inauguration to simultaneously mark the official start of construction. As the Kingdom’s future capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts, visitors to Qiddiya will enjoy a wide spectrum of offerings that include Sports & Wellness; Nature & Environment; Parks & Attractions; Motion & Mobility; and Arts & Culture. Situated on the outskirts of the Saudi capital, Qiddiya is a destination city that is currently under development and when open, will become a disruptive destination that offers innovative experiences in entertainment, sports and arts. Six Flags Qiddiya will serve to be a key entertainment attraction for Qiddiya and the city of Riyadh. The theme park will cover an area of 320,000 square meters and will feature 28 rides and attractions of which 10 will be thrill rides, with 18 rides designed for families and young children. Abdullah Aldawood, Board Member and Managing Director, Qiddiya Investment Company, commented: “With this signing, we are embarking on major steps towards building the Kingdom’s future destination for Entertainment, Sports and the Arts. We are pleased to collaborate with leading construction companies, like Bouygues Bâtiment International, and we look forward to build Six Flags Qiddiya together, delivering a world-class theme park with several exciting new ride concepts. Six Flags Qiddiya will be a key entertainment attraction for Riyadh, the Kingdom and the world at large.” Selim Bassoul, President and CEO Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX), commented: “We are pleased that our first theme park outside North America will be part of what will become the iconic entertainment destination in the Kingdom. Six Flags’ brand of thrills and entertainment is perfect for the youthful population around Riyadh and in the Middle East, and our park will help the city’s quest to become one of the best places to live in the world.” Pierre-Eric Saint-André, Bouygues Bâtiment International CEO, commented: “We are grateful to have been selected with our partner Almabani for the Six Flags theme park at the Qiddiya giga-project, which will become a major entertainment hub in the Middle East. Six Flags Qiddiya is an incredible opportunity for us to express our expertise both in terms of supporting our Client with export finance solutions and of construction of complex infrastructures. Our journey in Saudi Arabia started in 1975 in Jeddah, followed a few years later by the construction of the King Saud University of Riyadh. We are proud to be given the chance to continue this journey almost 50 years after it started. We are particularly delighted to take part in the country's transformation plan and we are determined to have a positive impact while making Six Flags Qiddiya a landmark in the world of entertainment.” Joseph Daher, CEO of Almabani General Contractors, commented on the partnership: “Over the years, we have worked with leading names in Saudi Arabia across various sectors be it housing, aviation, military, power or transportation. To be awarded the construction contract to build a first-of-its-kind theme park in the Kingdom is a great honor – and we are thrilled to be on board with Qiddiya. We are pleased that the development of this park will be aligned with the sustainability goals of Saudi Vision 2030, as that is very important to us. We look forward to working together to build this incredible project!” All rides and attractions have been designed exclusively for Qiddiya and embody the rich cultural heritage of the location as well as Saudi Arabia. The theme park will be home to five signature rides that will break ten world records including: Falcons Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster; Sirocco Tower, the world’s tallest, free-standing shot tower ride; Gyrospin, the world’s tallest pendulum ride; Spitfire, the world’s tallest inverted top hat coaster; and Iron Rattler, the world’s tallest tilt coaster. The rides and attractions at the theme park will be spread across six immersive lands: The City of Thrills, Discovery Springs, Steam Town, Twilight Gardens, Valley of Fortune and Grand Exposition. The central hub of the park will be the Citadel which will be covered by a billowing canopy form inspired by traditional Bedouin tents. Home to a wide range of cafes and shops, the venue will transform into an interactive show space throughout the day. From here, visitors will find gateways to each of the themed lands. The City of Thrills is the embodiment of Vision 2030: a forward-looking, boundary-pushing, future city anchored in Arabic design motifs. Here, visitors will find Six Flags Qiddiya’s most recognizable and anticipated thrill rides including the record-breaking Falcons Flight, inspired by the Kingdom’s iconic raptor and the Sirocco Tower. Discovery Springs is an aquatic wonderland of waterfalls, aqueducts and geysers as well as exotic plants and trees. This oasis offers visitors relief from the summer heat by creating the feel of a dense rainforest in the middle of the desert. It will be home to an interactive ride called the Sea Stallion, where riders are propelled over rivers, behind waterfalls, and through trees along a custom-designed course, as they control the speed and acceleration of their vehicle. Steam Town is themed around mechanical marvels and a collection of dynamic contraptions. Its signature ride is the Iron Rattler Mine Train which features a hydraulic lift that releases passengers into a freefall plunge through a narrow, steam-filled mineshaft. Other key attractions include the Steam Town Falls Water Coaster which combines a roller coaster track with a splashing boat ride, a spinning mechanical ride called the Bull Rider and a custom-themed climbing structure called the Treehouse Trek. Twilight Gardens is an oversized landscape of the imagination filled with colorful flowers and friendly creatures, all exclusively designed for younger visitors and their families. This enchanted land’s key features include the Twilight Express Coaster, which takes passengers through a majestic garden, the Critter Chase, an interactive dark ride set in a 3D environment, and the Kaleidoscope hot air balloon ride. Valley of Fortune is an exciting land of adventure that takes place amidst time-worn architectural ruins of old Arabian masonry, enlivened by the activity and trade of fortune seekers from around the world. This land’s signature attraction is Spitfire, a triple-launch coaster, which will take guests into a sky roll before an acrobatic stall and a breathtaking dive back to the valley floor. Other attractions include Skywatch, a hydraulic boom ride where riders are lifted into the sky, the auto-themed Treasure Trail, and the Canyon Charters, a family plane ride that swings and rotates freely above the park. Grand Exposition is a celebration of innovation combining the nostalgia of traditional World Expos with the greatest feats of science and technology such as the Gyrospin Pendulum, which swings riders to record heights. It is also home to Six Flags’ classic and most loved coaster Colossus, a gravity-driven wood-steel hybrid coaster that stretches over an 800-meter track. The land also features the Arabian Carousel, where Arabian horses march in a circular parade, the Expo Flyer swinging ride and the Roundabout featuring a bumper car attraction themed as London cabs. Six Flags Qiddiya’s master plan has been carefully designed to ensure the guest experience is unparalleled and memorable.

