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August, 2009

Analysts expect extension of Spielberg contract with Universal Orlando

Taxes and expansion of the resort suggest buy-out is unlikely.
Posted August 31, 2009, 9:54A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 0

Disney to acquire Marvel for $4 billion

Cash and stock deal gives Disney access to thousands of characters.
Posted August 31, 2009, 9:54A | Contributed by Viper423 | Comments: 82

Orlando parks cut hours and jobs to reduce expense

Shorter operating days put theme park experiences at risk, critics say.
Posted August 28, 2009, 11:51A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 17

Busch Gardens Tampa adds detail to plan for Sesame Street kids area

Park spells out plans for doubling the size of its popular kids area.
Posted August 28, 2009, 11:44A | Contributed by ridemcoaster | Comments: 0

PBS affiliate posts Kings Island documentary

This 90 minute long documentary features rare photos, footage and interviews.
Posted August 28, 2009, 11:41A | Contributed by BoddaH1994 | Comments: 18

Special Olympics Illinois offers ERT event at Six Flags Great America

Get an hour on Viper and Raging Bull after the park closes.
Posted August 28, 2009, 11:27A | Contributed by Coasting for a Cause - Special Olympics Illinois | Comments: 0

Carowinds announces Intimidator for 2010

Keeping in line with the Earnhardt themeing for 2010, Carowinds announces Intimidator.
Posted August 26, 2009, 6:16P | Contributed by ridemcoaster | Comments: 49

Food Network's Dinner Impossible recorded at Six Flags Great America

Show features the park in its premier episode, airing tonight.
Posted August 26, 2009, 6:06P | Contributed by redman822 | Comments: 16

Dubailand may have been too ambitious, much of it may never be built

Economic downturn puts much of the huge project up in the air.
Posted August 24, 2009, 11:28P | Contributed by Chitown | Comments: 19

CoasterBuzz Podcast #153 posted

Rhymin' and stealin', fluffy pillows, bad tickets, Kent's raw deal, Disney stunt death, Invertigo, taxes, no B.O., Southern Star in New Orleans, Rip Rockit open, Dollywood, Intimidator 305, Nick drop.
Posted August 24, 2009, 4:00P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 0

D23 could be the Comic-Con for Disney fans

Convention will preview films, TV and theme park attractions for the Disney faithful.
Posted August 24, 2009, 10:37A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 0

Freestyle Music Park misses attendance expectations in first year

Officials say they're still in much better shape than the previous owners were.
Posted August 24, 2009, 10:37A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 3

Six Flags will do debt-equity swap in Chapter 11

Creditors will get stake in company, bonuses offered to execs for successful emergence from bankruptcy.
Posted August 23, 2009, 2:22P | Contributed by Fun | Comments: 6

Canada's Wonderland announces Planet Snoopy for 2010

Peanuts characters will replace those from Nickelodeon and Hanna-Barbera.
Posted August 21, 2009, 3:56P | Contributed by PCWCoasterBoy | Comments: 53

Kings Dominion announces Intimidator 305

The 305-foot Intamin roller coaster will open for the 2010 season.
Posted August 20, 2009, 11:13A | Contributed by Goliath Freak | Comments: 244

Dollywood announces Slick Rock Racer for 2010

New multi-lane slide will have an hourly capacity of 600.
Posted August 19, 2009, 3:21P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 16

Former Six Flags execs to court: We'll run the company for a few years

Executives from the days before Premier Parks say they'd be happy to come back and run the company, but haven't read the reorganization plan.
Posted August 19, 2009, 11:57A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 17

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit now open at Universal Studios Florida

Park says the new roller coaster, with soundtrack and video of you on the ride, is now open for business.
Posted August 19, 2009, 11:22A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 5

Southern Star signs deal for New Orleans park with Nickelodeon license

Company will build theme park at old Six Flags site in eastern New Orleans.
Posted August 18, 2009, 7:27P | Contributed by Mamoosh | Comments: 33

Thorpe Park says arms down to prevent body odor exposure

Having your arms up may get you booted from the park (especially if you stink).
Posted August 18, 2009, 10:47A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 44

New Carowinds ride will fulfill agreement for lower taxes

Park will pay a one-time fee on new ride in exchange for lower taxes in the long run.
Posted August 18, 2009, 10:47A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 13

California's Great America says broken lift chain cause for Invertigo problem

The ride had to be evacuated with cherry pickers when the train got stuck on the first lift.
Posted August 18, 2009, 10:39A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 9

