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ITPS Amusement INdustry News
February 1, 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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Waterpark
Aquarium/Zoo | FEC/LBE/Museum
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Check our our blog for news updates that happen after the news is sent. We will post afternoon updates if there is anything of excitement. We'll also provide insight and commentary on the news.
Amusement/Theme Park News
Minard Remains Confident of Park WHEELING — When Steve Minard was a child, he would dance on the hearth at his grandparents’ house to make people laugh. Decades later, at the age of 39, Minard plans to continue doing just that — this time with a theme park named Wild Escape.
Disney in 2010 Dig my mouse ears? It's actually the number 2, a mouse ear, a 1, and the second mouse ear, because that's the 2-0-1-0 trinket that Disney (NYSE: DIS) was selling at its theme parks as we counted down to 2010 a few weeks ago. That's right. You're still ankle-deep into 2008, aren't you? I've been taking an "unauthorized field trip" through time this week, checking in on what many of my favorite companies are up to two years later.
Dismantling of ride at Kentucky Kingdom delayed Kentucky Kingdom officials have decided to delay dismantling the Superman Tower of Power ride for a couple of weeks because of events at the Kentucky Exposition Center this weekend, according to a park spokeswoman. The Kentucky State Fair Board, which leases the space that the park occupies, asked park officials not to do the work this weekend because the exposition center will be host to the 51st annual Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow, as well as the Kentucky Flea Market, today through Sunday.
Disney tests electronic maps for guests Modified Nintendo DS device gives visitors real-time information. LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Disney officials are field-testing a handheld electronic device that guests at the Magic Kingdom can use as an interactive map. The test uses a modified Nintendo DS device that's equipped with a global positioning system, letting guests know where they are in the park at all times.
Religious theme park's warning The Wigan-based company behind a proposed religious theme park have warned they could look for a site in the South should their preferred option of the North West fall through. The AH Trust, which is based in Shevington, has said it has received an offer from an investor in Oxford willing to build the park should plans to base it in Lancashire "receive a low response."
Legoland launches process to build hotel CARLSBAD – Legoland California has taken a step toward fulfilling a longtime dream of building its own hotel on the grounds of its Carlsbad amusement park, for families who can't get enough of the tiny building blocks. “It's a direct extension of the park and park experience,” John Jakobsen, Legoland California's president and general manager, said yesterday. “For 24 hours you are immersed in the Legoland experience.”
The inside scoop on Mardi Gras at Universal Studios The merriment of Mardi Gras, with all it entails, bursts into Orlando this weekend. All that's missing is you. It's time again to don your green, purple and gold for Universal Studios' 12-day Mardi Gras event. Here's a guide from Theme Park Ranger Dewayne Bevil for getting the most out of the festive, bead-happy happening.
Bible park plans ready for inspection The wait is almost over for residents to see plans for a proposed Bible-theme park in the Blackman community. Three open house meetings on the park — which has a working title of Bible Park USA — will be held this month, developers announced Thursday.
Who's the Mystery Man in Epcot's Garage? Neither Woz nor Jobs LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida -- When images of a mysterious figure in a Disney theme-park attraction made their way online late last year, bloggers speculated that the unnamed geek in the garage was supposed to be either Steve Jobs or Steve Wozniak.
Now let's spin to the peak of the house of whales It's not completely rational, but I have always bristled at paying extra once inside theme parks' gates. I don't balk over food, souvenirs or behind-the-scenes tours, but I do think the admission should cover the whole, basic experience. For instance, when at SeaWorld Orlando, I've always sneered about the extra three bucks charged for the Sky Tower, a skinny needle of a structure in the middle of the park. It must be popular, though, because the sign recommends making reservations.
Waterpark News
Second-Largest Indoor Waterpark in Ohio to Open in Spring '08 Maui Sands Indoor Waterpark Resort announces that the opening of the Sandusky Hawaiian-themed indoor waterpark resort is scheduled for April 15th, 2008. Sandusky, OH (PRWEB) February 1, 2008 -- Say "Aloha" to the Midwest's newest attraction - Maui Sands Indoor Waterpark Resort. This year-round Hawaiian-themed indoor waterpark in Ohio will bring a slice of Hawaii to the shores of Lake Erie when it opens April 15th, 2008 in Sandusky, Ohio. With 306 guest suites in three hotels, 55,000 square feet of tubes and waves with real-life surfing, Maui Sands Resort will be Ohio's second largest indoor waterpark.
