Six Flags getting 'back to basics'
"Six Flags Marine World hopes new and revamped shows, shorter waits and more benches will help attract more visitors this year, after the Vallejo theme park posted a second consecutive year of declining attendance, officials said Wednesday. Park officials Tuesday briefed the Vallejo [California] City Council on their plans for the new season and successfully asked the city, as it has in past years, for a $12 million loan to cover operating expenses until the park opens on March 20. The park plans to repay the money with revenue from the new season, officials said. With no new rides at the roller coaster and animal park planned this year, officials are concentrating on updating older attractions and taking a new approach at marketing the park, spokesperson Jeff Jouett said Wednesday." From the Times-Herald.

Money woes take Joyland for a bad ride. Owner vows to keep the gates open
"Although still open and booking groups for this summer's season, Joyland Amusement Park, the only amusement park in south central Kansas, appears to be in financial trouble. Rohr Enterprises Inc., which owns Joyland, has racked up a $65,000 federal tax lien and is in danger of losing its corporation status with the state if it doesn't file its yearly report, which is overdue. And since December, Joyland has been the subject of two lawsuits for unpaid bills amounting to about $16,000. David Rohr, owner of Rohr Enterprises, the parent company of Joyland, says times have been extremely difficult, and he is doing his best to pay off all his bills. The park will stay open, he says, and he's trying to get loans from banks and family members to keep Joyland alive. " From the Wichita Business Journal.

Florida cabinet puts last piece in Cypress Gardens puzzle
"The Florida Cabinet today voted unanimously to commit $11 million for a 150-acre conservation easement at Cypress Gardens, putting the final piece in place in an extended, sometimes-tenuous plan to reopen the state's oldest tourist attraction. " From Orlando Business Journal. State's oldest tourist attraction? Uh, no. But the park could reopen by Memorial Day weekend.

NY Theme park sets sights on winter rides
"The Great Escape is betting that on cold winter days, when chilly Canadian air blows through the Adirondacks, visitors are going to be drawn to its water slides. The Queensbury amusement park is pitching a proposed 32,000-square-foot [indoor] water park as an answer to the cold North Country winters, when the park is closed. But John S. Collins, the park's general manager, said he also expects the enclosed water slides, river ride and surfable waves -- all of which would be attached to a proposed 200-room Adirondack-style hotel -- would be busy during the park's peak summer months as well." From The Albany Times Union.

Bucs to Return to Disney World
"For the third year in a row, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will hold their training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports, the team announced Thursday. The Bucs have trained at the Disney complex the past two seasons with the team being housed at the Celebration Hotel in downtown Celebration... The exact training camp schedule will be announced later this spring. The team will report to camp in late July and stay until mid-August." From The Ledger.

Heading for a safe ride
"Amusement parks in India will soon have to follow certain safety regulations. The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) has submitted a draft report for such safety regulations to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). If approved by the Union Cabinet, the regulations are expected to be enforced by February end, according to IAAPI President Balwant Chawla. From Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.

Rocking Horse owner unveils theme park plan for Highland
"Ranch owner Steve Turk said the idea was born of the phone calls he receives regularly from people interested in visiting the Rocking Horse Ranch for day trips. The proposed $10 million Magic Canyon theme park, to be built on 51 acres, will be the subject of two upcoming public hearings. A hearing on the potential environmental impact of the plan will be held in Plattekill [New York] Town Hall on Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m." From The Daily Freeman.

Big Chief [Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin] expands
"Crews are currently razing property between Big Chief and Top Secret to expand parking and make way for a new attraction. 'We signed a new ride for 2005,' Laskaris said. 'It will be the tallest roller coaster in the Midwest. The first part will be completed in the spring.' Laskaris didn't want to ruin the suspense, so exactly how big the coaster will be is a secret, along with their Top Secret addition under construction that will open its doors this summer. Big Chief will also remodel bathroom facilities and entrances, create more seating, perform extensive landscaping, remodel its castle and debut the 80-foot 'Dive to Athens' water roller coaster." From the Wisconsin Dells Event.

