Top Story
IMG names Dubai park project
The Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group (IMG) has confirmed that the indoor theme park it is developing at City of Arabia in Dubai will be known as IMG Worlds of Adventure and feature four themed zones.
Also online this month:
Wallace & Gromit arrive at the Pleasure Beach!
The world’s first amusement ride dedicated to “claymation” heroes Wallace & Gromit has opened at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, England.
Casino Pier gets another roll of the dice
Casino Pier, the oceanfront New Jersey amusement park whose boardwalk and pier was famously dismantled by Hurricane Sandy last October – remember those striking photos of a rollercoaster stranded at sea? – has hired JRA (Jack Rouse Associates) to provide masterplanning and associated services for phase I of a two-phase rebuilding effort.
Jules Verne at Slagharen
The Dutch amusement park Slagharen is to introduce a themed area featuring four new rides.
Downtown Disney to evolve into Disney Springs
Florida's Walt Disney World (WDW) is to embark on a multi-year transformation of its Downtown Disney entertainment district, to become known by the new name of Disney Springs.
Ramayana Water Park – coming soon to Thailand
Billed as the largest themed waterpark in Southeast Asia, Ramayana Water Park will bring a fresh wave of family entertainment to the resort of Pattaya when it opens later this year.
Russian parks – the RAAPA interview
Park World speaks to Russian Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions first-vice president Igor Rodionov to discover why Russia looks like becoming one of the industry’s hot spots.
Sesame Street Space Chase
The world’s first Sesame Street dark ride launched on March 1 at Universal Studios Singapore. Bringing the world’s longest-running and most beloved children’s television programme to life, Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase features inside the New York-themed section of the park at Resorts World Sentosa, together with themed facades typical of the show.
Scottish castle swaps coasters for golf clubs
The former Loudoun Castle theme park in Scotland could get a new lease of life as a luxury hotel and golf resort.
Alcohol in Amusement Parks
Post-prohibition, American amusement parks were almost exclusively child and family-oriented facilities that didn’t serve alcohol. Times have changed and today many parks serve alcohol. However, in providing alcohol, parks must be conscious of several issues that otherwise wouldn’t exist.
Social Media – the latest ways to engage
In today’s digital world you’ve probably already dipped your toes into “social waters”. But, asks Suzy Knauf, have you mastered the art of moving that audience into action at your park or attraction?
New Turkish park coming soon!
A major new theme park will open this spring as part of a €425,000 development outside Istanbul, the largest of its kind ever in Turkey.
PortAventura plans €10 million waterpark expansion
The leading Spanish theme park resort PortAventura is to spend €10 million expanding its Costa Caribe waterpark, including a record-breaking waterslide and a Sesame Street-themed pirate ship.
Dutch designer lands Russian park contract
Jora Vision is to prepare a masterplan and themed designs for Anapa Theme Park, a new Russian entertainment outlet in the Black Sea resort of the same name.
Universal, Sea Life and Merlin executives to speak at AALARA Conference
The Australian, Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) has announced details of its upcoming Conference and Trade Exhibition this May – and some big name speakers are promised from both the domestic and wider Pacific market, as well as the US.
Make a date for the Thea Awards
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced the latest winners of its Thea Awards back in November so why, you may ask, should you attend the Thea Awards Gala this April? As well as a great night of entertainment and networking, there’s also a full two-day educational summit. That’s why!
EAS Paris to celebrate best of the amusement industry
An address from Disneyland Paris president Philippe Gas and a party at a museum celebrating the amusement industry are promised for this September’s Euro Attractions Show (EAS) in Paris.
What's been your best ever work-related trip?
John Davies, OmniTicket Network (pictured): Of all the places I’ve visited during 25 years in the industry, one that particularly stands out is Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
What caught your eyes at this winter's trade shows?
Fernando Eiroa, Palace Entertainment (pictured): I look forward to attending IAAPA every year, but this year in particular was great due to Palace’s participation in several seminars and panel discussions. On the trade show floor, the new technology was very appealing to us, such as the 4D+ attractions. Also, new technology to better serve and capture guest transactions and more importantly the improved technology to better enhance the safety of our parks.
Come Fly With Me
In 2011 I visited Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for the first time in about 20 years. I had such a good time I visited again last year. This time I wanted to check out their new wing coaster, Wild Eagle.
