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ITPS Amusement INdustry News
April 29, 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
Simpsons Ride opens at Universal We stand before the two-story-high clown head. Krusty beckons us to enter the mouth, which doubles as the entrance to Krustyland, the fictional theme park that's the centerpiece of the Simpsons Ride, the just-opened $30 million attraction at Universal Studios.
Six Flags, Inc. to Report First Quarter 2008 Results on Thursday, May 8, 2008 Six Flags, Inc. (NYSE: SIX) announced today that it will report First Quarter 2008 results after the market closes on Thursday, May 8, 2008.
AOL Travel / Zogby Survey Finds More than Half of Americans Have Less Money to Spend This Year on Summer Vacations than in 2007 Sixty-six percent of Americans said they plan to stay in the U.S. this summer while 46% plan to utilize their vacations to visit family and friends. For Americans planning to take trips overseas, 10% plan to travel to Europe, 19% plan to travel internationally to destinations other than Europe and 12% plan to take a cruise. Additionally, 56% of those surveyed plan to return to a destination they have visited before and more than 67% do not plan to make the beach their primary summer vacation destination or include an amusement park in their plans.
CARLSBAD: Legoland visits to raise money for schools CARLSBAD ---- Enough people are expected to snatch up discount tickets to Legoland California this weekend to raise $200,000 for local schools as part of the annual Kids Are Worth A Million fundraiser, organizers said Monday.
Bushkill Park operator sues those who evicted him He says they broke promises and gained from his flood cleanup. Embattled Bushkill Park operator Walter Reiss, facing a lawsuit over allegations he mishandled the century-old Forks Township amusement center, has fired back with a lawsuit of his own. Reiss and his company Historic Bushkill Park Inc. last week sued Samuel Baurkot, his daughter Herta Baurkot, Neal Fehnel and Bushkill Park Funtimes Inc. Reiss filed his lawsuit in Lehigh County Court.
The Wildwoods: New Jersey's Fantasyland of Fun for Family & Friends The Wildwoods' two-mile-long Boardwalk is renowned as the largest and most fun-filled along the East Coast, and served as a model for creating a Boardwalk-style attraction at Disneyland in California. For roller coaster aficionados, choices include the Sea Serpent, the Nor'Easter, an inverted looping coaster, and the Great White, the tallest and fastest wooden coaster on the East Coast. Those seeking a more tranquil experience can enjoy a 140-foot Ferris Wheel, flying kites, a sky ship or a cycle monorail.
Kennywood Voted Nation's 'Favorite Traditional Park' WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. -- Pittsburgh's favorite amusement park appears to be the nations as well. Kennywood Park in West Mifflin has been voted the "Favorite Traditional Park" by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.
3 indicted over fatal Expoland derailment OSAKA--A former executive and two former workers of Expoland, an operator of Expoland amusement park in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, were indicted Monday without arrest in connection with a fatal roller coaster derailment at the park in May, prosecutors said.
Camden Park to open HUNTINGTON -- Camden Park, West Virginia's only amusement park, has been giving folks a joy ride since 1903, and come Saturday the family-run, family-fun park cranks it back up for the season.
New Voodoo Roller Coaster at Dorney Park Compels Visitors to Book Affordable Dorney Deals Travel Packages in the Lehigh Valley Lehigh Valley, Pa. (PRWEB) April 29, 2008 -- This summer, visitors to the Lehigh Valley region of Eastern Pa. will fall under the spell of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom's newest roller coaster, Voodoo. They will also be compelled to save money by booking affordable Dorney Deals travel packages at more than 25 Lehigh Valley hotels which offer park guests overnight accommodations along with discounts on tickets to the northeast's most complete entertainment experience.
Indiana Beach preps for new era New owners try to apply coat of 'wow' to summer destination MONTICELLO -- For the first time in its 83-year history, the tourist attraction that makes this city sizzle during the summer has new owners. Plenty has happened at Indiana Beach since it was purchased by Morgan RV Resorts in February from the family of founder Earl Spackman. The sale price was not disclosed.
2008 Season Begins at Ghost Town in the Sky MAGGIE VALLEY, N.C., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Ghost Town in the Sky, North Carolina's mountain top family theme park, is opening for the 2008 season on Friday, May 2. Ghost Town is famous for its Wild-west theme, live-action shows and staged gunfights located in a beautiful setting on top of Buck Mountain, which is elevated over 4000 square feet.
Wonderla launches four new thrilling rides in Bangalore Wonderla Holidays Pvt Ltd, India’s largest amusement park, today launched four more exciting rides at their park in Bangalore with an investment of Rs 7 crore. In a grand launch at Wonderla, Master Darsheel Safary of Tare Zameen Par fame inaugurated the “Dungeons of Horror” ride which is unique to Wonderla in India.
