jedimaster1227
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Posts posted by jedimaster1227
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Legoland Florida has sent us a press release about the new management brought in to operate the new park.
With the appointment of the last five directors at LEGOLAND® Florida, the 150-acre theme park is positioned to hire the remaining employees – anticipated to reach 1,000 by the park’s October opening. Geared to families with children ages 2 through 12, the full-day theme park will employee Model Citizens (the Parks affectionate term for employees) to staff the 50 rides, shows and attractions.“After interviewing internal and external candidates from around the globe, I know that we’ve hired the absolutely best leadership team possible,” said Adrian Jones, LEGOLAND Florida’s General Manager. “With this excellent team now in place, we can begin filling the park with Model Citizens.”
Jan Mahoney has been tapped as the Director of Operations. Joining the Florida team from LEGOLAND California, Jan is a native Floridian who moved to California in 1998 to open the LEGOLAND park in Carlsbad. Previously, Jan spent 14 years in a variety of escalating operational roles at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Kim Jensen has been chosen to be the Director of Food and Beverage. Moving to Central Florida from LEGOLAND Deutschland, Kim has been with the LEGOLAND Parks for 23 years after starting his career in a popcorn stand at LEGOLAND Billund.
Teresa Vaughn joins the team as Director of Human Resources and carriers 20 years of theme park experience from Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando. Her most recent position was working in Polk County at Bunch & Associates.
Erik Hendrickson is the new Director of Retail and joins the opening team with 15 years experience in the retail business including stints at Universal Studios and LEGO®. While on the LEGO team, Erik was responsible for overseeing operational support for 25 retail store locations and warehouse facilities.
David Johnson is moving to Central Florida from one of Merlin Entertainments Group UK resort theme parks, Warwick Castle, to become LEGOLAND Florida’s Director of Finance. David’s brings 15 years of experience in the leisure and attractions sector.
The five directors join Kim Isemann, Director of Sales & Marketing and Jim Miller, Director of Ride Maintenance on the leadership team reporting directly to Adrian Jones. Both Kim and Jim have been in their roles since last year. All current and future job postings can be found at http://www.LEGOLAND.com/jobs.
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http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/02/the-stars-of-star-tours/
One of our goals for the new Star Tours show was to pack as much Star Wars into the attraction as possible. That meant traveling to different planets, and meeting up with classic characters from the saga.Of course you already know that R2-D2 and C-3PO are back, reprising their roles in the pre-show, and taking on bigger roles (especially C-3PO) in our Starspeeder adventures. And some time ago, we introduced you to two new droids in our show…Star Tours Pilot Ace (AC-38) and Spokesbot Aly San San.
So who else is joining the cast?
Well, it wouldn’t be a Star Wars adventure without Darth Vader. The Dark Lord of the Sith will be accompanied by legions of stormtroopers and some new “skytroopers,” designed especially for our show. Boba Fett, everyone’s favorite bounty hunter, also will be after us, as well as an assortment of nasty droids and creatures.
Balancing out the villains are some classic good guys – and even a princess! Master Yoda, Admiral Ackbar (pictured above in a still image from Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi) and Princess Leia will appear in the show to help guide our adventures. We may even run into Chewbacca along the way!
It's a trap!!!
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^Looks like Kraken in the background
Not just Kraken... If you look closely, you can see that they took a mapped image of Manta, Journey to Atlantis and Kraken and placed it in the background of the park's map. I'd be surprised if any of the three show up in some form in this new park, especially considering the park already has a flyer with a different layout.
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http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/press/acquires-baker-leisure-group,1648507.html
PARC Management today announced that it has acquired Orlando-based Baker Leisure Group (BLG), a multi-faceted themed-attraction consulting and management company with an international client base and an outstanding track record in the industry. Steven R. Baker, BLG's founder and former CEO, will lead the newly-formed division, PARC Baker, LLC, which will continue to do business as Baker Leisure Group.Carrying on BLG's and PARC's mutual tradition of strategic vision combined with rock-solid implementation skills and strong values, PARC and Baker Leisure Group will provide consulting, development, and management operations services to park owners, developers and government entities worldwide.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Baker Leisure Group to the PARC family,” stated PARC's Chairman and CEO, Randy Drew, “and we're delighted that Steve has agreed to continue to lead Baker Leisure Group. Steve has grown BLG into one of the most successful and well-regarded firms in this industry, and his combination of knowledge, experience and reputation will be an incredible asset.”
