COASTER-net
  • Home
  • News
  • Blogs
  • Parks
  • COASTER-net TV
  • Store
  • Hauntoverse
  • Thrilling 32
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Staff
    • Code of Conduct
    • Club
    • ARCHIVE-Coaster Quiz
  • Links
    • Amazon Affiliates Link
    • COASTER-net Patreon
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Ride Warrior Discord

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Announces New £16.25m MACK Roller Coaster for 2018

9/28/2016

0 Comments

 
Currently named ‘Construction 2018’ the ride is said to feature the highest number of ‘interactions’ in the world with 15 and will cross five other park rides and pass through two tunnels. The ride is being manufactured by Mack Rides at their world-class factory in Waldkirch, Germany, utilising the latest state-of-the-art engineering processes, including laser beam technology for extreme accuracy. A double launch will see thrill-seekers propelled forward at high speed not only at the start of the ride, but also at a second point half way through the two-and-a-half minute experience. Riders will experience the same levels of G force as felt by the driver of a Formula 1 car. The ride features acceleration which is 4 times that experienced in a Lamborghini Gallardo.

FULL STORY
0 Comments

Knott's and California's Great America Cancel FearVR After Complaints

9/28/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
Just days after their Halloween haunts made their debut, California’s Great America and Knott’s Berry Farm have pulled the plug on their newest offering, FearVR, because of concerns that the attraction could be “hurtful to those who suffer from mental illness.”

The move comes after mental health advocates in Southern California protested the virtual reality story line about a possessed patient running amok in a hospital. Parkgoers are strapped into chairs, given VR goggles and told to press the “panic button” if the experience becomes overwhelming.
A statement issued Tuesday night by Cedar Fair, parent company of the Santa Clara and Buena Park theme parks, said the “edgy, adult-only” attraction was never meant to “portray mental illness.” However, “As it is impossible to address both concerns and misconceptions in the Halloween timeframe, at this time we have decided to close the attraction.”
​
A Southern California mental health advocate, Kay Warren, praised the decision. “I’m so grateful (Cedar Fair) listened to the voices of the mental health community,” she told the Orange County Register.

FULL STORY

1 Comment

Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster Jets into SeaWorld San Antonio

9/27/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
PRESS RELEASE:
Race into action on a new generation of coaster that combines the thrill of the sea with the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster in ways never before seen or experienced.  Coming to SeaWorld San Antonio in summer 2017, Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster will enable riders to feel what it’s like to race alongside SeaWorld’s heroic animal care team and veterinarians as they spring into action at a moment’s notice to help rescue animals in distress.
 
“The new coaster promises a ride of a lifetime that’s also unique to SeaWorld’s mission,” said SeaWorld San Antonio Park President Carl Lum.  “Replicating an adventure limited to only a few trained professionals, Wave Breaker will launch riders into an exhilarating experience similar to going on an animal rescue mission.  The coaster is sure to thrill, but also brings awareness to the brave efforts of our animal teams as they join forces with organizations around the world to help ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned animals.”
 
Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster boasts a variety of features inspired by the reality of jet skiing across a body of water. The unique jet ski-style car design is the first such coaster design in North America and engages riders in a straddled seating position. The design will allow riders to lean into a series of banked and serpentine turns, and grip the handle bars as they race over air time humps and a pair of high acceleration launches.  Reaching heights of up to 61-feet, the majority of the coaster’s 2,600-foot track will be directly over water, creating the sensation that riders are racing across the park’s Ski Lake. With a minimum height requirement of 48”, Wave Breaker promises to be a dynamic coaster experience for the whole family.
 
“Inspired by our guests’ ongoing requests to learn more about how they can help support animal rescue efforts, each ride begins by telling the story of a rescue mission and invites guests to become personally involved in helping to protect animals,” adds Lum.  “Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster will definitely be a thrilling ride, but we also hope it brings riders on a journey of discovery, as together we work to protect the wild wonders of our world.”

0 Comments

Mental Health Advocates Express ‘Outrage’ Over New Knott’s Attraction

9/25/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture

​A new Halloween horror attraction that opened Thursday at Knott’s Berry Farm has drawn criticism from mental health advocates, who say it includes offensive and dehumanizing depictions of mental health patients.

