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ITPS Amusement INdustry News
January 18, 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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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
Tyson to supply chicken to Six Flags parks Tyson Foods Inc, the largest U.S. meat company, will be the exclusive supplier of chicken to Six Flags Inc's U.S. amusement parks, the companies said on Thursday. Under the agreement, Tyson will become a Six Flags Corporate Alliance partner and Tyson chicken will become the official chicken of Six Flags.
County Mum On Amusement Tax District Proposal BERLIN – Worcester County’s elected officials kept their thoughts to themselves after Jolly Roger’s Buddy Jenkins presented the case for an Ocean City amusement tax overlay district, which would give two major amusement enterprises tax relief. The measure would freeze property assessments of the Trimper rides properties, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, and Jolly Roger rides at the Pier at the 2004 level, or the current assessment, whichever is lower. If the use of the property changes, however, those taxes must be paid in full.
Universal Studios launches Disaster ride in Orlando Earthquake has given way to a full-fledged Disaster! at Universal Studios. The theme park's newest attraction -- full name, Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride . . . Starring You! -- officially opened to the public Thursday morning under appropriately threatening skies. The ride is in the San Francisco/Amity section, in the building that housed Earthquake, one of Universal Orlando's original rides when it opened in 1990. It closed in November 2007.
Collins draws line on tax incentives Questions request by amusement park New Erie County Executive Chris Collins sent a message Thursday to businesses in the county: if you want a tax break, you’d better justify it. Collins flexed his economic development muscles and showed some of his views Thursday by questioning the need for sales tax incentives for an expansion by Martin’s Fantasy Island.
Great America idles three rides GURNEE -- Six Flags Great America is scheduled to open a little earlier than normal for 2008, but it will do so without three major rides: Splashwater Falls, Space Shuttle America and Deja Vu. The closings were announced as the park's parent company, Six Flags Inc., went public this week with plans to cut a reported $60 million in operating expenses among its 21 locations, including the shuttering of inefficient rides.
Spaniards take over Tusenfryd One of Europe's biggest operators of amusement parks has bought up the Tusenfryd park south of Oslo. The park is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Parques Reunidos, which also operates Bø Sommarland in Telemark, has bought more than 90 percent of the shares in Tusenfryd. The Spanish company paid around EUR 54 million, or NOK 435 million.
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Crews install one of new roller coaster’s two bridges (VIDEO) One of the two bridges over Peninsula Drive that will support the tracks of Waldameer Park & Water World’s new wooden roller coaster went up this morning at about 2:14 a.m.
Gilroy Gardens deal could happen Monday, but issues remain With time running out, officials from the city and Gilroy Gardens hope Monday will be the day the two parties agree on the sale of the park to the city for about $14 million. Even with the city as the owner, though, the park will still have to pay property taxes because of its business contract with the for-profit theme park operator Cedar Fair, according to Santa Clara County Tax Assessor Larry Stone. After much debate, the park will also pay 25 percent of its profits to the city under new lease terms that the city council will likely tweak again during the study session at City Hall Monday evening.
From Amusement Today: Martin & Vleminckx building China's first wooden roller coaster in 2009 (JAN 16, 2008) In an exclusive to Amusement Today, officials at G. Martin & A. Vleminckx Amusement, Ltd. have confirmed that the Montreal-based company will build China's first wooden roller. The ride is currently slated to open during the 2009 season.
Hong Kong Disneyland to Celebrate Year of the Mouse from Jan. 22nd News from Hong Kong says that Hong Kong Disneyland will hold the celebration of the lunar year of mouse from January 22nd to February 24th 2008. The lovely Mickey Mouse will be the leading star of this New Year celebration.
Disneyland’s Small World set for big rehab This holiday weekend marks your last chance to ride It’s a Small World at Disneyland before the beloved boat ride undergoes a major overhaul.
Dollywood's American Eagle Foundation helps make new special eagle coins possible PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (AP) -- The U.S. Mint is taking orders for collector coins marking the dramatic comeback of the American bald eagle.
Waterpark News
Aphrodite Waterpark sold for EUR5 mln Cyprus The Aphrodite Waterpark in Paphos has been sold for EUR 5.1 mln by Aristo Developers as part of its plan to exit out of non-core property management and development businesses.
Aquarium/Zoo News
San Francisco Zoo’s Killer Tiger Paid The Price For Being Itself Tatiana , a 4-year-old Siberian tiger fatally attacked one zoo visitor and injured two others at the San Francisco Zoo last Christmas afternoon. She had to be killed by police officers . "She was everything that a tiger is supposed to be," says big-cat expert Ronald Tilson. "She was essentially shot and killed for being a tiger."
Court Documents Suggest Tiger Was Taunted SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS/AP) - In new court documents, police say one of the three victims mauled at the San Francisco Zoo by a tiger was intoxicated and admitted standing atop a railing of the big cat enclosure and yelling and waving at the animal.
Free weekend zoo entry for Lucas County residents The Toledo Zoo is offering free admission to all Lucas County residents tomorrow through Monday for continuing support of its tax levies.
New fresh water exhibit to open at Georgia Aquarium American alligators to be introduced into River Scout Gallery ATLANTA (Jan. 17, 2008) – Georgia Aquarium introduced a new fresh water exhibit featuring American alligators in the River Scout gallery on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008. The seven alligators average 3-3.5 feet in length. The exhibit imitates the natural environment of a Georgia swamp and will teem different wildlife from Georgia’s grasslands, wetlands and lakes.
Lion cubs wow visitors at opening of Virginia Zoo exhibit NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - The new African lion cubs at the Virginia Zoo turned 5 months old on Friday and wowed the crowd at the opening of their exhibit. Granby and his sister Neka came out to play for about an hour Thursday for the exhibit opening in Norfolk.
FEC/LBE/Museum News
Museum of Science and Industry raising admission fees CHICAGO - The Museum of Science and Industry will increase its admission fees next month. On Wednesday, the Chicago Park District approved admission fee hikes in which Chicago residents will now pay $12, which is $2 more than what they had paid previously. The fees for Chicago seniors and children ages 3 to 11 will go up $2.25. The city's seniors will pay $11, and rates for children will be $8.50.
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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.