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ITPS Amusement INdustry News
April 23, 2008
No where else can you find more news covering the amusement and leisure industry! When news hits, you can be certain that will deliver it to you.
ITPS has proudly served the leisure industry since 1983. Visit http://www.interthemepark.com for more information.
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Amusement/Theme Park News
Kennywood Park, West Mifflin settle tax dispute The parent company of Kennywood Park and the Borough of West Mifflin have settled a long-simmering dispute over payment of the local amusement tax. The park owes West Mifflin between $1.2 million and $1.4 million, according to the borough, which had sued Kennywood in October 2005.
New Monorail train rolling in Friday The new Monorail Red or Mark VII is expected to open to the public Friday morning at Disneyland. ANAHEIM – What's red, white and blue and glides through the air? It's not some superhero. It's the new monorail opening to the public Friday at Disneyland. The first new monorail car in two decades -- called the Monorail Red or Mark VII -- is expected to open to the public Friday morning.
Disney names Dream CMO winner Disney selected the first-ever Chief Magic Official to serve as a goodwill ambassador at its theme parks in Florida and California for a year: Justin Muchoney of Pennsylvania.
Sesame Place plans day for children with autism The amusement park and Variety, The Children's Charity of Greater Philadelphia, are cooperating on the program that will provide free admission for children with autism and up to four family members. The day comes a week before the park's regular opening May 3.
LEGOLAND® California Launches New Mini Musical for Kids “Journey to the Lost Temple” Opens May 23 CARLSBAD, Calif. (April 22, 2008) – On May 23 LEGOLAND® California launches “Journey to the Lost Temple,” a 25-minute musical adventure comedy featuring characters from the Park’s own Land of Adventure. The first year-round musical production in the history of LEGOLAND California, “Journey to the Lost Temple” was written by Shawn Greiner, the Park’s entertainment supervisor, specifically for children ages 2 to 12. The show features a cast of five San Diego-based actors and more than 30 volunteers pulled from the audience. In “Journey to the Lost Temple,” the audience enters a museum to witness explorer Johnny Thunder’s latest discovery – an ancient time machine found in Cleopatra’s lost temple. When Johnny’s arch nemesis, Sam Sinister tries to steal the time machine, it activates and transports everyone back in time to ancient Egypt and the Lost Temple of Cleopatra. In order to return home, Johnny Thunder and the audience must find the time machine. In their search, they meet a chatty mummy named Moriah, a Sphinx with a Las Vegas attitude and a valley girl Cleopatra.
Waterpark News
Water park pitched for Six Flags A California native who has been in the "amusement business" since he was a pre-teen has asked the city to approve a $70 million plan that would convert Six Flags New Orleans into a "world-class" attraction with twice as many rides and a water park by next summer. Edward Blakely, the city's recovery czar, said today he received the proposal this week from Danny Rogers of Southern Star Amusement Group that included a "commitment letter" from William Prip, a vice president of Six Flags Inc.
Business drops as bridge is built up Adventure Landing General Manager Lee Hovis looks forward to the project being completed. The water park has also seen a 20-30 percent decrease in customers since construction began, he said. Hovis said the construction crews have been sensitive to the needs of the water park. When the park has had a big event planned, construction crews try to do work away from the Adventure Landing entrance.
Aquarium/Zoo News
Zoo opens on Earth Day Cautiously placing a small biscuit on the sticky, curling black tongue, both 5-year-old Lauren Palmer and the giraffe got something they had been looking forward to for months. "We go about 40 times a year," said Marie Palmer, Lauren's grandmother. "We count down the days till the zoo opens; we've been waiting all winter."
Mystic Aquarium Decides To Drop Manchester Eatery Stonington - Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration's foray into the restaurant business has not gone as well as planned. Two years ago, the aquarium opened two out-of-town restaurants. At the time, the aquarium said it was the first institution in the zoo and aquarium world to undertake such a venture as a way to supplement gate receipts.
Former Beach aquarium official says he stole funds A former Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation official admitted today to stealing more than $176,000 from the facility since 2003.