RuCo to hear Bible Park, with or without funding plan SafeHarbor Holdings, the developer behind the proposed Bible Park USA, has yet to submit its full funding plan to the county. In an interview last week, County Mayor Ernest Burgess said the plan should be submitted some time this week, which was confirmed by Terri Sterling, spokesperson for the developers.
Safari animals will be fine, says park group Australia DEVELOPERS of the proposed African safari theme park in Werribee have reassured critics they know how to properly care for animals. This is despite conceding they have limited experience in looking after African species.
Waterpark News
More Rain in Sandusky's forecast This summer's forecast looks like more Rain. The indoor waterpark and entertainment complex known for dousing its guests with hourly showers is growing. Construction workers broke ground last week on Rain Drop Falls and Precipitation Park, a 5,000-square-foot expansion to the Rain waterpark that opened at Quality Inn & Suites in June at the corner of Cedar Point Drive and Cleveland Road. The addition will bring the complex's total size to more than 40,000 square feet.
What's In The Water? A Newschannel 3 Special Report Whether it's a trip to an indoor water park or a series of swimming lessons, lots of kids love spending time an indoor pool. But what many parents likely don't realize is just what's in the water. When you walk into the area of an indoor pool, the first thing that likely hits you is the smell of what most of us think is chlorine. But it might surprise you to learn that what's in the air actually has a lot to do with what we bring into the water with us.
Aquarium/Zoo News
Meijer, zoo partner to offer discounts Meijer Inc. has teamed with the Louisville Zoo to offer discounted admission. On Mondays from May 5 to Sept. 29, zoo visitors can present a Meijer receipt and receive one child's admission for free with the purchase of one adult admission.
Cincinnati Zoo Says Happy Birthday To Rare Rhino Harry, one of Cincinnati Zoo's critically endangered Sumatran rhinos, will celebrate his first birthday on Tuesday. According to zoo officials, over 70 percent of the Sumatran rhino population has been lost in the last 20 years. This is mostly due to poaching and habitat destruction.
Zoo unveils name for $2.8M restaurant Sedgwick County Zoo's new sit-down restaurant now has a name. A sign bearing the name Plaza Beastro was unveiled during a ceremony Friday, marking the restaurant's grand opening. The name was chosen out of more than 3,0000 entries from a naming contest put on by local radio station B98 FM. Jinger Titus was credited with picking the winning name.
FEC/LBE/Museum News
Branson, Mo., sticks to the tried and true to beat recession BRANSON, Mo. — "Stick to what you know" could be the motto for Branson this year as the Ozark resort town focuses on its wholesome country, pop music and family entertainment roots, plus recent upgrades in shopping and hotels, to ride out the national economic downturn.
Food Service Industry Veteran Ted Leovich Teams with uWink to Drive Technology Licensing and Franchising LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--uWink (OTCBB:UWKI), an entertainment and hospitality software company and operator of an interactive restaurant concept, announced today the engagement of Ted Leovich as Director of Franchise Relations. Mr. Leovich, a 40-year food service industry veteran, will guide franchise development and technology licensing of uWink, helping to expand the uWink brand as well as the implementation of uWink’s technology into restaurants and other food service venues.
Fairgrounds Developer Still Not Chosen The city of Memphis had hoped to have a developer for the Mid-South Fairgrounds chosen this month. But the project has had a habit of being overshadowed by other ideas on the political horizon. The timeline called for a developer to be picked by April 18.
Other News
Taiwan hopes to attract Chinese tourists with rich culture, free society Nearly 60 years after splitting from China, Taiwan is laying out the red carpet for tourists from the mainland. Chinese President Hu Jintao, meeting with a Taiwan official on April 12, gave the green light for a huge increase in mainland visitors. Incoming Taiwanese President Ma-Ying-jeou, who takes office in May, wants Taiwan to host 1 million Chinese tourists annually, up from just 80,000 last year. He hopes Chinese tourism will provide an economic boost and also help lower tensions between Taiwan and China, which still claims the island as part of its territory.
State Fair Board raises admission fees Price of parking at Expo Center also increases LOUISVILLE - The cost to park at the Kentucky Exposition Center is going up a dollar to $6, effective July 1. The Kentucky State Fair Board voted last week to approve the increase recommended by its staff. The parking fee was last raised, from $4 to $5, in 2004, board President Harold Workman said. The board approved several other fee increases, including raising the gate admission for the 2008 Kentucky State Fair.
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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
- Facility Audits
- Concept/Design / Masterplanning
- Business Plans
- Planning/Development
- Project Management / Construction
- Financial Development
- Maintenance Programs
- Executive Search
- Marketing / Group Sales / Sponsorship
- Executive/Employee Training / Manual Development
- Loss Prevention / Safety/Security Programs
- Entertainment Programs
- Long-Range Planning
-
Operational Planning
Attractions Development - Ride Bid/Negotiation / Ride Procurement
- General Management
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.