PARC's acquisition of BLG comes as the industry-leading entertainment management company embarks in a new direction following an 18-month strategic review and market analysis. In response to that process, and to increasing development opportunities domestically and internationally, PARC is expanding its operations through acquisitions and development of new parks, and by putting its proprietary systems and industry expertise to work for new clients including third-party owners, joint venture partners and government entities.
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Quassy has sent us some great photos of the latest construction progress on the Wooden Warrior.
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^That thing is probably godly regardless of the time of day.
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^Now the question is, are these really new trains, or just newly wrapped trains? They look exactly the same, minus the new decal/wrap.
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg has sent us a press release about their expansion efforts...
Three years of research, strategic planning and guest feedback culminates this spring with the debut of new rides at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. Busch Gardens’ Mäch Tower℠ and Water Country USA’s Vanish Point℠ were announced Sept. 18 in front of 2,000 park fans inside Busch Gardens’ Das Festhaus. Fans also heard details of a completely rejuvenated Oktoberfest area that will feature a new restaurant, beer garden and performance spaces designed to complement Mäch Tower.Contractors broke ground on both attractions last fall, and work is on schedule for completion this spring. Today, the sounds of heavy equipment emanate from inside the Williamsburg theme parks as jackhammers and bulldozers make way for the two new thrill rides.
Long before construction crews began working, Busch Gardens’ officials were hard at work researching how to enhance the guest experience. The strategic planning began more than three years ago for Mäch Tower and Vanish Point.
The decision to build one attraction over another comes down to consumer demand and what fits appropriately with the parks’ overall themes.
“When we develop a new attraction plan we look at what we’ve done in the past, what rides resonate with theme park goers today and what would make an appropriate addition to the parks’ future,” said Larry Giles, vice president of design and engineering at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. “After taking several inspirational, fact-finding trips to theme parks around the world, and gauging the interests of our guests, we decided 2011 was a perfect time to introduce new thrill rides at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, and to rejuvenate Oktoberfest village.”
Once the project was selected, the team put together pictorials with a proposed full-color scheme and design. They also produced videos simulating the ride experience. The proposal was then presented to focus groups comprised of people who have visited the parks, and people who have never experienced Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
Focus groups provide a test for an idea that can be used to make adjustments based on the group’s reaction. Phrases like, “I can’t wait,” and, “My kids will love it,” were typical reactions about the possibility of a Mäch Tower and a Vanish Point-like ride.
“Focus group attendees typically reference their kid’s enjoyment when evaluating rides and experiences,” Giles said. “That’s how we know we are on the right track.”
Guests will get their chance to experience Mäch Tower and Vanish Point this spring. Until then, fans can visit www.facebook.com/BuschGardens for the latest news and construction updates for Mäch Tower. Water Country USA fans can visit www.facebook.com/WaterCountryUSA for Vanish Point information.
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http://www.seaworldparksblog.com/One_Ocean
We love our fans and wanted you to be some of the first to hear about the exciting new killer whale show opening at our three SeaWorld parks this spring and summer.“One Ocean” is scheduled to premiere at SeaWorld Orlando at the end of April, SeaWorld San Diego on Memorial Day weekend and SeaWorld San Antonio in June. The show is exactly what you love about our parks – thrilling entertainment that educates and inspires you to celebrate, connect and care for the one world and one ocean we share. Check out the video below to get the scoop from Julie Scardina, our curator of animal training.
[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=YouTube_-_Julie_Scardina_Announces_New_Shamu_Show_-_One_Ocea_ao32[/coastertube]
[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=Kelly_F_Clark_Soundbite_for_News_3t8p[/coastertube]
http://www.seaworldparksblog.com/one-ocean-facebook-qa-animal-ambassador-julie-scardina
Today, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Animal Ambassador, Julie Scardina logged onto the SeaWorld Facebook page for a Q&A session with the fans. Check out the questions and answers below:Q: Jo G: Hi Julie will "One Ocean" be set to music? Coming over from the UK in October and can't wait to see the new show And will it just be children that get chosen to interact?
A: Julie Scardina: Hey Jo! You'll love the new inspirational music. We'll have the flexibility to introduce Shamu to all ages.
Q. Blake F: I can't tell from the picture, are those the moving screens? Or will they just stay put?
A. Julie Scardina: Just like in Believe we'll have the spectacular screens choreographed to music.
Q. Beverly A: When in April will it open in Orlando?
A. Julie Scardina: Late April!
Q. Marilyn B: Julie, in what ways will the audience be able to interact with the whales during the show?
A. Julie Scardina: Be careful you might get WET!
Q. Paige G: What kinds of new behaviors will be featured in the show? How will the whales interact with the water? And will the show be educational in the sense that guests will learn about the whales like in the original Shamu Show?