Newport Aquarium in search of star to kiss a frog in its next commercial Newport, Ky. — The Newport Aquarium needs to find someone to be the star of a commercial for its new frog exhibit, The Frog Bog, that debuts Memorial Day weekend. This is a great opportunity for a kid to star in a professional commercial that airs all summer long and receive $1,000. The Aquarium is looking for an outgoing girl, age 6 – 10, with good speaking skills and a fun personality who is willing to be filmed kissing a frog! The search will be led Casting Director Jacquie Loughery of Dare To Dream Casting. She casts national commercials and movie productions like the locally filmed Cornhole: The Movie. The commercial will be directed by award-winning director/filmmaker Greg Newberry and produced by Animal Instinct Advertising. Auditions will be held at Longworth Hall and the commercial will be filmed at the Newport Aquarium. “We’re looking for a little girl who can convey the excitement of this amazing new frog exhibit. And who has the moxie to kiss a frog,” said director Greg Newberry. Visit www.newportaquarium.com and look for “Audition directions on how to star in our new frog commercial” on the homepage to see how you can sign up for an audition. ---end story---
FEC/LBE/Museum News
CEC Entertainment Reports Strong Financial Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2008 Revenues for the first quarter of 2008 increased to $245.2 million from $232.9 million in the same period of 2007 primarily due to new store development and a 3.6% increase in comparable store sales. Net income for the first quarter of 2008 increased to $32.9 million compared to $32.0 million in the same period of 2007. Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of 2008 increased 33% to $1.26 per share from $0.95 per share in the first quarter of 2007.
Bodies Politick Shift Pyramid Finance Issue To Third Parties Two accounting and public finance companies have been hired to look over the finances of the two companies vying for use of The Pyramid. Taking on the two firms became a necessary next step in the political process of figuring out a new use for The Pyramid after a lopsided recommendation by the Herenton administration in favor of Bass Pro Shops over the Ericson Group.
Amusement arcade plan wins recommendation UK HONITON is a step closer to getting its first amusement arcade. Town councillors have recommended a plan for an adults-only amusement centre in High Street. George Symonds, owner of the amusement arcade on Lyme Regis seafront, is seeking planning permission to change the use of the former Globe Antiques Centre, at the junction with Dowell Street.
City of Perth backs ferris wheel, redevelopment, for foreshore The City of Perth has backed plans to set up a giant ferris wheel on the foreshore and has also supported the proposed redevelopment of the site, subject to major changes. At a meeting last night, councillors voted unanimously in support of a proposal to install a 60 metre high wheel.
Other News
Orlando-area leaders need to take on tourism to help our communities Key West has launched a bold fight to change state law so that hotel taxes can be spent on things residents actually want. The city has decided it doesn't need to spend most all of that money trying to court more visitors -- until it first takes care of the people who live there. The idea is hardly novel. It's something Central Floridians have wanted for years. But down there, Mayor Morgan McPherson doesn't take marching orders from theme-park execs and hotel bosses.
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Contact:
Shawn M. Haas
Vice President of Retail, Operations and Information Technology
International Theme Park Services, Inc
2195 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45206
513-381-6131 Phone
513-381-2756 Fax
http://www.interthemepark.com
shawnhaas@interthemepark.com
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ITPS Services
ITPS provides a full spectrum of services to all types of attractions no matter the size, small to large.
Below are some of the services that ITPS' experienced team of experts can provide:
- Acquisitions / Mergers / Property Valuation / Due Diligence
- Feasibility Analysis
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Operational Planning
Attractions Development - Ride Bid/Negotiation / Ride Procurement
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Call 513-381-6131 for more information on how ITPS can assist your facility!
25 Years...
Through the good, the bad and the ugly, International Theme Park Services, Inc. (“ITPS”) continues to provide the industry with its skilled services internationally.
ITPS celebrates its 25th year in 2008 and has served over 450 projects in over 40 countries! Considered a leader in the industry by the many companies who have used ITPS’ services, ITPS is still growing and offering its knowledge and experience to every continent. Dennis Speigel, President of ITPS, is a past president of the IAAPA and remains active on their Board of Directors. He is called upon by people throughout the industry to advise and recommend on projects. A leader today and for the future, ITPS is there when you need assistance.
Feasibility, design, pre-opening planning, business audits, on-site training and management…ITPS is still leading the industry into the future.
Leisure Capital Resources
International Theme Park Services provides merger, acquisition, financial, and strategic advisory services to public and private entertainment companies that wish to acquire or sell a business, raise equity capital, raise or restructure debt, or sell real estate.
Contact: Dennis Speigel at 513-381-6131 or Howard Kahn at affiliated Leisure Capital Resources in New York at 516-621-5183.