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ITPS Amusement INdustry News
March 11, 2008
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Amusement/Theme Park News
Nickelodeon and Mall of America Take Families on the Ride of a Lifetime During the Grand Opening of Nickelodeon Universe, March 15 First-Ever Nickelodeon Amusement Park Features 18 Nick-Themed Rides Including New Rides SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, Avatar Airbender, Splat-O-Sphere and Blue's Skidoo Grand Opening Event to Feature a Special Performance by Multiplatinum Recording Artist Ashlee Simpson and Appearances by TEENick Stars Miranda Cosgrove, Nat Wolff and Alex Wolff and Lil' J.J.
Coaster plan at Six Flags under review AGAWAM - With evidence in hand, several members of the Zoning Board of Appeals moved last night to seek confirmation that changes have been made to the plans for Six Flags New England's $7 million indoor roller coaster project since the project was granted a special permit Feb. 11.
Cedar Point's new Planet Snoopy to cater to kids SANDUSKY - Guests too young and too short for Cedar Point's Millennium Force or Maverick rollercoasters will find their own new section for fun at the amusement park. Cedar Point, this year, will unveil its new Planet Snoopy, where "Kids Rule the Planet!" The new rides and attractions will appeal to young families, a core segment of the people who travel each year to the amusement park.
Gilroy Gardens opens in less than two weeks Gilroy Gardens opens 2008 season with Spring Fling Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park officially opens March 21, with the return of their Spring Fling event. Guests who visit the park from March 21 to April 27 will enjoy Spring Fling from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Knott’s Pony Express coaster set to arrive Knott’s Berry Farm anticipates the delivery of the new Pony Express roller coaster cars by the end of next week in advance of a May 22 debut. The horseback coaster is currently en route from Italian manufacturer Zamperla and should arrive at Long Beach Harbor on March 19 with delivery to the Buena Park theme park expected on March 21 after clearing customs.
Legoland California opens Egyptian adventures Legoland California opened a new theme area Monday for the taller-than-34-inches crowd. Land of Adventure is set in 1920s Egypt and decorated with explorers made of Lego blocks. There is an Amelia Earhart-style aviatrix trying to eat a sandwich while monkeys raid her lunchbox, explorers in pith helmets and a camel kneeling for photo ops.
Nigeria: Maitama Amusement Park to Be Commissioned May The Maitama Amusement Park (MAP) located in the exclusive Maitama district in the Federal Capital Territory is to be commissioned on March 21, 2008, a press statement from the park managers has said. Developed by Subotech Nigeria Limited, the 18 hectare recreational and leisure park when fully developed will have some of the best facilities seen anywhere in the world, the statement said.
Cypress Gardens' (South Carolina) crocs could feel budget bite MONCKS CORNER — Berkeley County officials could cut the annual losses at Cypress Gardens by getting rid of its rare crocodiles and other exotic reptiles. Dr. Sam Seashole, attending veterinarian at the county-owned park, said he is looking for homes for the exotic reptiles because the county has decided, at least for now, not to renew his contract, which expires in June.
Waterpark News
A water park near a beach YOU really do have to ask the question. There's no doubt why Village Roadshow this week continued the rapid expansion of its theme parks. There also are few who doubt it is a very profitable business when people flock to the venues. The company, seeking to shift its focus away from cinemas to theme parks, this week paid almost $30 million for the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park on Oahu in Hawaii.
Park name changed after francophones complain Developer of $50M water park outside Ottawa didn't expect such strong reaction The Quebec developer behind a $50-million water park on the capital region's eastern edge has bowed to public pressure and changed the park's name to avoid inflaming a language-rights debate that has engulfed the area. The Sunnyland Amusement Resort in Nation Township has been rechristened Calypso Park -- a name that sounds less anglocentric and needs no translation, the company said.
Aquarium/Zoo News
Aquarium hospital gets seal of approval The animal hospital at the New York Aquarium won't officially open until summer, but the $14.5 million facility already had to admit a few patients. Fonzie, the aquarium's 22-year-old California sea lion, had an eye problem that needed immediate attention; Danny, the California sea otter, developed a serious fur condition; and JD, one of the aquarium's female fur seals, had an upset stomach that could have been contagious.
Kansas City Zoo Endangered By City Budget Cuts The Kansas City Zoo may close its doors if it's a casualty of the city's budget crisis, according to zoo officials. They met with Mayor Mark Funkhouser on Monday to talk about the zoo's future. The city is facing a budget shortfall of $50-$75 million and many services will have to be cut and funding to the zoo is on the table.
FEC/LBE/Museum News
Delaware North Companies-Operated Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Receives Prestigious Thea Award for New Shuttle Launch Experience Shuttle Launch Simulation - Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, operated on behalf of NASA by global hospitality provider Delaware North Companies, was honored Saturday with a prestigious Thea Award for its new Shuttle Launch Experience. Attraction Honored for Outstanding Achievement
Theater puts you in the action GREENSBORO — Part movie, part amusement park ride and part science project, the new OmniSphere is all the rage at the Natural Science Center. You think Blu-Ray is cool? Try sitting in a theater seat with images and sounds in front, on both sides, behind and above you.
Other News
Howard Smith Named Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Recreation NEW YORK, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Howard Smith has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Recreation. The announcement was made today by Sarah Kirshbaum Levy, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group, to whom Mr. Smith will continue to report. In his newly expanded role, Mr. Smith will oversee all aspects of Nickelodeon's global Recreation business including live tours, theme parks, hotels, cruises and new opportunities for kids and families to interact with its brand and characters.
Queen and Shakespeare attract tourists the most IS the UK really just all about the Queen and legendary poet and playwright William Shakespeare in the eyes of the overseas visitor? No one can ever deny that these two global iconic figures will forever be linked with Britain and, will therefore be on any tourist's list of ‘must do's’, when visiting these shores. Indeed they will generate a great deal of tourist revenue for a grateful exchequer, as witnessed from the number of tourist visiting Buckingham Palace and Stratford Upon Avon, but is that all there is to Britain?
Disney CEO: Online to bring in $1B Robert Iger says Disney's hit TV shows have generated ad revenue on the Web. LOS ANGELES - The Walt Disney Co. expects to collect $1 billion in revenue from online content this fiscal year, a significant rise from estimates for fiscal 2007, CEO Robert Iger said Monday. Iger told analysts the company has been "fairly aggressive" in expanding onto the Internet to extend consumer contact with its most popular franchises and create new revenue streams.
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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:
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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.