Amusement park operator goes bust
"The operator of Hanayashiki, an amusement park in Tokyo's historic Asakusa area dating back to 1853 in Japan's feudal era, has gone under with liabilities of 8.2 billion yen, Resolution and Collection Corp (RCC) said Monday. The government-backed debt-collection body is a creditor to Togo, a local roller-coaster maker that has run Hanayashiki since the company's establishment in 1949." From Japan Today.

Incheon looks to attract global theme parks
"The western port city of Incheon [Korea] hopes to attract global amusement park operators such as Walt Disney Co. to build recreation areas in its free economic zone, the Ministry of Finance and Economy said yesterday... The push to attract theme parks to Incheon is part of a plan initiated in October 2003 by President Roh Moo-hyun to create special economic zones, where foreign companies would be encouraged to establish operations through tax breaks and other incentives. Initial talks are under way with theme park operators such as Walt Disney Co., Universal and MGM Studios, and Lego Land. If negotiations are successful, the ministry said the construction of a park could begin in 2008. " From The Korea Herald.

Cart Breaks From Carnival Ride, Injures 3 Kids: Investigators Trying To Determine Cause Of Accident
"Three children were injured Saturday when a cart broke from a carnival ride at the Florida Citrus Festival and threw them to the ground, according to a Local 6 News report. The children, ages 7, 11 and 12, were on a ride called the 'Cliff Hanger' at the festival at about 1:30 p.m. when the accident happened. Winter Haven Police said there were 30 people on the ride when it broke. Each cart holds three people, and the one holding the three children came apart while the ride was in motion. The children were still in the cart, and the Winter Haven Fire Department had to extract them. Bobby Fuqua, executive director of the festival, said one child suffered a broken arm while the other two had minor cuts and bruises." From local6.com.

It's Party Time at Six Flags Great America
"GURNEE, Ill. -- Six Flags Great America has announced plans for its third extensive family entertainment expansion in less than 10 years. This spring, the Midwest's premier theme park will see the addition of five new rides and a newly themed Mardi Gras section of the park... Plans to update, expand and renew the existing Orleans Place section of the park will convert the area into a non-stop Mardi Gras party. The newly themed Mardi Gras section will host four of the park's five new rides, including Six Flags Great America's 13th coaster, Ragin' Cajun, live entertainment and themed restaurants. Ragin' Cajun is a fast track roller coaster unlike any other at Six Flags Great America. The only coaster of its type in the Midwest, Ragin' Cajun will zigzag guests through 1,378 feet of quick twists, tight curves and breathtaking drops. Its uniquely designed four-passenger cars spin independently throughout the ride course, so that no two ride experiences are alike." PR NewsWire release via Yahoo! News.

3 charged in electrocution of boy at Lake County Fair
"Two state [of Ohio] inspectors and a longtime Lake County Fair worker were charged Friday with reckless homicide and man slaughter in the electrocution of an 8-year-old boy at the fair last summer. Prosecutors believe this is the first time anyone has been criminally charged in Ohio as a result of a death on an amusement ride. A Lake County grand jury secretly indicted Ohio Department of Agriculture amusement-ride inspectors Theodore Brubaker and Kalin Turner and County Fair worker Nick Rock of Mentor this month. " From The Plain Dealer.

Fifty rescued from theme park ride
"Around 50 people were rescued from an amusement ride at a Gold Coast theme park today after a tree fell on a cable. A spokeswoman from the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service said four firemen had rescued everyone from the Gondola cable car ride at Dreamworld without incident." From The Australian.

New coaster will make heads spin:
Waldameer's $4 million twist adds to summer recreation
"The yet-to-be-named German-made thrill ride is like a cross between two Waldameer stalwarts, the Spider spinning ride and the Comet roller coaster. Riders on the spinning coaster will spend 70 seconds going up and down 1,400 feet of winding track at speeds up to 38 mph. The coaster will have a maximum drop of 51 feet. The added twist? The riders' cars will spin as many as 20 times a minute as the cars speed ahead. 'It's going to be fun,' said Steve Gorman, general manager of Waldameer Park & Water World. 'I can't wait to ride it.'" From The Erie Times-News.