Storyland Studios has been selected to redesign Ghost Town in the Sky in the latest attempt to revive the park. https://www.themountaineer.com/news/storyland-studios-to-design-shuttered-ghost-town-resurrection/article_fcb0c3de-3609-11ec-bf84-53645f9cc306.html Storyland Studios, a company run by Disney Imagineers with a successful 20-year history in the themed entertainment industry, has been selected to redesign the long-closed Ghost Town in The Sky. The firm specializes in theme park master planning, strategy and feasibility studies, concept design, architecture and integrated marketing. “We selected Storyland because of their experience on so many theme parks around the world. They have a team that can help us get our brand story right, redesign the park and help us bring it to life and make it successful,” said Frankie Wood, managing member of Ghost Town in the Sky LLC. Wood has been meeting with part-time Maggie Valley resident Matt Ferguson, chief innovation officer for Storyland Studios on the project for about a year. “We want to bring back everything people remembered and loved about Ghost Town,” said Ferguson. “We still plan to have the Old West town. We expect to have stunt showdowns, can-can shows, music and entertainment. But we also plan to update the attractions to compete with the best storytelling experiences in the world and have stronger connections with the park’s location in the Great Smoky Mountains.” The Storyland team’s resume includes work on projects such as the LEGOLAND® Water Park, Universal Orlando’s Hogwarts Express, the new FAO Schwarz store in New York City, to name a few. Early plans call for on-property lodging, including a mountain lodge, boutique hotel and spa, cabins and cottages. Ghost Town in the Sky opened in 1961 at the height of Western film and television’s popularity. In addition to an authentic-looking Old West main street, Ghost Town in the Sky had an iron roller coaster on the side of the mountain, as well as a selection of rides and attractions. Ghost Town’s existing buildings will be rehabbed so that the refreshed main street looks almost identical to the original construction, a press release indicated. This spring, the park hosted gunflight shows for a closed audience to celebrate the coming redesign. “The excitement was palpable,” said Ferguson. “Our team is thrilled to be a part of bringing this special park back to life.” In a Monday interview, Ferguson said his family has been coming to Maggie for 30-plus years, and that he’s had a home in the community for a decade. “My back deck overlooks Buck Mountain, so I have a vested interest in making sure this thing is well done,” he said. “It’s my understanding we’ve overcome the hurdles of approval, so the project is very doable at this point. The money is there. I had the opportunity to meet with a number of the investors. They are on board and excited.” Ferguson said many don’t understand what it takes to lay prepare for a project like this. “Frankie is experienced and very good at making sure the groundwork is laid so we can get this done on time and on budget,” Ferguson said. “His due diligence has been top notch and that’s what’s taking a couple years.” Ferguson said a timeline isn’t in place yet, but the project is close to moving ahead. “I feel like many of the objectors might not have lived here when Ghost Town was thriving,” he said. “There was only two-lane back then.” With a four-lane divided highway in place, traffic issues shouldn’t be a concern, he said. “I feel confident this group of investors and developers is the one to push the ball over the goal line. These guys are really smart about putting these things together as far as grant funds and investors go,” Ferguson said. “I’ve heard concerns that Maggie Valley could become another Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg, but everything we do will be in keeping with mountain charm and a tasteful mountain town.”

It has been announced that ITEC Entertainment has been acquired by the TAIT global group. ITEC brings its long history of work with theme parks to TAIT who specializes in live entertainment and events. https://www.itec.com/news-media/orlandos-itec-entertainment-a-theme-park-designer-acquired-by-group-specializing-in-live-events/ ITEC Entertainment, an Orlando-based amusement company that works extensively with theme parks, has been acquired by the TAIT global group, a Pennsylvania-based company that develops live entertainment and events. The acquisition allows TAIT to “establish a presence” in ITEC’s headquarters off South John Young Parkway and Sand Lake Road, though TAIT spokeswoman Jayna Zelman said current employees would not be moving to Orlando. Terms of the deal announced Thursday, were not disclosed. ITEC Entertainment has worked with Disney World, Universal and other companies to design theme park rides and attractions worldwide since 1985.In Orlando, the company’s work includes the former Twister: Ride it Out! show at Universal Orlando and The Scriptorium at the Holy Land Experience. ITEC also has offices in Los Angeles and Osaka, Japan, and has worked on projects in countries such as China, Norway and Russia. Spokespeople for TAIT and ITEC said they hope to expand both companies’ footprints in the live entertainment and experiences industry through the acquisition. “We felt it was a natural progression to join TAIT’s long legacy of success in the live entertainment industry and rising growth in the theme park and attractions world,” Bill Coan, president and CEO of ITEC Entertainment, said in a statement. “Our combined ingenuity will achieve bigger, better, and more awe-inspiring shows and experiences for our customers.” Adam Davis, TAIT’s chief creative officer, said the company has “long admired” ITEC’s work and that TAIT is looking forward to collaborating with the company. When asked if it would lead to the creation of additional local themed entertainment jobs, TAIT spokeswoman Brielle Freeman referred to a release that said TAIT’s presence in Orlando would allow the company to “add capabilities in support of clients locally.” TAIT’s company group includes businesses such as Brilliant, a staging and design company, Kinesys, a motion control technology business, and productionglue, an entertainment production and management firm. The company has operated since 1978, and its portfolio includes awards shows such as the Academy Awards and MTV’s Video Music Awards, concerts with artists such as The Rolling Stones and Lady Gaga and live events like Broadway productions. In Orlando, TAIT helped update the Blue Man Group’s show at Universal Studios in 2012. TAIT announced the acquisition of ITEC from its Lititz, Pa. office, though the company also has offices in New York, Boulder, Colo., Los Angeles and Las Vegas domestically and in cities including London, Hong Kong, Dubai and Tokyo internationally.

