Theme Park City Newslog

News and comment from the world of theme parks and amusement parks by Theme Park City Editor Robert H. Brown.

Note that many newspaper stories may be available for only a limited time, after which the link will cease to function.

9/22/2006

Coming to a Valleyfair near you: A new wood coaster
"Valleyfair has announced it will build a $6.5 million wooden roller-coaster for the 2007 season. It will be the Shakopee [MN] amusement park’s seventh roller-coaster and the first made of wood since the High Roller, the park’s first and only when the park opened in 1976. The ride, called “Renegade,” was designed by Great Coasters International Inc. of Sunbury, Pa. It is described as a “world class” roller coaster that “combines the best features of out-and-back and twister coasters.”" From The Shakopee Valley News.

posted by Robert # 3:22 AM

9/19/2006

Six Flags to expand Hurricane Bay
"The water park at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom will get a makeover this winter as part of what its officials describe as the largest investment in the tourist attraction's 16-year history. New lounge chairs and an interactive play area for toddlers will be added to Hurricane Bay, which will be 10 percent to 15 percent larger, said Jay Thomas, general manager of Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom." From The Courier-Journal.

posted by Robert # 10:12 PM

9/15/2006

Developer planning $600 million attraction for Branson in 2009
"A longtime Branson [MO] developer announced today he will build a $600 million 'destination attraction' with an aquarium, a 300-room hotel featuring an indoor water park and high tech special-effects entertainment. Pinnacle Falls of Branson is expected to open in 2008 on 300 acres just west of Celebration City. The property has been in David Cushman's family for 60 years. The Cushman family built Mutton Hollow, a theme park on the site of what is now Celebration City." From The Springfield News-Leader.

posted by Robert # 12:49 AM

9/12/2006

Bankruptcy for Hurricane Ravaged Park
"Cypress Gardens, the 70-year-old theme park saved from the wrecking ball two years ago, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing $25 million in debts incurred after it was hit by three hurricanes in 2004. 'Charley, Frances and Jeanne, that's what happened,' said Sara Sumner, a spokeswoman for owner Adventure Parks Group, LLC said of the bankruptcy petition filed Monday in federal court. 'We took three direct hits from those storms and the insurance company has balked at paying those claims.'" From MSN Money.

posted by Robert # 8:19 PM

9/7/2006

Holiday World Announces New Rides For '07
Bakuli, a new family water slide in Splashin' Safari, and Turkey Whirl, a themed tilt-a-whirl. From Holiday World [IN].

posted by Robert # 3:33 PM

9/5/2006

Child Hit By Stray Bullet At Arkansas Theme Park
"A freak accident at a Hot Springs, Arkansas theme park. A child was struck by a stray bullet while riding a log flume ride at Magic Springs & Crystal Falls theme park. The victim, who has not been identified, was struck in the wrist by a 22-caliber bullet while on the ride. Authorities believe that someone outside the theme park fired a weapon into the air, and the bullet came down and hit the child." From KSLA.

posted by Robert # 10:34 PM

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