Theme park owner hopes to reopen Cypress Gardens by May
"The theme park owner who is working to buy most of Cypress Gardens says he hopes to reopen the historic Florida attraction by May. Proclaiming that ski shows and Southern belles will return to Cypress Gardens and its botanical gardens will be preserved for eternity, Georgia theme park [Wild Adventures] owner Kent Buescher drew applause Thursday from a crowd of about 300. 'Cypress Gardens has got the most amazing heritage of any place in the world,' said Buescher, who is putting up $7 million to buy 120 acres of the 150-acre park and said he will add $35 million in improvements and attractions in the first 12 months of ownership." From The Ledger.

Six Flags yanks toy at students' request: Pacifiers' link to drug use inspires letter-writing campaign
"A popular light-up toy sold at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson [New Jersey] will be taken off the shelves this year at the park thanks to some persuasive work by a group of students that discovered the toy has a not-so-innocent reputation. After learning that Six Flags Great Adventure was selling lighted pacifiers as souvenirs, more than 200 seventh- and eighth-grade students began a letter-writing campaign that eventually convinced Six Flags Great Adventure officials to discontinue the sale of the pacifiers there. "The reason for our concern was that this type of baby pacifier is known drug paraphernalia," said Toni Carrea, student assistance counselor at the elementary and middle schools. She said the pacifiers are used by teenagers at dance parties such as "raves" to ease teeth grinding and jaw clenching that is caused by the drug Ecstasy. The type of pacifier sold at Six Flags Great Adventure had a light on its back that produced a strobe light effect that Ms. Carrea said is known to enhance the effect of Ecstasy on the user. From The Messenger-Press.

Sandusky [OH] may rescind parking tax
"The city commission has asked its law department to draft an ordinance that would rescind a municipal parking tax, a tariff that Cedar Point amusement park has lobbied against since it was imposed last spring. Cedar Point spokesman Janice Witherow said yesterday legal action is planned if the city does not abolish the tax, which the amusement park claims is aimed solely at the amusement park." From the Toledo Blade.

No Romp In The Park: The third set of owners to take over the original Bananaz amusement park get serious about attracting enough business to succeed.
"More changes are afoot for a 50,0000-square-foot amusement center in Duluth's [MN] Canal Park. The business at 349 Lake Ave. S. is on its third name and third set of owners in less than three years. The latest sign to go up on the building reads 'Carnival Thrillz,' and it supplants an old shingle that read 'Canal Park Fun Center.' The indoor amusement park opened its doors in the summer of 2001 under the name, 'Bananaz.' Matt Reardon, the newest manager of the amusement center, remains confident the current Minneapolis-based ownership group, Carnival Thrillz LLC, can bring newfound stability to the business." From the Duluth News Tribune.

Injured woman sues Six Flags
"A Wisconsin couple has sued Six Flags Inc. over injuries the wife says she suffered when struck in the head while on a ride in July 2000 at the amusement park in Aurora [Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, Aurora, Ohio]. Terri Wang of Grafton, Wis., sustained an open depressed skull fracture and lacerations after a thrown object hit her in the head while she was riding 'The Villain' roller coaster with her family, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in Portage County Common Pleas Court." From the Akron Beacon Journal.

Quorum Court Expresses Opposition To Alcohol Sales At Theme Park
"Hot Springs, AR - The Garland County Quorum Court is expressing opposition to alcohol possibly being served at Magic Springs Theme Park in Hot Springs. The court voted 8-to-5 tonight to send a resolution to the alcohol beverage control board asking for a denial of the park's request for a license." From KATV.

For Sale: Used Theme Park Merry-Go-Round
"A merry-go-round that once entertained children at Dolly Parton's theme park before being used as a ferry terminal boredom killer is being sold on eBay. Minimum bid: $40,000. The 1955 Allen Herschell carousel is being sold by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, operators of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry... The authority, which bought it from Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., for $55,000 in 1996, used it for five years at its ferry terminal in Lower Township to entertain families with young children who were waiting for their ferry departures." AP story from Miami.com.

