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ITPS Amusement INdustry News
January 24, 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
Theme park's lenders split over low offer Wild West showdown Thomas Etheredge's lenders reportedly are split over a new, low offer to buy Wild West World. That split and the lenders' decision last summer to turn down an offer to acquire and operate the park has upset Park City officials.
Pyramid Amusement Plan Pitched To City Council Memphis city council members listened to a plan that would turn the Pyramid into an amusement park surrounded by shops and a hotel. Greg Ericson told the council he has support from a hotel financier and a real estate investor. Ericson showed detailed plans and promised a detailed timeline to make sure the process keeps moving.
Cedar Fair Declares Fourth Quarter Cash Distribution SANDUSKY, Ohio, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cedar Fair Entertainment Company , a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash distribution of 47.5 cents per limited-partner unit, continuing the company's annualized distribution rate of $1.90 per unit.
Six Flags may have to close 3 rides Ban could mean no water fun at park Three popular Six Flags Over Georgia water rides may get shut down this season because of the drought. A Cobb County Water System official discussed the possible restrictions during a meeting Tuesday with Six Flags officials, according to Six Flags spokeswoman Hela Sheth.
Mad Mouse glitch traps 7 people Seven people were rescued from Luna Park's Metropolis ride this afternoon after it was stopped because of an unusual noise. Fire crews were called to the St Kilda amusement park about 12.36pm and used a cherry picker to rescue the people from the ride, also known as the Mad Mouse. They were caught on the ride for about 15 minutes.
Bank files foreclosure for Tailfins Owners say they hope to be open in spring PORT CLINTON -- Less than a year after an amusement park opened at Put-in-Bay, the bank that financed it is foreclosing on the property. But the owners of Tailfins Amusement Park said they are working with National Bank of Oak Harbor to pay back the $3.6 million they owe in loans, said co-owner Bill Neff of Put-in-Bay.
Performance no longer Mickey Mouse Euro Disney, the French theme park operator, edges closer to profitability with a 20 per cent jump in first-quarter revenues Euro Disney, the operator of the Disneyland Resort near Paris, took a further step in its painstaking journey to financial health today by announcing a 20 per cent jump in first-quarter revenues.
Commissioners push Bass Pro alternatives Resolution is approved to study Ericson plan Some County Commissioners are eager to see talks end with Bass Pro Corporation for future use of the empty Pyramid. They're so eager that they approved a resolution Wednesday urging Mayor A C Wharton's administration to study viable alternatives for The Pyramid's use before committing to Bass Pro, including the Ericson Group's proposal to turn The Pyramid into an indoor theme park.
Theme park adds new ride Silverwood Theme Park is adding the largest, most expensive roller coaster it has ever purchased: A 191-foot steel ride almost twice the height of the park's next highest roller coaster, Tremors. "It's going to make the Corkscrew look like a tinker toy," said Nancy DiGiammarco, marketing, sales and public relations director for Silverwood.
Santa Claus discusses referendum on water tax SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — A special amusement park tax to help pay for a $10 million upgrade to water services in Santa Claus, Ind., remains a topic of discussion among members of the Santa Claus Entertainment Tax Committee.
TDOT gives Bible Park access road tentative nod A concept for a new access road to the proposed Bible-theme park in the Blackman community has received tentative state approval, but developers say plans for the park still aren't ready. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has said it could permit the construction of a road for the proposed park — with the working title Bible Park USA.
Waterpark News
Great Wolf investor pushes sale Resort company also pressed to replace board members Madison-based Great Wolf Resorts Inc. needs some new directors, and the company's board should consider selling the indoor water park resort operator, according to a regulatory filing by one of Great Wolf's largest shareholders.
Ogden may get hotel-condo tower, water park OGDEN - A 12-to-14-story hotel and condo tower, as well as a multimillion-dollar water park, could be coming to downtown Ogden, the City Council was told Tuesday night. Midtown Development of Orem wants to buy nearly 2 acres on a prime corner of the city-owned Junction mall for the hotel-condo tower. It would be linked across Washington Boulevard to a water resort.
Aquarium/Zoo News
Zoo chief's payout questioned A proposed $400,000 severance payment to Calvin White, chief executive of the Toronto Zoo, has been put on hold after the zoo's board of management questioned how it was decided. The board has appointed chief operating officer Robin Hale to serve as interim chief executive, while White takes an extended leave.
Sydney Attractions Group blames APEC for poor crowds SYDNEY Attractions Group has blamed the APEC Conference for a significant drop in attendance at Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower and Skywalk. The three tourism operations all experienced a slide in patronage in the last half of 2007, with the highly-touted Skywalk dropping by 17 per cent.
New Splash Zone debuts March 17 at Monterey Bay Aquarium The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s newly expanded Splash Zone exhibit is twice the size and double the fun. On March 17, the colorful, hands-on Splash Zone: Ocean Homes galleries reopen. The new and larger edition of the award-winning exhibit – like a children’s museum inside an aquarium – explores three ocean habitats: the Enchanted Kelp Forest, Coral Reef Kingdom and Rugged Rocky Shore.
FEC/LBE/Museum News
Ripley Entertainment Tops 13 Million Visitors in 2007; Sells More Than a Million Books Global Entertainment Company Enters New Year with New President and Multiple New Projects on the Boards ORLANDO, Fla. - For the first time in two decades, Ripley Entertainment Inc. has entered a new year with a new president. Jim Pattison Jr. has taken over the helm of the quirky entertainment company, succeeding long time executive Bob Masterson who assumed the position of Board Chairman on Jan. 1 after 19 years as president.
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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.