A. Julie Scardina: The show will be more fun and whale personality driven, but you'll still see spectacular aerials and multiple whales interacting. These days it's easy to look up facts, but to be inspired is harder. Shamu will inspire people to care for his and our One Ocean.
Q. Beverly T: Will it include the trainers in the water interacting with the whales?
A. Julie Scardina: Not at this time but we are hoping and working towards that for the future.
Q. Blake F: Also, will any more pictures/models of the set be released?
A. Julie Scardina: Stay tuned!
Q. Jeannette G: Hey Julie... (Hoping this is how we ask our questions) Believe was a show that really touched my heart and many others as well. Should we expect the same from this new show? Sea World has always had incredible shows. And as an expecting mom to be i cant wait to bring my new family in time to share the experience of SeaWorld!
A. Julie Scardina: Absolutely! In fact, this show will inspire you to connect with and care for our One Ocean.
Q. Lisa G: Hi Julie, this question is from a friend. He wants to know if there is a possibility of waterworks still coming into this show in the future, and also what the new wetsuits look like?
A. Julie Scardina: The wetsuits are cool. Check back later for marketing released photos.
Q. Lisa G: I was wondering if Tilikum will be in this new show? Thank You!!
A. Julie Scardina: We are working towards that and hoping to add him when the time is right.
Q. Elena J: Hi Julie!! How are you today? My question is how will this new show be different from the other orca show? Thank you for all you have done.
A. Julie Scardina: Thank you! This show will be fun. You'll see more whale personality along with more audience interaction facilitated by the trainers.
Q. Stephanie C: Julie, how does some attain a job like yours?
A. Julie Scardina: Love of animals, hard work, long hours and a fishy smell! But boy is it worth it. Seriously, a focus on animal behavior, swimming skills, public speaking and passion will get you far.
Q. Jessica C: Hi Julie, it's not a question about the new show (which sounds awesome by the way) but how is little Makaio getting on?
Have an awesome day all the way from the UK xx
A. Julie Scardina: Makaio is doing great. Already showing us some spunky behavior!
Q. Marilyn B: Julie, will there be any physical barriers between whale and trainer during the new show?
A. Julie Scardina: We'll still have our protocols as we do now.
Q. Joseph G: Will the new show be built around a beautiful musical score like Believe was?
A. Julie Scardina: Great music, beautiful scores and inspiring lyrics.
Q. John M: Hi Julie! I was wondering, what will One Ocean have, that the other shows in the past haven't had?
A. Julie Scardina: A focus on whale personality and how they interact and learn from each other.
Q. Angela B: Hi Julie!! Such a big fan of yours!! Something which id like to know is is there a set date yet as to when the internal review will be complete. im guessing its not going to be long, so many people ask about trainers getting back in the water, it will get one step closer to that goal. Also, are there plans for a DVD and soundtrack release with the new show?? Oh and it would be great if you could give the SW press people a push into making a Shamu Rocks soundtrack!! Thank u so much for your time, i know your a busy gal hanging out with jay leno all the time hehe xxxxx
A. Julie Scardina: The process is still on going as we implement procedures, facilities and equipment changes. Not sure about the DVD yet, check back later.
Q. Marilyn B: One more question...will this show include a "one on one" moment with a female trainer and whale like Believe did during Something Far Greater?
A. Julie Scardina: We are working towards more whales in more segments for a more fun and personality driven segment.
Q. Marà a G: We went to see the Holiday show last December, most of the whales in the show were small (babies). Will this be the case in the new show?
A. Julie Scardina: We do have lots of babies in Orlando. And we love it! But our adult females definitely want to get out there as much as the babies do.
Q. Emily G: Hi Julie! I was wondering what kind of educational topics will be covered. Will it talk about threats to orcas? Will the show discuss orca social structure? To me, that's the most interesting thing about resident orcas, and I think the public should learn about it so they have a newfound respect for cetaceans!
A. Julie Scardina: We aim to inspire as there are so many ways to look up facts from your computer or hand held device, but until you are moved to care you might not take action. Our goal is to inspire.
Q. Rose M: Hello Ms.Scardina, I’m just curious about the show- from what is said, multi sensory. Do you mean Like Blue horizons or something entirely different?