"Indy" Disney performer dies from injury in rehearsal

Stunt performer Anislav Varbanov was doing a tumbling roll when he was hurt and pronounced dead at the hospital.
Posted August 18, 2009, 10:28A | Contributed by RatherGoodBear | Comments: 8

CoasterBuzz Podcast #152 posted

MB love, caterpillars, Son of Beast toast, breaking news, Spielberg's big deal, forbidden furry, big leagues, Universal profit, PTC, Kennywood, Holiday World, Busch results.
Posted August 17, 2009, 11:38P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 28

Buescher: Hurricanes contributed to the demise of Cypress Gardens before its rebirth

Former park owner talks about the effect hurricanes had on the park.
Posted August 17, 2009, 11:29P | Contributed by Chitown | Comments: 0

Recent Pixar movies hard to translate to theme park attractions

While movies like Ratatouille, WALL-E and Up have achieved critical success, they're harder to market for attractions and souvenirs.
Posted August 17, 2009, 1:12P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 17

Four people busted for selling half-used theme park tickets to Orlando area parks

Arrests come as tourists are denied admission after buying non-transferable passes.
Posted August 17, 2009, 1:12P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 2

Officials stress importance of safety in renting inflatables

As consumers treat them as "giant pillows," injury is common.
Posted August 17, 2009, 1:12P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 4

Teen worker at Great Escape arrested stealing money

The 16-year-old is also accused of giving away merchandise.
Posted August 17, 2009, 1:12P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 7

Ohio State Fair has big year in attendance and revenue

Attendance at this year's Ohio State Fair was 826,037, up 16,715 from 2008.
Posted August 14, 2009, 10:25A | Contributed by john peck | Comments: 2

Holiday World and Splashin' Safari announces Wildebeest, world's longest water coaster

New ride will be one-third of a mile in length, use LIM's for propelling rafts, built by ProSlide.
Posted August 13, 2009, 1:54P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 25

Busch Entertainment takes revenue hit

Revenue down 4.2% in second quarter, down 9% for the first half overall.
Posted August 13, 2009, 10:42A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 55

Protester who blocked demolition first to ride on restored Wildcat at Southport's Pleasureland

Peter Crompton staged a protest of the demolition of the ride and climbed on the coaster as bulldozers approached.
Posted August 13, 2009, 10:42A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 0

Comedic actor dies after fall at Walt Disney World

Cause of death unknown after choreographed fall in "Pirate Tutorial" at Magic Kingdom.
Posted August 12, 2009, 11:51A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 3

Kennywood announces launched steel coaster for 2010

Ride will do 0 to 50 mph and launch up a vertical tower.
Posted August 12, 2009, 10:23A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 116

Ad agency sues, then backs off, Freestyle Music Park

Agency says the park owes them over a million dollars for unpaid services, but now says they have a great relationship.
Posted August 12, 2009, 9:56A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 0

PTC profiled in local newspaper

Article talks about the roller coaster train business of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.
Posted August 12, 2009, 9:56A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 14

Universal Orlando profit up despite drop in attendance

Parks pull out solid results despite falling attendance and sales.
Posted August 12, 2009, 1:03A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 5

California company wants to build sports complex at Six Flags New Orleans site

Company already operates nine facilities, with a tenth schedule to open in Las Vegas.
Posted August 12, 2009, 12:19A | Contributed by Chitown | Comments: 4

At least 20 hurt in Big Dipper crash at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Police say two cars crashed on the ride, causing broken bones and other injuries.
Posted August 12, 2009, 12:13A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 8

Man convicted of groping Minnie Mouse at Walt Disney World

Misdemeanor battery conviction comes with probation and community service.
Posted August 11, 2009, 5:26P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 20

Six Flags Great Adventure photos added to Negative-G

Check out El Toro, Bizarro and the rest of the park with the Negative-G crew.
Posted August 11, 2009, 5:26P | Contributed by Paul Drabek | Comments: 3

Universal discussing Spielberg contract

Director has option for buy-out, which would be expensive to the parks, or can continue to receive royalties.
Posted August 11, 2009, 10:18A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 6

Great America Invertigo strands riders for four hours

Fire department called to unload riders from the lift.
Posted August 11, 2009, 10:01A | Contributed by Walk | Comments: 18

CoasterBuzz Podcast #151 posted

Disney, Six Flags and Cedar Fair results, rat convention, water park responsibility, haunt gigs, unpunished violence, contests, interactive treasure hunts, Feed, GKTW, dolphins, LED's, N.O., Chicago parks.
Posted August 10, 2009, 9:16P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 22

Son of Beast closed for the year, future to be decided in off-season

Park officials debating ride's future due to low guest ratings, won't reopen it this year despite being cleared by state inspectors.
Posted August 10, 2009, 9:12P | Contributed by metallik | Comments: 28

