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ITPS Amusement INdustry News
February 21, 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
$750M theme-park bonding bill moves ahead Despite concerns about seemingly endless tax breaks for a proposed rock and roll theme park in Pinal County, legislation intended to help finance the project cleared its first hurdle Wednesday. A bill to create a special district in Eloy that would enable backers of the Decades Music Theme Park to access up to $750 million in revenue bonds passed 5-2 in the Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
New Beach family ready takes reins Morgan RV ready to bring Indiana Beach into the family. Indiana Beach still holds the title to be being the state's largest family-owned amusement park - albeit with a different family holding the reins. On Tuesday came the announcement that Indiana Beach - from its rides to its boardwalk to its campground - had been sold by the Spackman family to Morgan RV Resorts, the largest private owner and operator of RV parks in the United States.
Work on DeKalb's '7 Wonders' theme park halted GA remains in limbo as developers continue to seek funding for the project. Meanwhile, the contractor preparing the site for construction has stopped work, claiming an outstanding bill of more than $6 million.
Roller coaster project halted AGAWAM - Building Inspector Dominic Urbinati issued a stop-work order yesterday on Six Flags New England's $7 million "Dark Knight" indoor roller coaster project. "The building is all framed and up," said Urbinati, who called it "unlawful work without permits." Without the proper "construction documents," he said, there was no way he could ensure the project met state building codes, including safety requirements for fire-suppression systems and easily accessible exits.
LEGOLAND firm tops profits list THE company behind Scarbor- ough's proposed new LEGOLAND Discovery Centre attraction has been revealed as having the fastest growing profits in the UK. Merlin Entertainments topped the Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100 – Biggest 10 list which identifies the private equity-owned companies in the UK with profits of more than £50 million.
SeaWorld Orlando rolls out 2 hydrogen-powered shuttle buses SeaWorld Orlando rolled out two new hydrogen-powered shuttle buses Wednesday, joining an experimental program that already powers similar buses to Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center.
Tokyo Disneyland plans Mickey Mouse for seniors TOKYO (AFP) — As the Japanese have fewer and fewer children, Tokyo Disneyland is setting its sights on the growing elderly population, launching a cut-rate annual pass for visitors aged 60 or older. It is believed to be the first time a special annual pass for seniors has been available at any of the world's Disneylands, which are icons of entertainment for children.
Waterpark News
Making a splash MOUNT LAUREL — A new water theme park slated to open in the fall promises to bring year-round tropical temperatures to New Jersey. “What we're aiming to do is bring the Caribbean and the Florida Keys here to New Jersey in the midst of winter,” said Robin Kirk, vice president of Sage Hospitality Resources. “We want to attract visitors on the coldest of days.”
Great Wolf CEO touts bookings in Grapevine The Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine had a "fantastic" opening late last year, and its January bookings placed it second among the company's nine Great Wolf hotels, the company's chief executive told analysts yesterday. The 402-suite hotel, which boasts the largest indoor water park in Texas, opened in December across the street from the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. Bookings have been so strong that Great Wolf has broken ground on an expansion that will add 203 suites and 20,000 square feet of meeting space.
Aquarium/Zoo News
Aquarium and Gorton's will look at fish sustainability The New England Aquarium said it has been retained by Gloucester seafood company Gorton's Inc. to "conduct a sustainability assesment" of the sources of Gorton's seafood products.
FEC/LBE/Museum News
County Commission Hears Details of Bass Pro Proposal Pyramid developer Greg Ericson got to sit at the same table as city leaders negotiating the Bass Pro Shops development deal Wednesday before Shelby County Commissioners. But the city’s project manager, Robert Lipscomb, consultant Tom Marshall and three commissioners left the room. The day after Lipscomb and Marshall took the terms of the tentative deal to City Council members, they made the same presentation to the County Commission – but with a different reaction.
'Body Worlds' generates cash for Science Center During its four-month run, "Body Worlds 3: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies" has generated controversy, crowds and a lot of cash. The Science Center expects to make about $1 million in ticket sales plus thousands of dollars more in parking, food, gift shop sales and other revenue. That's big money for a nonprofit museum with a $22 million budget.
Louisville Science Center to get federal funds for education wing The Louisville Science Center's plan for a new education wing is expected to get a boost today with $194,600 in federal money obtained by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-3rd District. The 5,300-square-foot wing will be an addition to the center and located in the ground floor of an adjoining building near Eighth and Main streets that the city has made a deal to acquire.
Other News
Disney's Magical Express thriving at OIA; rivals cry foul Though it is not yet 3years old, Walt Disney World's popular but controversial airport shuttle and check-in service is luring so many tourists that the company soon might have to expand at Orlando International Airport — and fight off an antitrust lawsuit.
Disney's world is starting to look wonderful again In less-than-certain economic times, it's prudent to add one or two large-cap demonstrated business model performers to your portfolio, and with the aforementioned in mind, Disney is worth a review. Disney (NYSE: DIS) is the world's second largest media conglomerate.
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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
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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.