A. Julie Scardina: You'll definitely hear, see, feel and if you get soaked, maybe even taste the experience of the new show, but certainly you will be moved.
Q. Heleen W: Hi Julie, I was wandering if you are going to move whales from one park to the other just to have a pod in Orlando with bigger whales. It has been done before so I was wandering if there are any plans. Thank you
A. Julie Scardina: No plans for moves at this time. Right now everyone seems to be in a good place.
Q. Joffrey V: Everyone is talking about the new show, so I wanted two questions. Will the trainers return to doing waterworks, and will the new show be something in the style of Believe again?
A. Julie Scardina: Relationships are multi-dimensional. Just like with humans there might be some aspects that are limited and other aspects that are enhanced. Right now we are making sure we are fulfilling all the whales needs through creativity, enrichment, toys, play and tactile.
Q. Kelsey H: Just one question...will there be a new "Shamu" whale? Or will it be the same one?
A. Julie Scardina: Shamu is representative of all whales!
Q. Misty K: is the reason u all changed the show because the trainers can’t get n the water with the whales???
A. Julie Scardina: Believe has run for 5 years. It was time to change but this show has been specifically designed to show off all of Shamu's amazing characteristics.
Q. Jennifer L: Hi Julie, How do you feel about Tilikum not being used in the shows for the past 11 months, as well as no plans to use him yet? Do you think that is fair to keep him in isolation and without purpose there?
A. Julie Scardina: Tilikum is still part of our killer whale family who receives the same amount of time and interaction as he always has. We utilize more brushes, tactile from water sprays and of course he still enjoys his interaction with other whales. He has been learning some new behaviors which we hope to use in the show at some point.
Q. Jeni-Trouble B: Julie, how have the whales reacted to being trained with new music, new choreography etc... Are they keen to learn a new routine or is it confusing for them after 5 years of the same show/music??
A. Julie Scardina: All the whales love to learn and look forward to new visuals, new music and new behavior. They watch the screen!
Q. Meghan L: Hi Julie what is the one ocean? Is that the name of the new show?
A. Julie Scardina: That's the name of our new show as it focuses on how we are all connected and all need to do our part for a healthy ocean.
Q. Callum W: Hi Julie I was just wondering will one ocean be more educational than Believe? A little bit like the Shamu adventure? Thanks
A. Julie Scardina: This show will focus on our connectedness with the ocean and how we can all make a difference, but it will be high energy, fun and inspirational.
Q. Alan Turner: "One Ocean", one connection to a world were it once was impossible to believe could happen, in SeaWorld I trust,
A. Julie Scardina: Thanks for the support Alan!
Q. Emily Y: Dear Julie! I really hope you can answer my questions! (I'm in school right now just got time to ask my question!) If the trainers will get back in the water with the whales, will the new set be altered to allow trainers in the water with the whales? As well, I know Tili (my favourite whale) won't be returning to shows as of yet, but will he be return in the shows before it hits 2 years of him not performing? Thank you so much!! You are a truly inspiring person! ♥
A. Julie Scardina: Thank you Emily! Good questions. If and when that time comes, which we hope we will, we will make any necessary changes. Tilikum has been working sessions in the show pool to prepare him to return to the show when the time is right.
Julie was beyond impressed with the questions and ended her Q & A by asking all her fans to join her on Twitter. “Thanks for all the great questions. You sent WAY MORE than I expected! I've got to go now but find me on Twitter @JulieScardina.”
A new killer-whale show that SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment will open this spring in its three U.S. marine parks will not include any in-water interaction between trainers and whales.Dubbed "One Ocean," the performance will debut in late April at SeaWorld Orlando, on Memorial Day weekend at SeaWorld San Diego and in June at SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld was to announce today. It will replace the nearly 5-year-old "Believe" show as the showcase attraction in the company's marine parks.
Plans for the new show have been deeply influenced by the Feb. 24, 2010, death of SeaWorld Orlando trainer Dawn Brancheau, who was battered and drowned by a company killer whale, and by the months-long safety review that has followed the tragedy.
The most significant adjustment: The new show has been designed for trainers to work exclusively from the stage, instead of in the water with the killer whales. Instead of "rocket hops" — the iconic maneuver in which a whale propels a trainer out of the water — "One Ocean" will feature highlights such as multiple orcas performing in unison and maneuvering amid giant fountains.
SeaWorld hasn't let its trainers swim with the animals since Brancheau's death. It has said it will reinstitute such "water work" only if it can make sufficient safety improvements.