Knott’s responded Thursday by changing its website to remove references to mental health from the attraction’s name.
But Ron Thomas, whose son, Kelly Thomas, had serious mental disabilities and was beaten and suffocated to death in 2011 by Fullerton police officers, went to see the virtual reality show Thursday night said the web site changes were “cosmetic.”
“You can call a duck a dog, but it’s still a duck,” said Thomas.
In the show itself, he said, “the message is clear. ‘The mentally ill are going to kill you.’ It’s just wrong. Totally wrong.”
Since the attraction was announced a little over two weeks ago, the virtual-reality experience had been promoted as “FearVR: 5150,” as part of the theme park’s “Knott’s Scary Farm” season.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY


0 Comments

'The Walking Dead' Comes to Life at Theme Park

9/22/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
With its new permanent attraction based on “The Walking Dead,” Universal Studios reanimates the television series, making  the Halloween experience accessible all year long.
Just inside the park’s main entry, a crashed helicopter looms over the attraction’s entrance, creating an ominous mood for those who dare to venture inside.
The hospital where protagonist Rick Grimes  (Andrew Lincoln), first awoke from a coma in the series is the first room guests enter while waiting before entering the maze. Fans of the series will appreciate references to the show, such as blockaded doors that read, “Don’t open. Dead inside.”
As they wait in line, guests are teased by the sound of screams as the groups ahead enter into the main attraction.
The character known as Bicycle Girl was the first walker Grimes came across when he exited the hospital. The term “walker” refers to zombie-like characters that have been exposed to a pathogen.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY


0 Comments

SeaWorld to Suspend Quarterly Dividends

9/21/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture


SeaWorld Entertainment on Monday slashed its quarterly dividend and said it would suspend future payments, six months after the company decided to stop breeding killer whales at its theme parks.



The company's shares were down more than 6 percent in premarket trading trading and ended the day about 4.5 percent lower. They are down about 36 percent this year through Monday's close.


SeaWorld, which operates marine parks in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio, faced criticism after the release of the 2013 documentary "Blackfish," which depicted the captivity and public exhibition of killer whales as inherently cruel.


The company said in March it would stop breeding killer whales, and those currently at its parks would be the last.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY
0 Comments

Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park Coming To American Dream Meadowlands

9/14/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
SpongeBob SquarePants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are coming to American Dream Meadowlands. Developer Triple Five has partnered with Nickelodeon on its creation of the largest indoor amusement park in the western hemisphere, Nickelodeon Universe.

The eight-and-one-half acre park will feature rides and attractions based on Nickelodeon-owned properties, similar to the Nickelodeon Universe at another Triple Five-owned property — the Mall of America in Minnesota. That theme park features rides like the Fairly Odd Coaster, Diego's Rescue Rider, and Shredder's Mutant Masher. “Based on the success we have seen with Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America we are excited to bring the number one entertainment brand for kids to American Dream,” Triple Five President Don Ghermezian said in a statement.

FULL STORY
0 Comments

2016 Golden Ticket Award Winners

9/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
 PRESS RELEASE:
​It’s been called “the Academy Awards of the amusement industry,” and in a show full of “red carpet” pageantry and excitement, the winners of Amusement Today’s 2016 Golden Ticket Awards were revealed tonight at this year’s host park, Cedar Point, the legendary amusement park and resort along the shores of Lake Erie.
The Golden Ticket Awards are presented annually to honor the “Best of the Best” in the amusement industry and are calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today. The prestigious survey asks experienced amusement park voters around the country and world to rate the “bests” in 23 categories.
Always revealing some surprises, this year’s poll did not disappoint. In the category of “Best Seaside Park,” perennial favorite Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, Calif., re-gained its title after being edged out last year, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando narrowly displaced Universal’s Islands of Adventure’s Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, also in Orlando, as “Best Dark Ride.” Finally, fan-favorite Millennium Force at Cedar Point was out-voted for “Best Steel Coaster” by a single ballot by Fury 325 at one of its sister Cedar Fair parks, Carowinds, in Charlotte, N.C.
The list of 2016 winners are:
Best Amusement Park- Europa-ParkRust, Germany
Best Water Park - Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas
Best Children’s Park- Idlewild, Ligonier, PA
Best Marine Life Park - SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
Best Seaside Park - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, Calif.
Best Wooden Coaster - Boulder Dash, Lake Compounce, Bristol, Conn.
Best Steel Coaster - Fury 325, Carowinds, Charlotte, N.C.
Best Kids’ Area- Kings Island, Kings Mills, Ohio
Friendliest Park- Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Cleanest Park- Holiday World & Splashing’ Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.
Best Halloween Event- Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios Orlando, Fla.
Best Landscaping- Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Va.
Best Christmas Event- Smoky Mountain Christmas, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Best Food- Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pa.
Best Shows- Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Best Water Ride- Valhalla, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, England
Best Water Park Ride- Wildebeest, Splashing’ Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.
Best Dark Ride- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando, Fla.
Best New Attraction of 2016 — Amusement Park - Lightning Rod, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Best New Attraction of 2016 — Water Park- Massiv, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, Texas
Best Carousel - Grand Carousel, Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg. Pa.
Best Indoor Roller Coaster - Revenge of the Mummy, Universal Studios Orlando, Fla.
Best Funhouse/Walkthrough Attraction - Noah’s Ark, Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pa.