After closing their original park in 2006, the Bell family has announced plans to build a new park in Broken Arrow ten times the size of the original. https://www.brokenarrowok.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1791/1317 It’s official! Robbie Bell, and members of the Bell family, announced plans to develop a new Bell’s Amusement Park on more than 100 acres in east Broken Arrow, on the south side of Kenosha St., near the Creek Turnpike gate. Locally owned Bell’s Amusement Park was a Tulsa entertainment staple for more than 50 years at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds until it closed in 2006. Bell said that with the purchase of the 102-acre property, the new Bell’s Amusement Park will be 10 times the size of their previous park. “We will have the freedom now and the tools to put in an entertainment facility that will be second to none for this entire region of the United States,” Bell said. According to Bell, plans for the park include a thrill park featuring Bell’s favorites such as Zingo, the iconic wooden roller coaster, the log ride, the Phantasmagoria, and the Himalayan, as well as a kiddie park, high-speed go-carts, and a water park twice the size of any in the area. He also plans for the park to be open 10 months out of the year. “Broken Arrow is the community to be in if you want to put a business together,” Bell said. “They’re extremely aggressive in trying to develop the city, both commercially and residentially, with a lot of new neighborhoods going up on a weekly and monthly basis.” Mayor Debra Wimpee expressed her excitement for the new project. “It’s new and exciting for the city,” Wimpee said. “It’s economic development that is going to generate jobs and a better quality of life for our residents.” City Manager Michael Spurgeon reminisced about growing up in Tulsa and spending time at Bell’s Amusement Park. “Some of my fondest memories were spent there on Zingo and to be able to make this announcement today is an absolute blessing,” Spurgeon said. Bell plans to build the park in phases over the next several years. The property is undeveloped and will require infrastructure to accomplish his goals. “There is a lot to be done here, and this will take a lot of work. This doesn’t happen overnight,” Jennifer Conway, Broken Arrow Chamber and Economic Development President said. “But the vision is absolutely phenomenal!”

A Paramount-branded theme park is now planned to open in Kunming, China as a part of a larger entertainment development. The park is targeting construction completion in 2024. https://variety.com/2021/biz/news/paramount-branded-theme-park-china-1235110082/ Chinese authorities announced this week that a major $8 billion (RMB51 billion) Paramount theme park resort and arts complex will be built on the shores of Dianchi Lake in southwestern Yunnan province’s capital city Kunming. The Paramount resort itself will span an area of 643 acres out of the broader Paramount-branded development project’s total 1,899 acres. That will make it Hollywood’s third largest theme resort in China, following Shanghai Disneyland, which clocks in at 963 acres, and the 990-acre Universal Beijing Resort. The full Kunming complex will be more than five times larger and ten times more expensive than an initial vision of the park put forth last year in an official environmental assessment report. That document described the development as a $782 million (RMB5 billion) project spanning around 120 acres. The size ballooned because the Paramount park is now a part of a larger mixed-used development project that will feature 383 additional acres of institutions seeking to bolster cultural ties between China and Southeast Asia, according to a newly released governmental five-year plan published on the official website of the Kunming Dianchi National Tourism Management Committee. Those entities will include a branch of China’s Central Academy of Fine Arts, a Southeast Asian Art Research Center, and a cluster of eleven international art museums presenting works from the ten ASEAN countries and China itself, in addition to residential buildings and other public facilities. The government intends for the development to become a “first-class and internationally renowned tourism and vacation destination” and a “model zone for the transformation and upgrading of tourism industry,” according to the plan. It is listed as backed by three Chinese enterprises, without mention of foreign partners. They are Xindu Company, Kunming-based construction materials firm Guanjiang Group, and China’s State Development & Investment Corporation (SDIC), the country’s largest state-owned investment holding company. Construction is expected to span a period of about 42 months, aiming for a June 2024 completion. Less Risky Approach? Unlike Disney and Universal, Paramount came into the theme park business in the early 1990s by buying an existing chain of five theme parks from King’s Entertainment, which it then rebranded as its own. Those were then sold off in 2006. Paramount’s interest in theme parks has since been rekindled. The Kunming resort is the studio’s third currently in the works, following a project in Incheon, South Korea reportedly hoping to open next year and a 2023 London park. Paramount’s strategy today continues to differ significantly from that of Disney and Universal, which are much more involved in the development of their new parks to ensure they have a consistent look and feel. Paramount, by contrast, is more oriented towards what John Gerner, MD of theme park consultancy Leisure Business Advisors, says they deem a “less risky approach.” The studio tends not to put too much of its own money into a project, instead licensing the Paramount name and IPs to a local partner footing most if not all of the bill. “Paramount’s not necessarily looking at China, and it’s unlikely that if Paramount could pick any location in China to build this park that it would have picked this location,” Gerner said, drawing on three decades of experience working with Chinese parks. “I think what Paramount really wants is just to get one of their branded theme parks all the way to opening day and beyond, and show that one can be developed using this business model where it’s mainly a licensing situation,” creating a flagship project that could be used as a showcase to build more going forward. The momentum in Kunming comes from the local government’s drive to raise the city’s profile. “Local governments use the idea of a branded theme park as a way of galvanizing and branding these [mixed-use] projects, adding a name to give it more glamor and credibility to raise the finance,” he assessed. The new park itself will consist of six themed areas. Paramount Boulevard will feature theme hotels, retail and dining options and a water-themed show, according to the Yunnan Daily newspaper. Adventure City and Wonderland will boast thrill rides, including ones branded with the “Mission Impossible” and “Italian Job” IPs. There will be a “Peanuts” area featuring entertainment options related to Charles Schultz’s iconic cartoon, a dinosaur region with thrill rides and design features inspired by James Gurney’s “Dinotopia,” and a Final Frontier “Star Trek”-themed section. Location-wise, Paramount could certainly do worse than sunny Kunming. The high-altitude capital has long been a year-round destination for local tourism thanks to its continuous mild weather, ethnic and biodiversity, and growing importance as a transportation hub connecting China to Southeast Asia, bordered as the province is by Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. The announcement, however, of a multi-billion dollar Hollywood park complex feels rather anachronistic amidst the current low point in U.S.-China relations and resultant changes in local views on foreign companies and culture, Gerner notes. “China under its current leadership has really decisively moved inward to emphasize its own ability to develop all kinds of projects — and have obviously made an exception for Disney and Universal because of the glamor of those brands and what those companies represent. But the trend has been for China to promote itself,” he said. “If the government is going to put a substantial amount of its own money into this, you’d at some point expect them to decide that it’s really better to promote its own Chinese brands and IPs.”

Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe has announced the addition of two new water slides that will thrill guests starting Memorial Day Weekend 2022! https://www.emeraldpointe.com/sites/wetwild.com/files/Bombs Away WWEP Press Release.pdf The countdown to Opening Day at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe is on as The Carolinas’ Favorite Waterpark readies for its best season yet, featuring the NEW Bombs Away water slides and more great fun. After a successful bounce-back summer in 2021, Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe is counting the minutes until Memorial Day Weekend 2022, when the park will drop into a season of fun unlike any other. Guests will be able to step up to the park’s new dual-drop thriller, Bombs Away. Sliders will step into enclosed capsules when, without notice, the floor beneath their feet abruptly vanishes and drops them down into two unique experiences – a straight-speed six-story, 70-degree drop where sliders will reach speeds of up to 26 feet per second, or a twisting, turning loop through a closed-tube 266-foot-long fly-by at similarly supersonic speeds. “We know our guests have been waiting to blast off in Bombs Away for a while, and this dual-drop thriller will be worth the wait,” says General Manager Adam Good. The slides’ debut was delayed by the covid-19 pandemic. “These drops are over the top, and we are so excited for sliders to blast off on Bombs Away all summer long.” While the fun may be a few months away, now is the perfect time to make plans by purchasing a Season Pass during Wet’n Wild’s upcoming Black Friday sales. Starting a week early on Friday, November 19, holiday shoppers can skip the shipping and supply chain concerns with a Season Pass, with budget-friendly tiers from no-frills, all fun to a Platinum Pass that includes free parking, free refills and two free friend tickets. Season Passes are up to 25 percent off their normal price during the limited time sale, and are available for purchase on six-month payment plans. Single-day tickets are available as a smaller stocking stuffer. “These Black Friday specials offer the gift of fun that will create special memories and won’t collect dust in a closet,” says Marketing Director Kaylah Macauley. “Getting a Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Season Pass now allows smart shoppers to save big and enjoy the new Bombs Away attraction, and the special experiences visitors look forward to every year.” For more details on Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe 2022 Season, the new Bombs Away slides, ongoing Black Friday sales, and more, visit EmeraldPointe.com.

https://funspotamericaatlanta.com/arieforceone-roller-coaster/ Fun Spot America Theme Parks, Orlando’s only Family-Owned theme park is adding HUGE excitement to its Atlanta, Georgia location with the addition of an action-packed custom Rocky Mountain Construction steel roller coaster, ArieForce One. Riders will soar over 3,400 feet of track, towering 15 stories and flying at speeds up to 64 miles-per-hour. The new coaster will be located near the main gate to the park where guests will have spectacular views of the ride featuring the largest Zero-G Stall in America. “ArieForce One is a tribute to my father and his passion for flying. We will have you believing you’re traveling into space with all of the airtime moments and weightlessness this RMC coaster provides,” said Fun Spot America CEO and Owner, John Arie Jr. “The addition of ArieForce One is a HUGE milestone for our company and the first of many new Marque rides and attractions yet to come to the Fayetteville, GA park. As a one-of-a-kind roller coaster, custom designed to the topography and layout of Fun Spot Atlanta, no other RMC roller coaster has this combination of elements. The Raven Truss Dive and the Zero-G Roll over the arcade are the first-of-their-kind in the world. In both ride elements the train travels through the center of a uniquely designed truss bridge while twisting at Zero-G,” said John Arie Jr. Key Features of ArieForce One include: Themed queue lines based on John Arie Sr’s boyhood passion for flight; Two state of the art 20 passenger steering axle trains that just scream high speed thrills; 3,400 feet of RMC’s award-winning patented steel Ibox track; A HUGE tension-building ascent up a towering,154-foot lift hill; Reaching incredible speeds up to 64 mph; Intense ride elements including a steep, 83-degree first drop and the largest Zero-G Stall in America; Four exciting inversions including a first ever Raven Truss Dive, two Zero-G Rolls and a 180-degree stall.

Today Disney announced that Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland Park will be reimagined in time for the debut of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in 2023! The land will close in March of 2022 but will reopen with new experiences and spaces designed for families and young children to enjoy! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/11/mickeys-toontown-at-disneyland-park-to-be-reimagined-with-new-experiences-and-more-play-and-interactivity-for-young-families-in-2023/?CMP=SOC-DPFY22Q1wo1111210062A Just in time for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday this week, we have some exciting news to share about the Disneyland Resort! An ambitious reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland park will debut in early 2023, alongside the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This news was shared today at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo by Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro. Building on the legacy of Mickey’s Toontown, Imagineers are working to create some all-new experiences so families and young children can have more opportunities to play together inside Disneyland park. The beloved Mickey’s Toontown will transform into a vibrant symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations. Focusing on today’s families with young children, Mickey’s Toontown will feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy play spaces for everyone to unplug. The land will have landscaping for both spontaneous family play and parental relaxation. “We are so excited to leverage Disney’s powerful brand, develop new stories and share even more magical experiences with our guests,” said D’Amaro. “The newly reimagined Mickey’s Toontown will be a welcoming place where families and younger guests can connect and play together in fun new ways.” Even with a greener and more spacious Mickey’s Toontown, the land will offer more play activities and attractions than ever before. From active play to tactile play, new experiences will let children play, slide, spin, splash, touch and listen! One of the new areas coming to Mickey’s Toontown will be CenTOONial Park, the first space guests will see when they enter. This natural space will be anchored by two interactive play experiences. At the center of CenTOONial Park will be a fountain, designed for play, which will also become a center icon for Mickey’s Toontown. As its base, water tables will invite guests to play with the water and have a sensory experience. At night, the fountain will be brought to life in a unique spectacle. A nearby dreaming tree will be inspired by the tree a young Walt Disney would daydream under in his hometown. Sculpted tree roots will provide an opportunity for children to play, crawl and explore, and undulating topography will offer rolling hills and a place to sit and dream. In addition to reopening in 2023 with the new, family-friendly and adventurous Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Mickey’s Toontown will still be home to many beloved characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and more! Mickey’s Toontown will close in March of 2022 to begin creating these all-new experiences. We will have lots more detail to share with you in the future, so stay TOONED to the Disney Parks Blog for updates!