"We are now staying out of the water. We don't know when or how that's going to change. So we said, 'Let's design this one to facilitate that and go in that direction,' " said Julie Scardina, SeaWorld Parks' curator of animal training. "This show was designed to create the interconnectedness with the whales without having to be in the water."
"One Ocean" will also have a more explicit conservation theme than "Believe" did, with images and messages that "revolve around the ocean, the environment, what people can do to make a difference," Scardina said.
She said the new show will emphasize the individual personalities of each of the roughly two-dozen killer whales in SeaWorld's corporate collection. During the show, for instance, trainers will have some guests interact with the animals through the glass surrounding the show pool. Trainers will also have more latitude about what behaviors to use than they did during the tightly choreographed "Believe."
"With the last show, we probably focused a little bit more on the fact that these are amazing performers. Now, we want to introduce them to the audience," Scardina said. "We want to bring them [guests] down to the glass and get close, and let people see that the older whales actually do teach the younger whales, that when they interact together they have fun."
The new themes have been crafted following months of heavy criticism from animal-rights activists who say marine parks provide no genuine educational benefit and that keeping the world's largest marine predator in captivity is inhumane. Critics contend that Brancheau's death — and a similar death in December 2009 of an orca trainer at a Canary Islands marine park — were the result of killer whales enduring extreme stress in captive environments, a conclusion that SeaWorld vehemently disputes.
To prepare for "One Ocean," SeaWorld's three Shamu Stadium orca complexes will undergo significant construction, as crews install fountains, paint new color schemes and, in some of the parks, replace oversized video screens. Scardina said the physical improvements will be comparable to what SeaWorld did to prepare for "Believe," on which the company reportedly spent more than $10 million.
Scardina said SeaWorld is also incorporating new safety features developed as part of the internal review launched following the Brancheau tragedy. But she declined to discuss specific measures, citing the ongoing legal fight in which SeaWorld is contesting a citation issued last year by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
A hearing before an administrative judge with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Review Commission is scheduled for April 25.
The new killer-whale shows are among 10 new attractions SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment will add at its 10 U.S. theme and water parks this year. SeaWorld says the construction spree, which is expected to approach nearly $200 million in 2011, is the largest single-year capital investment in company history.
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^Somewhere in a classroom in Orlando, a sad Jedi just died.
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http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/02/george-lucas-visits-star-tours-at-disneyland-park/
It was a big day for Star Tours recently, as Star Wars creator George Lucas, joined by producer Rick McCallum, paid a visit to Disneyland Park to take a few test rides on the attraction with our Walt Disney Imagineering team. After experiencing adventures to several of the Star Wars worlds aboard the Starspeeder 1000, George and Rick gave the team a big thumbs up on their progress. George even took a moment to pose with the Audio-Animatronics figure of C-3PO in the Starspeeder cockpit!Stay tuned for more Star Tours updates.
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Again Danny, we appreciate you posting here, but I'm going to have to give you one final warning--if you want to reply, do it all in one post. You are double posting again and that is not allowed.
Also, your posting style is in violation of our Terms of Service due to a lack of proper spelling and punctuation.
9. Spelling and Grammar - bad spelling and grammar will NOT be tolerated! Theme Park Review's forum includes a spell checker and there is a great one available with Google's Toolbar. If we have to edit too many of your posts, you may be suspended from the forum. Text Message shorthand or "l77t" speak is not allowed. A typo here and there is acceptable, but illegible posts are not.I don't mean to be a nag, but these are the same rules that all other members of our forum abide by, so if you could please adjust your posts, and remember not to double post, it would be much appreciated.
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I've been reading your posts on the other site since you first introduced yourself a while ago, and have seen your testimony before, but the biggest question I've had since the start was why invest in a place that really doesn't seem to want a theme park anymore? Looking at the available board on the US map of parks that still stand (or at least the infrastructure does), why do you hold a beyond-wrecked shell over the fully constructed possibility of a park like Hard Rock Park/Freestyle Music Park? Or even consider utilizing the existing infrastructure at a former amusement base such as Geauga Lake? I understand the fact that things are salvageable at what was Six Flags New Orleans, but what is the real use in pumping funds into a park that will ultimately leak them like a sieve.
I know you don't appreciate our collective skepticism here, but you have to realize coming in here that we've seen major ventures sink in less than two months from their opening... Just because it is a good idea in theory or on paper, doesn't make it a great idea in actuality. If there is some reason to believe that Southern Star Amusements' vision is any more viable than the ones that led the creation of Hard Rock Park, Wild West World, the re-investment in Freestyle Music Park or that crazy idea for the Orlando Thrill Park, then I'd be more inclined to listen with more good faith, but as of right now, your words and all that we have seen from Southern Star Amusements has been no better than anything I've mentioned above.