Personally chosen by Gary Slade, publisher and editor-in-chief of Amusement Today, this year’s Publisher’s Pick Awards were presented in the following categories:
    • Supplier of the Year – Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) in Monthey, Switzerland, for its success and dedication to excellence, as well as achieving 100 roller coaster projects during more than a quarter-century of quality business practices;
    • Person of the Year – Raffi Kaprelyan of Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif., for his vision and passion for his park’s history and respect for the role of Knott’s Berry Farm in the evolution of the theme park concept;
    • Renaissance Award – Ed Hart of Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Ky., for the dedication he has shown in the presentation of his park’s rebirth and its ultimate thriving atmosphere; and
    • Park of the Year – Cedar Point, for its foresight and philosophy of reinvesting that has resulted in continued excellence and for transforming the park into a complete resort destination, taking it back to its original 1870 roots.
For the 12th consecutive year, Amusement Today recognized college students who plan to pursue a career in the amusement industry and are employed by the host park of Cedar Point and two of its sister parks in the region – Kings Island, Mason, Ohio, and Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon, Mich., – as Miss and Mr. Golden Tickets. These individuals exemplify the spirit and integrity of the amusement industry by promoting the cornerstones of safety, service, courtesy and cleanliness at the highest level, while consistently exceeding job expectations. This is an annual designation by Amusement Today to promote education in the field of hospitality and amusement.

0 Comments

What will happen to Mean Streak's wood after it closes at Cedar Point?

9/8/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
One of Cedar Point’s beasts is getting the axe. But when Mean Streak joins the park’s “dead rides,” what’s in store for its towering lumber? “Everyone has been asking what we’re gonna do with the wood,” says park spokesperson Tony Clark. “We’re taking it down. We’re not gonna really give it to anybody. We’re not going to sell it. We’re not gonna auction it. It’s gotta go. If that changes and we want to build some special chairs or furniture and sell it in the park, we’ll let people know, but I don’t think there’s big plans for that wood.”

The coaster, a rickety journey along 5,427 feet of track, features 1.7 million board feet of treated southern yellow pine.  When Cincinnati-area sister park Kings Island demolished its troubled Son of Beast wooden coaster a few years ago, a limited number of track pieces were sold to fans. Cedar Point currently has no plans in place to sell any piece of Mean Streak.
Mean Streak, once the tallest and fastest wooden coaster, will unleash its final screams on Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. -- the same day HalloWeekends opens.

FULL STORY

1 Comment

Cedar Fair Announces Record Attendance And Revenues Through Labor Day

9/7/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture

PRESS RELEASE:
​Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced that preliminary net revenues through Monday, September 5, 2016, increased 2% to a record $1.04 billion compared with $1.02 billion through Labor Day weekend a year ago.  As such, the Company expects 2016 to be its seventh consecutive year of record results.
This year-over-year growth was driven by a 1%, or 227,000-visit, increase in attendance to 20.5 million visits; a 1%, or $0.50, increase in average in-park guest per capita spending to $46.71; and a 5%, or approximately $5 million, increase in out-of-park revenues, including resort accommodations, to $114 million. 

"We are pleased with our year-to-date results and anticipate our record performance will continue with our extremely popular Halloween events," said Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair's president and chief executive officer.  "Our world-class rides and attractions, day-time family focused Halloween activities and the night-time ghoulish transformation of our parks combine to create a compelling, immersive entertainment experience for every member of the family."

More than 40 years ago, Knott's Berry Farm created the concept of frightful fun and it has grown that concept into one of the largest, most immersive events in the amusement park industry – Halloween Haunt.  Cedar Fair has spread this frightful fun to all of its parks, and this year, beginning in September, there will be more than 5,000 screamsters, more than 150 mazes and uniquely-themed live entertainment from morning to night across the parks.