Universal Studios Japan has announced a new parade which will be the first experience to feature characters from Super Marios Bros and Pokémon following the recently announced strategic partnership with The Pokémon Company. https://www.usj.co.jp/company/company_e/2021/1013.html New! No Limit! Parade Set to Debut at Universal Studios Japan in Spring 2022 with characters from Super Mario Bros and Pokémon, and more popular stars Marks First Pokémon Collaboration Universal Studios Japan will launch a new No Limit! Parade in Spring 2022. The innovative parade will feature globally popular characters from Super Mario Bros., Pokémon, Illumination’s Minions and Sing, Peanuts, Sesame Street and Hello Kitty. The parade will mark the first appearance of Super Mario Bros. characters following the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opening as well as the start of the Pokémon collaboration with the theme park since the long-term partnership with The Pokémon Company was recently announced. The dynamic parade will feature, spectacular floats, outrageous street performers, colorful costumes, high-energy music, and non-stop entertainment. Guests will dance through the decades of music from everything from 60’s rock to modern electronic dance music. Families will celebrate and let loose with their favorite characters as they pass by on themed floats representing the diverse dance styles.

Aquatica Orlando has announced new enhancements at the park including Reef Plunge, an update to the previous Dolphin Plunge attraction! https://aquatica.com/orlando/whats-new/ What's New at Aquatica Orlando The new year is almost here and we can’t wait to share all the amazing new additions you’ll find when you visit Aquatica Orlando. From new food to thrilling new attractions and other new improvements to your experience around every corner, USA's #1 Waterpark is getting even better in 2022! Experience an All-New Water Slide Adventure This Spring An exhilarating new water slide experience, Reef Plunge, is coming to Aquatica just in time for Spring Break 2022! Splash, twist, and turn through over 330 feet of eye-catching translucent cutouts and rings. Zoom past a dynamic new underwater habitat that’s home to a vibrant array of marine life, including Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, sardines, and other cold-water fish. Get ready to plunge into this all-new, one-of-a-kind adventure this spring!. That’s Just One Part of a Huge Aquatica Refresh! Find more shady spots to sit with 1,000 new loungers and beach chairs. Savor new bites and sips with quick-service pizza and bar additions. Explore exciting upgrades to Omaka Rocka, KareKare Curl, and more, in addition to the all-new experience of Reef Plunge. It’s all part of the biggest refresh ever at Aquatica Orlando, coming to you in time for Spring Break 2022 and designed to make your experience even more comfortable and enjoyable. Keep watching for details! The All-New Riptide Race is Now Open! World's Tallest Dueling Racer Ready? Set? Race! The world's tallest dueling racer is nearly ready to open. Grab a friend and race through high-speed tunnels as you see your opponents side by side and face to face. Who will reach the finish line first? You can learn more about Riptide Race here. Papa's Cantina Papa, our resident spoonbill Aquatican, is bringing his recipes to his brand-new cantina next to Motu’s Bar. Choose from a variety of boneless wings and empanadas to dip into an assortment of delicious sauce flavors like Papa’s secret sauce, avocado crema, and chipotle ranch. We hope to see you enjoying these amazing park enhancements at Aquatica Orlando this spring. Be sure to stay in the loop with everything happening by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and on the Aquatica Orlando Blog.

Adventure Island has announced several new attractions and offerings coming to the water park in 2022! https://adventureisland.com/water-slides/2022-attractions/ Splash into 2022 with 2 New Attractions Opening in March 2022 — Two new attractions will be making a splash at Adventure Island, just in time for spring break! Guests can race down an all-new dueling water slide, Rapids Racer, featuring the world's first dueling saucers. Wahoo Remix, formerly Wahoo Run, will also re-surface as a new experience, with exciting first-of-its-kind ride elements for Tampa’s Island Paradise! NEW! Rapids Racer Three, two, one go! Feel the rush of competition on the ALL-NEW Rapids Racer! Riders grab a two-person raft before racing through nearly 600 feet of slide, complete with low walls to encounter your opponents throughout this side-by-side experience. The thrill of the chase is amplified as guests swirl through the world’s first dueling saucers in this exhilarating journey full of high-speed tunnels, turns, and more! Who will conquer this high-speed slide first? Find out at the finish line NEW! Wahoo Remix Riders will enjoy waves of water and sound as they splash to the beat of a remixed favorite attraction. Formerly Wahoo Run, Wahoo Remix will be Adventure Island’s first waterslide to feature synchronized light and sound elements, delivering an all-new, high energy, family raft ride experience with ultimate party vibes. Enclosed tunnels that were once dark will now glow and groove as riders zoom through over 600 feet of fun. More Additions to Tampa's Island Paradise New: Hang Ten Tiki Bar As the water park’s first full-service bar, the laid-back vibes of Hang Ten Tiki Bar will offer an all-new wave of refreshment to guests. With hand-crafted signature cocktails, fan-favorite local brews, and a regional and international rum selection, Hang Ten Tiki Bar will offer guests a perfect island oasis to fuel up for all-day fun. Now Open Year Round with Heated Pools Tampa’s Island Paradise is now open year round for those endless summer vibes and comfortable water temperatures any time of year. Check out the operating calendar and plan your next splash. New: Virtual Reality Snorkeling Dive into NEW VR Snorkeling at Adventure Island where you can choose from three virtual excursions to transport you from Paradise Lagoon to vibrant oceans, deep space or a realm of fantasy beyond imagination.