All excuses/apparent setbacks aside, I just don't see any reason to think that this project has any more chance of success than half of the parks announced for Dubai, most of which are dead in the water or in this case, the desert.
EDIT: By the way, I need to ask you to stop double posting from now on. In quoting people, feel free to quote multiple people in a single post using the Quote button in your posting window. Although we welcome you to the forums, I must let you know that double posting isn't allowed on Theme Park Review.
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A 34-year-old man died after falling off a roller coaster at a popular amusement park in Tokyo in the third incident there in three months, officials have confirmed.
The man fell from a four-seat vehicle on the Spinning Coaster Maihime (Dancing Princess) when it reached a curve some eight metres above the ground.
Police suspected the man, whose name was not immediately released, might have failed to properly lock himself into the ride at the Tokyo Dome City Attractions park with a safety bar.
At the same park in November, a female worker had three of her fingers cut off when she was inspecting a motor in a vertical drop ride, a park official said.
In December, a small girl was slightly injured when a bolt came off another roller coaster and hit her, she added.
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^Somehow I doubt that.
Please work on your use of capitalization and punctuation, as your posts are currently in violation of our Terms of Service. Please be sure to fix that when posting from now on, as you may be warned again in the future if you continue.
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^Spanx socks.
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I just, respectfully, request that things be handled in a way around TPR that keeps quality at top-notch.
Word of advise: Leave the top-notch keeping to the people that keep the site top-notch.
If you haven't realized it by now, this site has been around long enough, as has the sense of humor around it, and it doesn't negatively impact the site in the way you are implying or worrying about. Just look at the upcoming year's list of Club TPR benefits, coupled with the many, many special things that happen on the TPR trips. If you truly understood TPR, you'd realize that this isn't a concern. Before the wedgie gets any tighter, take a step back and observe--if you still don't like what you see, then keep quite or go somewhere else that takes things a little more seriously.
I don't know if you've realized yet, but the tagline on the new header logo says alot about how we regard ourselves here...
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http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=280
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced the appointment of C. Thomas (“Tom”) Harvie as non-executive, independent chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately.Harvie succeeds Dick Kinzel as the Company’s chairman. Kinzel voluntarily relinquished his chairman position in response to unitholders’ support of the proposal regarding the separation of the chairman and chief executive roles. Kinzel will remain as president and chief executive officer of Cedar Fair through the end of his contract on January 3, 2012. The proposal passed with approximately 54 percent of the vote at the Special Meeting of Unitholders, held on January 11, 2011, to consider two amendments to the partnership agreement as proposed by Q Funding III, L.P. and Q4 Funding, L.P. (“Q Investments”). Given the complexity of voting tabulation caused by the two distinct sets of proxy materials used in such special meetings, the results required a verification and reconciliation process by an independent inspector of elections.
Harvie, who has served as an independent director of Cedar Fair since 2008, chairs the corporate governance committee and the CEO succession planning committee. Most recently, Harvie served as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
Harvie’s appointment is in line with the Board’s newly adopted policy, which requires the separation of the chairman and chief executive officer roles and states that the chairman of the Board will be independent of the Company.
Harvie commented, “We believe today’s actions will help ensure a smooth and seamless leadership transition for Cedar Fair as it enters a new era of growth and sustained value creation for its unitholders. The Board recognizes the valuable leadership that Dick Kinzel has provided the Company during his years of service as Chairman and CEO, and appreciates his continued commitment to the Company. I look forward to serving in this strategic leadership and governance role as we complete the CEO succession planning transition process and continue to build on the Company’s strong 2010 performance.” The appointment of the non-executive, independent chairman will be reviewed by the Board on a periodic basis.
As announced on December 6, 2010, the Board has retained Korn/Ferry International, one of the world’s leading executive recruiting firms, to assist in its ongoing CEO succession planning process, which is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of this year.
The Company also announced that Proposal #2, which called for the amendment to the partnership agreement to require the payment of cash distributions to unitholders as a higher priority than reducing leverage and strengthening the Company’s balance sheet for the future, failed to receive the requisite number of votes required for approval by unitholders. Three of the four leading proxy advisory firms recommended that unitholders vote against the proposal.