Lotte to build theme park in Busan
"Lotte Group said yesterday that it will build another Lotte World, the largest indoor amusement park in the world, to be completed in Busan by 2009. The multiplex building accompanying a department store, hotel, movie theaters and international conference halls under the Lotte brand will be 494 meters tall with 107 floors. Department store and entertainment facilities will start operations in August 2006 and the hotel will open in June 2009, according to Lotte. " From The Korea Herald.

Hard Rock Park slowed
"A delay in the plans to build Hard Rock Park [Myrtle Beach, SC] could push the amusement park's opening to 2006, a year after developers planned to open the amusement park planned for Fantasy Harbour. The delay is needed so developers can finalize the project's financial backing. Developers say they hope to open the park in time for the 2005 tourist season, but County Council Chairwoman Liz Gilland said she was told it won't open until 2006." From The Sun News.

Boy May Lose Toe In Theme Park Ride Accident
"An 11-year-old boy visiting Orlando was hospitalized Thursday after getting his foot caught on a Universal Studios ride, according to Local 6 News. Local 6 News reported that the boy was riding the 'Men in Black' ride when he was injured. When the ride came to an end, the boy reportedly stuck his leg out and jammed his foot between the vehicle and the platform." From local6.com.

Disneyland Guest Misunderstands Celebratory Event
A family of Australian tourists got a big surprise during their trip to Disneyland. Bill Trow's family was greeted at the gates of the theme park by Mickey Mouse and flying confetti yesterday as Trow was honored as Disneyland's 500 millionth guest. Trow initially thought the flashing lights and buzzers that went off as he and his family passed through the gates were due to new U.S. security checks. It was only when Mickey Mouse appeared and confetti flew through the air that he realized it was something more. From FOXNews.com.

Young girl falls off park ride
A Six-year-old girl suffered severe head injuries after falling off an amusement park ride on the Gold Coast last night. The girl had been on the Cha Cha ride in an amusement park at Burleigh Road, Broadbeach [Australia], when she fell off about 9pm (AEST), a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said. From NEWS.com.au.

City wants birds protected from proposed Boardwalk ride
"The [Santa Cruz, CA] Planning Department says a proposed 125-foot 'Double Shot' thrill ride tower at the Beach Boardwalk won’t make too much noise, pollute soils or increase the city’s 'potential for tsunami damage.' But the Seaside Co., which operates the Boardwalk, must take care to reduce the 'potentially significant impact' to migratory birds that might smash into the skinny tower, planning staffers say. " From the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Accident At Jeepers Leaves Boy With Cracked Pelvis
"A 5-year-old boy will undergo surgery Thursday repair a cracked pelvis after falling out of a moving mini-roller-coaster at a mall in suburban Cleveland. Aaron Clayton is in critical condition this morning at MetroHealth Medical Center's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Aaron also broke his right leg, bruised his kidney and injured his spleen after falling from the coaster at the Randall Park Mall in North Randall. The accident happened Sunday at Jeepers, a pizza place and children's entertainment center in the mall. " AP story on NewsNet5.

Disneyland(R) Resort Offers Southern California Residents a '2fer'; Two Parks, Two Days at One-Day Price
"Beginning January 6 through April 30, Disneyland Resort offers twice the fun at half the price for Southern California residents. Residents may enjoy a day at Disneyland and a day at Disney's California Adventure for the price of a one-day ticket, courtesy of the Resort's '2fer' offer exclusively for Southland residents." Press release via PR NewsWire.

Disney Breaks Attendance Records
"Attendance at Walt Disney World set a number of records over the end-of-year holiday, despite travel concerns, Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Michael Eisner said Tuesday. Eisner announced that Walt Disney World had its best day ever in the resort's 33-year history as well as its best week ever over the holidays... The company did not disclose a specific number, but Eisner said more than 200,000 people a day were at Walt Disney World, according to a report." From local6.com.