^I'm tempering my expectations in thinking that it is more likely the Kung Fu Panda/Dreamworks Theatre like in Universal Studios Hollywood or the SING on Tour show in Osaka... But Secret Life of Pets would be an awesome addition, both for that section of the park and for the resort's lineup of family attractions overall!

Universal Studios Japan has announced a new long-term partnership with The Pokemon Company to develop new themed experiences to debut at the park as early as 2022! https://www.usj.co.jp/company/company_e/2021/1006.html USJ LLC (headquarters: Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi / President and CEO: J.L. Bonnier) and The Pokémon Company (headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo / President and CEO: Tsunekazu Ishihara) announced a new collaborative partnership between the two entertainment leaders. Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company will enter a long-term partnership to jointly explore groundbreaking entertainment that will immerse guests into the world of Pokémon with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022. President and CEO of USJ LLC, J.L. Bonnier, and President and CEO of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara, both commented on the joint partnership as follows. J.L. Bonnier (President and CEO, USJ LLC) Pokémon is beloved by fans around the world. We are honored to have a long-term partnership with The Pokémon Company while developing groundbreaking Pokémon entertainment at Universal Studios Japan for both Pokémon fans and our guests. The globally popular Pokémon characters combined with Universal’s innovative approach to creating authentic and one-of-a-kind theme park entertainment promise excitement for the entire family. Our efforts to develop new guest experiences will continue to help reinvigorate the tourism market. Tsunekazu Ishihara (President and CEO, The Pokémon Company) The incredible team at Universal Studios Japan have the creative vision and leading expertise in world-class theme park technology to imagine a uniquely Pokémon experience. For 25 years, Pokémon has curated a legacy of trendsetting innovation while becoming one of the most beloved entertainment brands in the world through video games, animation, and more. This strategic alliance with Universal Studios Japan reflects our commitment to continue delivering the joy of Pokémon in ever evolving ways for years to come. We are looking forward to the day when we can welcome fans from around the world to all enjoy it together.

This is exciting news! Hopefully we'll see both Nintendo-themed lands make their way stateside in the future...

Gardaland has announced that they will open Jumanji - The Adventure in 2022 themed to the hit Sony Pictures franchise! https://www.gardaland.it/en/jumanji/# NEW 2022: THE WORLD’S FIRST JUMANJI THEMED RIDE READY FOR AN EXCITING ADVENTURE? ENTER THE WILD WORLD OF JUMANJI ON A DANGER FILLED JOURNEY WHERE ONLY YOU CAN LIFT THE CURSE! Experience the Jungles of JUMANJI in your own 4x4 off-roader and navigate your way through dangerous animals, falling obstacles and a mighty stone giant! Return the sacred jewel back to the fabled shrine in a race against time to save Jumanji! THE ADVENTURE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN, STAY TUNED... https://ew.com/movies/jumanji-ride-gardaland-concept-art/ In the jungle, you must wait... in line to ride the world's first Jumanji-themed attraction. EW has an exclusive first look at the concept art for the film franchise's debut theme park ride, Jumanji — The Adventure, which is set to open in 2022 at the Gardaland Resort in Italy. Based on Sony Pictures' big-screen series, the Jumanji — The Adventure ride will transport guests into the world of the movies, where an indoor journey "full of pitfalls, surprises, and dangers through the wild jungle" awaits, according to the ride's official synopsis. "The team at Gardaland are top notch creatives and storytellers who have designed an immersive experience that expands on the world created by the films," said Jeffrey Godsick, executive vice president of global partnerships and brand management and head of location-based entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment. "Adding many new elements, fans will be transported far beyond their imagination, deep into the jungles of Jumanji." Since the first Jumanji film debuted in 1995 with Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst in lead roles, Sony has updated the series with two new entries starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan: 2017's Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and its 2019 sequel Jumanji: The Next Level, while the 2005 movie Zathura: A Space Adventure serves as a spin-off of the original. Though the recent editions revolve around a video game adaptation of the titular board game, the original follows a family who unwittingly releases a man — and the wildlife terrors — who spent years trapped inside the world of Jumanji. To date, the franchise has grossed more than $2.1 billion at the global box office. Opened in 1975, Gardaland has become one of Italy's top theme park destinations, boasting dozens of attractions, a Kung Fu Panda roller coaster, and an immersive theater experience using elements from Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman films. Jumanji — The Adventure is set to open in the first half of 2022. See EW's exclusive ride concept art above.

