A connoisseur's view of theme parks
Archive for January, 2010
Disneyland Opening Day videos
Jan 28th
Disney has released a short video of various opening day celebrations hosted by Walt himself.
This is from the Disney official blog
Busch Gardens Tampa gets Googled
Jan 27th
Busch Gardens Tampa has received the Google Street View treatment, so you can now explore the park virtually.
It’s not the same as being there, but it’s as close as you’re going to get on the computer.
Legoland Florida
Jan 19th
It looks like Merlin Entertainment Group, the owner of LegoLand in California, will be turning the recently purchased Cypress Gardens Theme park into another Lego Land. The may of Winter Haven said that it is a two year plan to turn the park into Lego Land, and more details will be released at a press conference on Thursday.
Sesame Street Safari takes shape
Jan 16th
The orlando Sentinel was invidted to preview the construction of the new Sesame Street Safari in Busch Gardens and posted pictures of it’s progress. While I will miss the land of the dragons, which this section replaces, it looks like they are giving the kids something to look forward to with their own kiddie coaster and lots of things to do in a space more than twice as large as the previous land of the dragons.
Auction to be first to ride Intimidator
Jan 15th
Carowinds is having a charity auction to be among the first members of the public to ride the new Intimidator coaster. Bids start at $50 and the highest bid gets choice of seat with the next choice going to the second highest, and so on and so forth. This auction will run through March 24th, so you have plenty of time to get your bid in.
Abandoned Disney
Jan 15th
Ever wonder what would happen if a park were just left in place? That’s exactly what happened to River Country along Bay Lake. Someone recently visited this water park that was closed in 2001 and posted side by side photos of what it looks like now compared to then.
It’s really interesting to see how little has changed in some ways. Here’s the second from this series.
Universal Studios Florida raises prices
Jan 13th
In a move to profit from the popularity of the Harry Potter section being added, Universal is raising the price of a 7 day ticket from $99 to $170. While that price is high, the reality is that there isn’t enough at the two parks to support 7 days in the park, so most people will be purchasing the two or the three day tickets. The three day ticket is $125, so for most people the price increase isn’t that bad, although I do worry that Universal is building up expectations too much for Harry potter by their advertising it as a park within a park.
Intimidator opens March 27, 2010
Jan 12th
Carowinds has announced that Intimidator will open with the park on March 27, 2010.
They also have received the first of three cars for it and will be putting them on the tracks as they come in.
Tilt Shift video of Epcot
Jan 10th
I don’t know how I missed this when it was first posted on Disney Parks Blog, but it’s really cool to see.
Orlando parks end year with huge crowds
Jan 8th
I’m glad I knew better than plan a Christmas trip to any of the theme parks in Orlando. Universal had lines up to three hours long for the new Rip Ride Rockit coaster, and the Magic Kingdom had to close their gates to new guests after hitting capacity several times that week.
More information about the crowds from the Orlando Sentinel
New killer whale at Sea World
Jan 7th
An 18 year old killer whaled named Takara at SeaWorld San Antonio had a baby this morning at 7:15 AM. Both mother and baby are doing well.
Seaworld San Diego adds pilot Whale
Jan 7th
Sully is the newest addition to the Sea World San Diego animal park.
Disney cited in death of park employee
Jan 6th
Disney was fined 44,000 in penalties for violations that resulted in the death of a park employee caused by two monorails colliding.
Updates to California Adventure.
Jan 5th
Disney Parks Blog has release a short video outlining the changes coming to Disney’s california adventure park.
Top 10 most anticipated rides and attractions
Jan 5th
The LA times has published their top 10 list for new rides and attractions at US theme parks. Overall, I agree with their list because I am looking forward to almost all of the items on their list.