Ex-Councillor on Rollercoaster Theft Charge
"A former Conservative councillor has been charged with stealing funds from a campaign to save a historic rollercoaster, police said today. Colin Kiddell, 45, was treasurer of the Scenic Railway Trust, set up to save the ride at Dreamland Amusement Park in Margate, Kent." From Scotsman.com News.

Kennywood Park Says Tax Could Increase Admissions
"A historic amusement park in Allegheny County [Pennsylvania] says it may have to increase admission costs because of more taxes. Kennywood Park in West Mifflin said a recent raise of the borough's amusement tax will mean less money to spend on ride improvements. Last week, West Mifflin Council changed the tax to a flat five percent. Before, the borough and the school district split 10 percent of the ticket cost or one dollar, whichever was less." From ThePittsburghChannel.com.

Knott's Berry Farm Kicks off 2004 by Lowering Kids' Price; New Low Price for the New Year
"Knott's Berry Farm announced the roll back of its regular price of admission for children ages 3-11 to an incredible $12.95. The new low price coincides with the kick off of a promising New Year at America's first theme park that will include the opening of three new rides. Previously $33, the new price of $12.95 is the lowest posted gate price for kids since 1992 and continues to be the lowest children's price at any Southern California theme park. Plans for 2004 at Knott's Berry Farm include the addition of Lucy's Tugboat attraction in Camp Snoopy this spring. Also, the high-flying RipTide is scheduled to make waves on the Boardwalk in time for Spring Break delighting thrill seekers with '720 degrees of attitude.' In addition to these new rides, Knott's biggest plans remain wrapped up in a $16 million Christmas present to thrillseekers everywhere. The Silver Bullet is slated to open Christmas Eve 2004. The inverted steel roller coaster will send riders climbing to a height of 146 feet and soaring back down an initial drop of 109 feet. Riders will spiral, corkscrew, fly into a cobra roll, and experience over-banked curves. Overall, riders will find themselves upside down six times including one vertical loop of 105 feet all while suspended below the coaster track traveling over four of Knott's themed areas. Adult admission prices remain at $43, but adults can also receive the new low price of $12.95 for a limited time from Jan. 5 through Feb. 1, 2004, when they bring a canned food item to the park to benefit the Orange County Food Bank." Press Release via Business Wire.

Vet named to Bonfante Gardens board
"A vacant Bonfante Gardens board of directors seat has been filled by a well-known veterinarian, a former Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and a self-described "tree-hugger with business sense." Longtime Gilroyan (California) Greg Martinez is the newest member of the horticultural theme park's seven-member governing body. Given the many issues facing Bonfante Gardens - such as a mountainous debt and less-than-stellar attendance figures - Martinez will be expected immediately to bring to the board a blend of business savvy and educational advocacy, qualities board directors say landed him the volunteer job. " From The Dispatch.

Luna Park reopens, just for fun
"The famous smile at Sydney's Luna Park has been whitened, the rouge reapplied and the rides rebuilt – all in anticipation of the park's opening within weeks. After $100 million in renovations, the historic site is going back to its roots as a traditional fairground, with a carnival atmosphere. The park's director Warwick Doughty said 600 staff would be hired in the coming weeks and workers would be trained to operate the rides in anticipation of the March launch." From NEWS.com.au.

Happy New Year for Florida Residents Thanks to Play 4 Days Savings at Walt Disney World Theme Parks
"Disney's Play 4 Days is back! The wildly popular special ticket offer treats Florida residents to unlimited park-hopping at all four Walt Disney World theme parks on any four days -- all for only $109 per person, plus tax... Good for Walt Disney World theme park visits Jan. 4, 2004, through June 4, 2004 (blackout dates April 3-15)." PR NewsWire story from Yahoo! News.

SeaWorld Orlando Raises Ticket Price By $2
"Increase Is Effective Friday Jan. 2. SeaWorld Orlando announced that they will raise ticket prices by $2 beginning Friday, making SeaWorld the priciest attraction in Orlando. It will cost $53.95 plus tax for adults, and $44.95 plus tax for children. " From Local6.com.