New North Myrtle Beach park enjoys warm reception

Small Ocean Drive park is a hit with locals and tourists.
Posted August 10, 2009, 12:11P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 0

Beijing yet to approve Shanghai Disney project

First mainland China Disney park has no time line yet.
Posted August 10, 2009, 12:11P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 1

Man dies at hospital after riding Firehawk at Kings Island

Paramedics were called after the man reported breathing problems.
Posted August 9, 2009, 10:26A | Contributed by The Mole | Comments: 15

Classic Chicago parks proved that bigger wasn't always better

As Kiddieland nears its end, long time Chicago residents remember other parks that have been lost.
Posted August 7, 2009, 2:46P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 1

New Orleans mayoral hopefuls heading to Dallas to investigate amusement park rehab

City council president and state legislators hope to see how Six Flags New Orleans may be rehabilitated.
Posted August 7, 2009, 10:26A | Contributed by Chitown | Comments: 3

CoasterBuzz announces Coasting For Kids to benefit Give Kids The World

Marathon riding event at Cedar Point August 26 will benefit the Central Florida resort that hosts families of children with life-threatening illness.
Posted August 6, 2009, 4:14P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 4

LED lighting saving energy and maintenance costs on amusement rides

Lower power lighting considered "green" while it lasts longer than conventional bulbs.
Posted August 6, 2009, 11:16A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 20

Documentary film accuses SeaWorld of dolphin slaughter just by association

Film says US marine parks are guilty by association for slaughter near Japan because they don't actively protest.
Posted August 6, 2009, 11:16A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 4

Fitness club shooting victim worked in group sales at Kennywood

Former co-worker describes Heidi Overmier as her "best friend" at the park.
Posted August 6, 2009, 11:16A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 0

Cedar Fair amends credit agreement, pushes refinancing risk out to 2014

Lenders holding $900 million of its term debt will extend the maturity date of their commitments by two years.
Posted August 6, 2009, 9:37A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 9

Schlitterbahn announces world’s first AquaQuest interactive water adventure

Interactive treasure hunt opens this Friday at the New Braunfels water park.
Posted August 5, 2009, 5:15P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 1

Roller coaster and theme park enthusiasts win 100-attraction blogging gig in Orlando

Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau promotion will bring in a New York couple to document a whirlwind tour through area attractions.
Posted August 5, 2009, 2:55P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 0

Judge verbally lashes out at convicted Valleyfair assault defendants, sentences only probation

Despite being frustrated with a lack of remorse in last summer's assault on a 41-year-old man at Valleyfair, defendants get time served and probation.
Posted August 5, 2009, 2:55P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 31

Knott's Halloween Haunt auditions draw crowd

Potential performers line up to try out for fall scare event.
Posted August 4, 2009, 10:13A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 4

Drowning at Kalahari Sandusky raises questions about lifeguard coverage

Pool requires three guards with occupancy over 50, but may have only had two.
Posted August 4, 2009, 10:13A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 25

Cedar Fair has weak 2Q, with decline in attendance and per capita spending

Company records operating loss of $15.6 million for first half.
Posted August 4, 2009, 9:53A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 18

Six Flags has dismal quarter as revenue, attendance and per cap take hits

Revenue down 13%, attendance down 8%, per cap down 4%.
Posted August 3, 2009, 10:07P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 21

CoasterBuzz Podcast #150 posted

One-five-oh, drowning death, high wires, down expansion, hair loss, government travel, Coney Island, SOB fail, North Myrtle Beach, Cedar Fair vs. football, Disney World attendance and occupancy.
Posted August 3, 2009, 5:36P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 41

Disney fan expo will give inside look at new attractions

D23 Expo in Anaheim will feature models, special effects and other previews.
Posted August 3, 2009, 10:05A | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 13

Three-year-old boy drowns at Kalahari in Sandusky

Report says the indoor water park and resort was disciplined in May for having fewer lifeguards than expected.
Posted August 2, 2009, 11:19P | Contributed by Jeff | Comments: 37

Legislators rally behind Las Vegas and Orlando for alleged ban on travel

This week, bills presented in both the House and Senate would add language restricting any federal agency from discouraging meetings or conventions in a resort destination.
Posted August 1, 2009, 1:11P | Contributed by Bird Of Prey01 | Comments: 6

Disney World gate rises to $79 for single-day, single park

Increase is a 5.3% hike from $75, while add-ons see increases as well.
Posted August 1, 2009, 1:03P | Contributed by kevin38 | Comments: 64

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