“The Board recognizes that unitholders have a vested and continuing interest in the payment of a sustainable and growing distribution,” said Kinzel. “The Company is – and always has been – deeply committed to the payment of a distribution to our unitholders. Consistent with that commitment, the Board has agreed to review the distribution strategy during the 2011 first quarter in combination with our 2010 full-year results. As part of that process, we will consider all options available under our current capital structure with respect to the payment of future distributions. As evidenced by the past 24 years the payment of a distribution is among the Board’s highest priorities.”
The Company today filed an 8K with the Securities and Exchange Commission which sets forth the detail of the final voting results, as certified by the independent inspector of elections. The filing can be accessed via the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
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There has never been MYSTERY INVESTORS only people who have come and gone who might have invested if the city would seed control of the park to us. Why do you think we wanted the Go Zone bonds? The fact is that no investor is going to put money up when you cant even get the terms of a deal for the park. We have made one offer after another allowing the city to check every step of the project to be sure that it was funded. We have offered to put security at the park at no cost to the city to repair the fencing around the park if only the city would allow us to let our engineers do a detailed inspiction to determan what is still usable in order to understand what we need to do and how much it is going to cost. Toon we are sitting on 10 million dollars worth of credit for equipment for the park (Rides) as well as 1.5 million in credit for water park equipment. We have deals (credit) to repair the major rides that are still in the park amounting to another 3 million of the 8 million or so that we think may be needed. Toon that's 14.5 million dollars we have ready should we be given the park. There are other deals in the works as well but how can we move forward with no contract with the city? How do you justify asking money from investors when the city will not commit in writing? You think that some one is going to come in and save the day like Schlitterbaun? Don't you think we have already talked with them as well as every one else we can think of? People you Don't even know all around the industry have been talked to and almost every one has the same answer, we will be willing to talk once you have control of the park.
Toon it may come as a shock to you but we have already invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in this effort, can you name just one other who has? The truth is if all of you got behind us and enlisted every one you know in one major effort together we might be able to move the city into allowing us the chance. If you know some one who is willing to help now would be the time! I am willing to keep trying but time is running out for the park and soon it will be to late to save it. So how about it are you up for a fight to save your park or not? If so lets get a public campaign started to save our park and let city hall know that we want the park back! What are your ideas and what can you do to help? We need sponsors, investors and volunteers who are willing to stand up and help. We need to put on public events to raise funds and to paper the city with petitions calling for the city to act now and allow us the chance to try and save the park!
You can e-mail me at southernstarltd@att.net with ideas or what ever that's my direct e-mail and I will answer you as long as your civil. One last point we have put out a press statement and you can find it by going to http://www.southernstaramusement.com
Thanks
Danny
SSAI
This part just really stands out to me:
we have already invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in this effortSomehow, I think he and Kat (of the Big Dipper fame) would get along quite well.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has sent us a press release announcing the launch of their new park-specific blog!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced today the launch of a park-specific blog at http://www.buschgardenstampablog.comThe new blog will feature stories from all areas of the park, including animal training, engineering, entertainment, horticulture, culinary, merchandise and more. It will also focus on providing behind-the-scenes details and other unique content that can’t be found on the park’s .com site.
“This portal is a place for us to regularly share information and create a two-way dialogue with current and future guests,” said Busch Gardens’ Vice President of Marketing, Gerard Hoeppner. “The launch of this blog is a social media milestone for our new Digital Marketing team.”
Busch Gardens’ digital presence also includes a growing fan base on Facebook and Twitter, as well as a YouTube channel and their Busch Gardens .com and .org sites.
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http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2011/01/22/10-sage-managed-hotels-to-be-auctioned.html
Ten operating hotels managed by Denver's Sage Hospitality Resources in seven states and owned by a variety of investors are to be auctioned off next month. Most have been marketed under the "CoCo Key Water Resort" brand and feature indoor pools and other water-sport amenities. The properties are in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey and Ohio.The auction is being managed by the hotel division of Jones Lang LaSalle and Real Estate Disposition Corp. and is being conducted online via the real estate auction website auction.com.
The properties were being quietly shopped to potential buyers last fall and have been listed for several days at auction.com. Bidding is to begin Feb. 15. The hotels are being auctioned "free and clear of the existing management agreement," according to the auction.com listings.
A separate CoCo Key hotel in Orlando, Fla., evidently is not included in the auction.
The hotels are listed as owned by entities under various names, including Wave Development of Milwaukee, Hexagon Investments and several variations of WPH.