Today Space 220 Restaurant, the newest addition to EPCOT opened at the Walt Disney World Resort. TPR was invited to attend the grand opening ceremony and to experience lunch firsthand 220 miles above the Earth aboard the Centauri Space Station. This new dining experience offers prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner as well as lounge dining featuring an a la carte menu with an interstellar view. The restaurant is operated by the Patina Group, the restaurant branch of Delaware North that already operates a number of restaurants at EPCOT, Disney Springs and the Disneyland Resort. Guests take one of two space elevators to/from the space station from the restaurant lobby attached to the Mission: SPACE pavilion. Once above the Earth, a sustainable crop-farm in space and a space vineyard are the sights that tease the larger experience ahead before entering the main restaurant venue. Space 220 Restaurant is the newest addition in the ongoing transformation of EPCOT. The new restaurant is located at the Mission: SPACE pavilion with the new entrance tucked in the back corner of what was formerly an extended queue space for the attraction. The official sign for the restaurant out front. EPCOT Vice President Kartika Rodriguez was on hand to help ring in the grand opening. It isn't a Disney grand opening without an appearance from Mickey and Minnie! Space 220 Restaurant is officially open! Time to head in! The lobby for Space 220 is futuristic but subtle by comparison to what you experience miles above. A look at the "stellarvator" that takes you to/from Space 220 Restaurant. Ready to make our way up... You're given a boarding pass for each reservation/party. Next thing you know you're looking down on EPCOT as you are raised high into the sky... Just as you can look down to see the Earth shrinking below, you can also look above to see Space 220 Restaurant grow nearer. The view of Florida from the top... The experience concludes with the opening of the airlocks and a release onto the space station. Very different than what you find on the ground at EPCOT. Neat to see the crops the restaurant grows in space. Once inside of the main restaurant you're greeted with this incredible view. The restaurant of the interior design is just as impressive! The bar features a huge mirrored backdrop that allows guests to enjoy the panoramic view of space without turning around. Notice the X2 Deep Space Shuttle from Mission: SPACE floating just outside of the restaurant. Just taking it all in... The restaurant offers alcoholic and zero proof cocktails for flavor profiles of all ages. With each kids meal a set of collectible trading cards is given. There are three series in the deck (Earth, Venus and Mercury) along with three tech cards. Each deck comes with five cards. From our booth, we could see astronauts moving pieces across space for the new construction on the floor above us. The Blue Moon Cauliflower is a tempura fried cauliflower appetizer with housemade hot sauce (buffalo) and blue cheese dust. This was fantastic! The Centauri Caesar Salad is a delicious take on the more conservative appetizer. A fun souvenir cup for kids to enjoy during their meal. More pieces being sent upstairs! I don't often rave about sides, but these Roasted Fingerling Potatoes were showstoppers and nearly the best thing we tasted during our preview... Absolutely perfect. The Galactic Lobster Globe is the "Space Station Supplemental" option for the prix fixe menu. Available for an added $18, this Maine Lobster Salad includes Quinoa, Bulgur Wheat, Avocado, Lettuce, Mango, Citrus Dressing and Crispy Wontons. The portion size was incredibly generous and the amount of fresh, buttery lobster was a great surprise. I would absolutely order this again! The Lemon Mousse is incredibly picturesque and very tasty! Taking Astro on a space walk! This is really quite impressive. A reassuring sign for those visiting one of the restaurant's lunar restrooms... I thought it was pretty neat that this room is filled with bottles of wine in each of those tubes. Our elevator is here to take us back down to Earth. Down we go! Upon our return to EPCOT, we found a long line of guests waiting to experience Space 220 Restaurant for themselves. The entrance to the restaurant lobby is tucked into the corner on the righthand side of the pavilion. Space 220 Restaurant is a great addition to EPCOT and definitely a unique experience to be had! Reservations can now be booked in advance for the restaurant, which are highly recommended given the expected demand over the next few months.

Skyline Attractions has announced a new lineup of children's roller coasters they call "P'Sghetti Bowl." https://skylineattractions.com/skyline-attractions-unveils-a-new-line-up-of-childrens-roller-coasters-perfect-for-any-park-or-family-entertainment-center/ Skyline Attractions is excited to announce its newest ride model, an innovative and budget-friendly children’s roller coaster lineup known as P’Sghetti Bowl. These miniature steel roller coasters are as twisted as a bowl of spaghetti and the perfect first roller coaster for any child! And with the new product’s cost-conscious sales price, P’Sghetti Bowl is an ideal addition to any amusement park or family entertainment center looking for a great new American-built attraction. “As a father of four, I realize the importance of amusement parks having rides that are accessible to all ages,” Skyline President Jeff Pike said. “I remember taking my young daughters on their first roller coaster and how thrilling it was for them and how exciting it was for me. That first roller coaster was also an important stepping stone for them, as it helped them build the courage to ride other amusement park rides. Our new P’Sghetti Bowl attraction will enable more parks and family entertainment centers to offer experiences like this to families.” Skyline is debuting P’Sghetti Bowl with four off-the-shelf models, as well as custom ride layout offerings. Each P’Sghetti Bowl layout includes a single-operator station, tire driven lift hill, and a series of twists and curves. The ride can be installed indoors or outdoors, and each model maintains the same low 36 inch [91 centimeter] height requirement and an inclusive train design that makes them accessible to riders of all ages. The P’Sghetti Bowl lineup is designed and engineered to be fun and thrilling for both children and their parents. “It’s one thing to watch your child have a blast on a ride, but it’s even better when you can ride with them and genuinely have as much fun as they are,” Pike said. “The P’Sghetti Bowl trains have been designed to accommodate an adult and child, or two children, in each row. The layouts are also interesting and dynamic enough that we think older riders will still find them exciting.” Alongside its inclusive train design, P’Sghetti Bowl also features an innovative new track design. The custom track incorporates a unique single rail, the first-of-its-kind on a children’s roller coaster. This will limit the number of welds, drastically reducing fabrication and maintenance costs. Cost-saving measures have also been implemented elsewhere in the ride’s design and fabrication. “If a park or family entertainment center wanted to purchase an American-made children’s roller coaster, they currently have very limited options,” Skyline Vice President Chris Gray said. “P’Sghetti Bowl is fully designed, engineered, and built inthe United States.” Any P’Sghetti Bowl roller coaster can be enhanced with customized decals on the passenger train or even the track, a first within the amusement industry. “With the single-rail design and relatively modest size of these rides, we have the opportunity to be the first ride manufacturer to allow a park or FEC to theme the roller coaster track itself,” Gray said. “Instead of looking like a roller coaster track, it could now look like a snake, a racetrack, or whatever a customer wants to fit their theme.” P’Sghetti Bowl offers parks and FECs the unique opportunity to theme their roller coaster track. Just a few possible themes include the wooden deck of a pirate ship, an extraterrestrial spaceship, or a slithering snake. The four off-the-shelf models range in size from miniature to medium, with the larger ones including additional hills and helices. Model A (185’) is the smallest of the models and is an elongated oval with a curved drop and a series of miniature airtime hills. It is 14 feet [4.3 meters] tall and 185 feet [56.4 meters] in length. Model A can fit into an 80 foot by 32 foot [24.4 meter by 9.8 meter] space. This is the most affordable option and is reminiscent of the small-scale roller coasters that used to populate kiddie parks across the country. Model A (185′) Model B (235’) is the second smallest at 18 feet [5.5 meters] tall and 235 feet [71.6 meters] in length. It’s similar to Model A with a curved drop, but its airtime hills are combined with rapid back-and-forth transitions. Its space requirements are 100 feet by 32 feet [30.5 meters by 9.8 meters]. Model B (235′) Model C (420’) is a tightly-twisted knot of roller coaster track, passing over and under its own track six times as it navigates a series of highly-banked curves and a medium-sized airtime hill. It is 22 feet [6.7 meters] tall, 420 feet [128.0 meters] long, and has a footprint of 100 feet by 40 feet [30.5 meters by 12.2 meters]. Model C (420′) Model D (410’) is the final model and is more elongated than the other models. It has an emphasis on hills and a tightly-wound helix. It is 22 feet [6.7 meters] tall, 410 feet [125.0 meters] long, and fits in a 152 foot by 38 foot [46.3 meter by 11.6 meter] space. Model D (410′) In addition to the four off-the-shelf models, Skyline is offering custom layouts. These custom layouts can include multiple lift hills, interactions with the terrain, and even intertwined tracks for a one-of-a-kind racing children’s roller coaster. Custom P’Sghetti Bowl layouts can be tailored to fit any park’s or family entertainment center’s space constraints and budget. An example of a custom P’Sghetti Bowl layout In addition to the variety of off-the-shelf layouts available, each P’Sghetti Bowl roller coaster is offered with an optional base frame. This simplifies installation and prevents the need for drilling into existing infrastructure or laying costly foundations. The P’Sghetti Bowl ride line-up is available now for as early as a spring 2022 installation. Check out the P’Sghetti Bowl product page for more information, and contact us today to start the conversation on installing one of these child-friendly roller coasters in your park or family entertainment center! About Skyline Attractions Skyline Attractions, LLC is based in Orlando, Florida, USA and strives to be the best manufacturer of quality American-built rides that the most demanding buyers require. The company was founded in 2014 and has since worked on the design and manufacturing of amusement rides across the globe. For more model-specific details visit: https://skylineattractions.com/products/childrens-rides/psghetti-bowl-childrens-coaster/