"Consumer demand for our entertainment offerings remains strong and we are excited about the growth opportunities ahead of us for the remainder of 2016, as well as over the long term," added Ouimet.  "As consumers continue to prioritize experiences over possessions, we believe we are well positioned with our upcoming Halloween events and the expansion of Great America's operating season with the introduction of WinterFest, a new multi-week holiday experience.  This immersive new event will feature more than 7 million LED lights, creating such a vibrant experience it will be able to be seen from theInternational Space Station, more than 270 miles away."
​
Looking ahead, the Company's 2017 capital investment lineup, which includes roller coasters, water park expansions and increased resort offerings, is already receiving national attention; the new Cedar Point Sports Center is almost complete and is actively booking tournaments beginning next March; and Cedar Fair will be expanding the operating season at three more of its parks with the introduction of WinterFest. 
Ouimet said the Company remains on track to achieve its FUNforward 2.0 long-term Adjusted EBITDA goal of $500 millionearlier than its original target date of 2018.


0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    August 2009
    July 2009
    June 2009
    April 2009
    March 2009
    February 2009
    December 2008
    October 2008
    September 2008
    August 2008
    June 2008
    April 2008
    March 2008
    January 2008
    November 2007
    October 2007
    September 2007
    August 2007
    July 2007
    June 2007
    May 2007
    April 2007
    February 2007
    January 2007
    December 2006
    November 2006
    September 2006
    August 2006
    July 2006
    June 2006
    May 2006
    April 2006
    March 2006
    February 2006
    January 2006
    December 2005
    November 2005
    October 2005
    September 2005
    August 2005
    July 2005
    December 2004
    November 2004
    October 2004
    September 2004
    August 2004
    May 2004
    April 2004
    February 2004
    January 2004
    December 2003
    November 2003
    October 2003
    September 2003
    August 2003
    June 2003
    May 2003
    April 2003
    February 2003
    January 2003
    December 2002
    November 2002
    September 2002
    August 2002

    Categories

    All
    Alabama's Splash Adventure
    Alton Towers
    Blackpool Pleasure Beach
    Busch Gardens Tampa
    Busch Gardens Williamsburg
    California's Great America
    Canada's Wonderland
    Carowinds
    Cedar Point
    Darien Lake
    Devin Olson Media
    Disneyland
    Dollywood
    Dorney Park
    Dreamland
    Dreamworld
    EPCOT
    Europa Park
    Ferrari World
    Fun Spot America
    Geauga Lake
    Great Escape
    Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood
    Halloween Horror Nights Orlando
    Hersheypark
    Holiday World
    Hong Kong Disneyland
    Howl O Scream
    Howl-O-Scream
    Idlewild
    Indiana Beach
    Islands Of Adventure
    Kennywood
    Kentucky Kingdom
    Kings Dominion
    Kings Island
    Knoebels
    Knott's Berry Farm
    Knott's Scary Farm
    Lagoon
    La Ronde
    Liseberg
    Michigan's Adventure
    Mt. Olympus
    Nickelodeon Universe
    Phantasialand
    Quassy
    Santa's Village
    Schlitterbahn
    SeaWorld Orlando
    SeaWorld San Antonio
    SeaWorld San Diego
    Silver Dollar City
    Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
    Six Flags Fiesta Texas
    Six Flags Great Adventure
    Six Flags Great America
    Six Flags Magic Mountain
    Six Flags Mexico
    Six Flags New England
    Six Flags New Orleans
    Six Flags Over Georgia
    Six Flags Over Texas
    Six Flags St. Louis
    Son Of Beast
    Thorpe Park
    Universal Studios Florida
    Universal Studios Hollywood
    Valleyfair!
    Walibi Belgium
    Walibi Holland
    Walt Disney World
    Warner Bros Movie World
    Worlds Of Fun

    RSS Feed

Become a Patron!
© COPYRIGHT  COASTER-net.com 1998-2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • News
  • Blogs
  • Parks
  • COASTER-net TV
  • Store
  • Hauntoverse
  • Thrilling 32
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Staff
    • Code of Conduct
    • Club
    • ARCHIVE-Coaster Quiz
  • Links
    • Amazon Affiliates Link
    • COASTER-net Patreon
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Ride Warrior Discord