According to a Denver Business Journal report in 2007, Sage had joined with Wave Development and Hexagon Investments in 2006 to launch an initiative to develop water resorts in several states under an affiliate, CoCo Key Water Resorts LLC. The plan called for eventually converting 17 to 20 underperforming business-class hotels to CoCo Key water resorts.
But Sage is only the property manager of the hotels, Sage executive Ed Baklor told the Business Journal of Milwaukee back in October, when Jones Lang LaSalle began a quiet marketing effort. "Wave did the development work (and) Sage managed the properties," Baklor said.
Mike Hipp, executive vice president of Hexagon Investments, told the Business Journal of Milwaukee that the investment firm -- linked to magazine mogul Roy Reiman and his family -- is a minority investor among "a lot of investors" in the water park projects. He also said the properties have been "performing fine."
Sage currently operates more than 60 hotels in 26 states, according to its website.
Here is a list of the properties to be auctioned:
- CoCo Key Water Resort, Waterbury, Conn. -- Rooms: 282. Starting bid: $1.5 million.
- Best Western Clock Tower Rockford, Rockford, Ill. -- Rooms: 245. Starting bid: $2.9 million.
- Crowne Plaza Boston North Shore, Danvers, Mass. -- Rooms: 366. Starting bid: $6.9 million.
- Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg and CoCo Key Water Resort, Fitchburg, Mass. -- Rooms: 254. Starting bid: $2.7 million.
- Holiday Inn Kansas City Southeast, Kansas City, Mo. -- Rooms: 369. Starting bid: $1.9 million.
- CoCo Key Water Resort Omaha, Omaha, Neb. -- Rooms: 383. Starting bid: $1.9 million.
- Marriott Mount Laurel and CoCo Key Water Resort, Mount Laurel, N.J. -- Rooms: 283. Starting bid: $4.9 million.
- Cherry Valley Lodge, Newark, Ohio -- Rooms: 200. Starting bid: $2.9 million.
- Crowne Plaza Cincinnati North, Cincinnati -- Rooms: 257. Starting bid: $600,000.
- Fairfield Inn Cincinnati North, Cincinnati -- Rooms: 95. Starting bid: $500,000.
- CoCo Key Water Resort, Waterbury, Conn. -- Rooms: 282. Starting bid: $1.5 million.
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Quassy has sent us a new photo showing off the great Winter progress made with the Wooden Warrior.
The wintry weather in Connecticut hasn’t stalled construction of the “Wooden Warrior,” Quassy Amusement Park’s new marquee roller coaster. The framework of the ride rises above the snow-covered landscape at the Middlebury park in this recent photo. The construction crew remains busy at the site and tracking and other work continues in preparation for the park’s spring opening. (Quassy photo) -
Thrill seekers have been coming to ride the Cyclone for decades. Now as the landmark coaster gets ready to mark its 80th anniversary this year, it'll have a new operator – Zamperla, the same Italian ride manufacturing company and developer of Coney Island's Luna Park, which sits across the street.
"For us, the Cyclone is the coaster. People know this coaster around the world,” said Zamperla president Valerio Ferrari. “Many coasters have been named after this particular one."
In November, Carol Albert, whose family has been operating the Cyclone for last 37 years, told NY1 the wooden coaster was too costly to run and wanted out of the licensing agreement she had with the city. Now she's out and Zamperla says its been given control for a year until the city goes through a formal bidding process for the site.
Zamperla says it plans to make several hundred-thousand dollars in repairs and improvements.
"We're walking into something that we don't know how much it's going to cost," Ferrari said. “We know the ride requires some repair, but once we will do these tests, we will figure it out."
As the logistics for the Cyclone are figured out, Zamperla will also be busy erecting a modern, extreme coaster at a lot on Stillwell Avenue, the site of the new amusement park Scream Zone. Steel tracks have been delivered and next week they'll be erected.
NY1 has also obtained video of the other three rides coming to the park. There's Turbo Force, which spins in full circles 132 feet in the air. There's the Human Sling Shot that catapults brave riders almost 200 feet in the air. And there's the Steeplechase coaster, a throwback to Coney Island's heyday.
"Steeplechase was a beautiful coaster right on the same site we're going to put the new one in,” Ferrari said. “Ours will be a steel coaster. The original was a wooden one, but the horses are going to be beautiful like the original one."
Coney Island's opening weekend is Palm Sunday, April 16th. All the rides, both old and new, are expected to be up and running.
Holiday World (HW) Discussion Thread
in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Posted
Holiday World has sent us a press release regarding their latest act of philanthropy/charity.