Honestly so much better than I expected! A really enjoyable ride that I’d definitely do again in future visits! I hadn’t realized that the carousel was moved to Candytown but it definitely fits the new location well.

Yes, I’ve experienced slowness, particularly when on my laptop.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/08/the-magic-is-calling-you-to-come-celebrate-the-50th-anniversary-at-walt-disney-world-resort-starting-october-1/ It’s almost time. The anticipation is building. We’re less than 50 days from the start of an event 50 years in the making – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of the 50th Anniversary at Walt Disney World Resort. It promises to be a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime 18-month-long extravaganza unlike anything ever seen before, immersed in sparkling EARidescence and with Disney cast members at the heart of it all. It’s going to be quite the celebration. And what’s a celebration without music? Platinum-selling songwriter and music producer Alana Da Fonseca answered the call to create an original anthem for the 50th Anniversary, collaborating with award-winning composer Emily Bear and singing phenom Journi on “The Magic Is Calling.” Da Fonseca’s pop music style, Bear’s soaring orchestrations and Journi’s magical vocal performance come together to create a song that is all at once nostalgic, inspirational and contemporary. “It’s such a tremendous honor to write something that celebrates a place that brings so much joy to so many people,” said Da Fonseca. “There’s magic all around us, and when you’re there, you are feeling it at every turn.” You can start hearing the anthem soon in a variety of ways, calling everyone to join the celebration. “The Magic Is Calling” will connect to all four parks, as different arrangements of the song will be heard when each Walt Disney World theme park icon transforms into a magnificent Beacon of Magic at night, beckoning all to come and celebrate. Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, Hollywood Tower Hotel and the Tree of Life will each shine like never before and come to life on select nights with their own unique EARidescent glow. Throughout the 50th Anniversary Celebration, “The Magic Is Calling” will also be included in special live entertainment moments across Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll hear the anthem during Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade, featuring the “EARidescent 8” each day at Magic Kingdom Park, and listen for custom arrangements of the song performed by everyone from the Main Street Philharmonic and Dapper Dans to the Discovery Island Drummers and Voices of Liberty. “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins October 1. Will you answer the call?

Fun Land of Fredericksburg has received city council approval to move ahead with their plan to add a 130 foot tall drop tower to the park! https://fredericksburg.com/news/local/fredericksburg-city-council-paves-way-for-new-ride-at-fun-land/article_60cae349-92eb-5eab-98e9-f7fb440f7c8c.html Fun Land in Central Park is set to reach new heights. Fredericksburg City Council voted 5–2 Tuesday night to allow heights of outdoor recreation structures up to 135 feet by special-use permit in the Planned Development—Commercial Zoning District. That paves the way for the amusement park to begin constructing the 130-foot drop tower ride that is in the preliminary stages. Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw and Councilman Jason Graham voted against Councilman Billy Withers’ motion because both agreed with the Planning Commission’s recommendation of 155 feet. They believe that leeway would’ve prevented the need for future businesses to require Unified Development Ordinance amendments. Greenlaw said Fun Land put the city “on the map” when it opened Virginia’s first multilevel go-kart track in 2019. The Planning Commission discussed the possibility of a facility such as Top Golf coming to Fredericksburg and that would require a clearance of approximately 150 feet. Graham said Central Park is the ideal location for recreational businesses with tall structures although the Top Golf discussion was purely speculative. “I think this is absolutely the place to allow these types of heights,” Graham said. “These experiential types of companies like Fun Land and Top Golf, I think are going to be the future of commercial property in the city as you see traditional retail start to phase out over time.” Councilman Matt Kelly expressed concern that expanding the limit to 155 feet would violate a 2005 agreement that no structures in Celebrate Virginia South would obstruct views from the Rappahannock River. Kelly said that while the Fun Land ride doesn’t conflict with the agreement, expanding to 155 feet could open the door for future issues. City Attorney Kathleen Dooley said the agreement is enforceable if city officials wanted to decline future special use permit applications pertaining to height. “We’re looking at redeveloping sooner or later all of Central Park,” Withers said. “I would hate to say we can have all this height. How is that going to affect the future redevelopment of the rest of Central Park? Are we saying we want to make it all amusement property or do we want to have a good mixed use of property?”