News Archive
'Sum of all Thrills' DIY coaster opens at Epcot
The Sum of all Thrills simulated roller coaster has opened at Epcot in Walt Disney World. The ride, designed by Raytheon and Walt Disney Imagineering, is something of a do-it-yourself interactive experience that allows guest to design their own digital roller coaster and then... [More]
New Horror Nights app for iPhone and Android
Universal Studios Hollywood and Geodelic have released a new application for iPhone and Android phones that caters specifically to Halloween Horror Nights attendees. The application will provide information such as wait times, maze and scare zone locations, show schedules and more. The app can... [More]
Six Flags GA to host "Appreciation Days"
Six Flags Great Adventure will host "Finest and Bravest Appreciation Days" this weekend in honor of firefighters and police officers. The event will be held Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17. Prior to 6 p.m. guests at the park can enjoy Halloween family-themed... [More]
Confirmed: Kalogridis appointed Disneyland Pres.
As was previously rumored, George Kalogridis has been appointed the new president of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Kalogridis is leaving his post as Chief Operating Officer for Disneyland Paris to fill the position. "I am pleased that the strong bench strength within our... [More]
Rip Ride Rockit app released for iPhone
A new application has been released for Apple's iPhone that allows guests to track and discover available and hidden tracks on Universal Orlando's Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. The application, dubbed Pocket Rockit Rollercoaster Setlist connects to an online database to give users... [More]
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Illinois amusement park Kiddieland now closed
The long-standing Illinois amusement park Kiddieland has closed its doors for good. The park first opened in 1950 just west of Chicago after a 21-year run as a somewhat grandiose local fair. The closure was due to disagreements within the family that owns the... [More]
Google Street View, higher fees come to Universal
There is some good news and some bad news for Universal Orlando this week. We'll start with the bad news: Universal Orlando has increased parking fees to $14, matching the price increase seen at Walt Disney World earlier this month. The new parking fee... [More]
Discount rates at WDW's Swan and Dolphin
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is offering discount room rates for the Halloween weekend. Between Oct. 28 and Oct. 31, 2009, guests can book rooms for only $129 per night. See the press release below and click through for more information.... [More]
Disneyland Paris COO to be US Disneyland Pres?
While this rumor has not yet been confirmed or corroborated, it actually makes quite a bit of sense: Disney may be looking to move the Disneyland Paris Chief Operating Officer George Kalogridis into the currently vacant position of President at Disneyland in California. Kalogridis... [More]
Video: Buzz Lightyear's welcome back to earth
In a push to promote youth interest in space programs, Buzz Lightyear joined a space shuttle mission to the International Space Station and returned to earth this past month. The shuttle--with Buzz on board--blasted off on May 31, 2008 and returned Sept. 9, 2009,... [More]
Six Flags settlement okayed by bankruptcy court
A federal bankruptcy judge today approved a settlement between Six Flags Inc. and the city of New Orleans. The two have butted heads since shortly after the park's closing due to Six Flag's refusal to reopen Six Flags New Orleans on the city's schedule.... [More]
Video: Magic Kingdom Space Mountain ride-thru
While there isn't yet much to see, new video of Space Mountain has been released. The video takes the viewer on the recently revamped Tomorrowland Transit Authority people mover. You may notice that "Mr. Tom Morrow" is sadly no longer mentioned on the TTA... [More]
Disney offering guests free tickets to "Princess"
In celebration of the the movie studio's return to traditional animation, Disney is offering guests free tickets to see "The Princess and the Frog." Guests visiting any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks and either of the two Disneyland Resort parks between... [More]
It's Official: Blackstone to buy Busch parks
After much speculation and posturing, Blackstone Group LP has agreed to buy Anheuser-Busch Inbev's amusement parks for $2.3 billion in cash and up to another $400 million in extra payments. The extra $400 billion payout depends on Blackstone's return on the investment. The purchase... [More]
Video: Cedar Point Halloweekends' new haunts
Cedar Point has released two new videos showcasing their new haunted houses. The new haunts look decidedly creepy but be forewarned that the music can be somewhat annoying. HalloWeekends is available Fridays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays noon to midnight and Sundays 6... [More]
Side Attractions: Oct. 5, 2009
On today's edition of Side Attractions we take a look at the Xcelerator crash at Knott's Berry Farm, Toy Story Playland in Paris and a Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy video. • "Aftermath" images of the Xcellerator accident from three weeks ago at Knott's Berry... [More]
Ghost spotted at Disneyland?
Now, this could easily--too easily, actually--be some fun video magic concocted by a too-bored Disney fan, but an unknown Disneyland worker filmed what appears to be a ghost walking around the park. The footage is taken second-hand as it is seen on park security... [More]
Rumor: Scooby Doo leaving Kings Dominion
While confirmation of this information is suspect at best--yes, this means you should get your salt grains ready--Scooby Doo may be leaving Kings Dominion by 2010. While the dark ride that currently houses a Scooby Doo theme will remain, all remnants of Scooby will... [More]
Disneyland sees the return of the Disney Gallery
The Disney Gallery has returned to Disneyland. After having been removed from its location in New Orleans Square, the Gallery is reopening in the Main Street Bank in Town Square. Interestingly, Disney has opted to use use the bank vault in the new Gallery... [More]
Parking fees rise at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney Resort today raised parking fees from $12 to $14, say company officials. Media relations manager at Walt Disney World said the increase in the park fee is "part of the normal course of doing business. We regularly evaluate and adjust our pricing."... [More]
Ed Grier resigns as Disneyland President
President of Disneyland Ed Grier resigned today. The resignation is effective Friday, drawing a close to Grier's three years of leadership. "I have been humbled and honored during the past three years as I've watched your hard work create smiles and laughter, and delight... [More]
Video: Inside look at Halloween Horror Nights 19
Halloween Horror Nights 19 opened this past weekend with the debut of their "Ripped From The Silver Screen" theme. At this year's event, guests can expect to be greeted by the likes of Chucky, Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, Saw and the Wolfman. To give interested... [More]
Disney backs Florida high-speed rail system
Walt Disney World today announced its support for central Florida's bid for $2.5 billion in federal funds to erect a high-speed rail system between Orlando and Tampa. Disney officials have stated they support a stop at the Orange County Convention Center--just north of Disney... [More]
Busch, Blackstone theme park deal imminent
The Wall Street Journal reports that Anheuser-Busch InBev has nearly completed a deal whereby the private-equity firm Blackstone Group LP would purchase the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks. According to "people familiar with the situation," the deal would have Blackstone paying $2.5 to $3... [More]
Georgia Tech Six Flags Night rescheduled
Georgia Tech Night at Six Flags Over Georgia has been rescheduled for Nov. 6. The rescheduling was a necessity after floods ravaged the park for more than a week. Six Flags Over Georgia reopened this past weekend with the help of some very dedicated... [More]
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