Bid to make park top tourist attraction THE Cotswold Water Park could be turned into a series of mini-Alton Towers in a bid to attract millions of tourists to the area. Bosses at the already popular venue are drawing up a masterplan for its future and believe creating a family-based tourist attraction to rival anywhere else in the UK would be a major boost for the area.
Ad campaign leads buildup for Aquatica Aquatica, SeaWorld's water park, will open on March 1 to the public. But, in the meantime, several animated South Pacific animals are hitting the airwaves as "ambassadors of splash" for the area's newest theme park. A Commerson's dolphin named Wai, a spoonbill named Papa, a kookaburra named Kata, a kiwi named Roa, a gecko and a Sulcata turtle are hitting the airwaves in the ads to build visitor interest.
Aquarium/Zoo News
Village Roadshow wins battle for Sydney Attractions Group VILLAGE Roadshow has finally won the bitter battle to gain control of Sydney Attractions Group. The board of the tourism operator, which owns Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World, was yesterday forced to recommend its shareholders accept Village's $141 million takeover offer.
Zoo renovating historic building with tropical exhibit Snowflakes were in the air Thursday as the Kansas City Zoo broke ground for a $5 million tropical exhibit. The project, which is to be completed by September, will bring new life to the zoo’s original 1909 building and usher in the zoo’s centennial next year.
Toledo Zoo hails rare birth of 'tiny treasure' The Toledo Zoo's newest addition is no more than a half inch long, doesn't have lungs, secretes a sticky substance when threatened - and was dubbed a "little tiny treasure" by a curator. Zoo officials announced yesterday that they successfully bred a Northern slimy salamander early last month after its mother laid a clutch of eggs in October.
Soon the kids can feed alligators and sharks FEEDING hippos underwater is set to become a virtual reality as one of the South Lakes’ top visitor attractions undergoes a £200,000 revamp. The Aquarium of the Lakes, which is situated on the southern shore of Windermere near Newby Bridge, will take a major change in direction from the start of March.
Zoo selling gourmet chocolates for Valentine's Day Rolling Hills to sell gourmet chocolates On Valentine's Day, staff from Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure will be delivering "True Love Truffles," gourmet chocolates made fresh and handcrafted at Rolling Hills Zoo's Overlook Restaurant, to sweethearts all over Salina.
FEC/LBE/Museum News
Bass Pro Shops signs tentative agreement Bass Pro Shops met the deadline and signed a development agreement on Thursday for a Pyramid outdoors store. But the deal -- which still needs approval from city and county mayors and legislative bodies -- does not guarantee the project.
Virtual boxer sues Dave & Buster's Detroit man says he injured shoulder playing arcade game Even though his opponent wasn't real, a Detroit man discovered that even virtual boxing can be dangerous, according to his lawsuit. John Brown of Detroit recently sued Dave & Buster's in Utica in Macomb County Circuit Court for a December 2005 incident in which he says he inadvertently punched a padded pole located next to the "MoCap Boxing" game in D&B's arcade and injured his shoulder.
Video Games Live makes Fort Wayne debut It’s the power & emotion of a symphony orchestra mixed with the excitement and energy of a rock concert and the technology and interactivity of a video game all completely synchronized to amazing cutting edge video screen visuals, state-of-the art lighting and special on-stage interactive segments with the audience. VIDEO GAMES LIVE,a complete celebration and multimedia concert experience featuring music from the most popular video games of all time, makes its Fort Wayne debut with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at the Embassy Theatre, Friday, February 15. Show time is 8:00pm and ticket prices start at $20.
Other News
Anheuser-Busch Cos. Reports Increased Sales and Earnings for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007 ST. LOUIS, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. today reported that fourth quarter 2007 net sales increased 7.9 percent and diluted earnings per share increased 16 percent. For the full year 2007, net sales increased 6.2 percent and diluted earnings per share (excluding normalization items in both years) improved 10.3 percent. (1)
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Contact:
Shawn M. Haas
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International Theme Park Services, Inc
2195 Victory Parkway
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513-381-6131 Phone
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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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- Concept/Design / Masterplanning
- Business Plans
- Planning/Development
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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.