The impact of COVID-19 will likely be the defining story of 2020, if not potentially the next decade. While America and the world will recover, there will be a noticeable change in societal normality. While it will take some time to get used to the new normal, amusement and theme parks will have to embrace…
Apex Parks Group, LLC announced that it is pursuing a comprehensive financial restructuring aimed at reducing the Company’s current debt. As part of this process, Apex has filed for Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the District of Delaware to facilitate the sale of the company. As it currently stands, the company plans to be…
Over the last few weeks, COVID-19 has made a large impact on the amusement industry. From delayed openings to alterations of season passes, COVID-19 has mainly affected the operational standpoint of parks. Until today, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has been actively promoting the Sidewinder Safari coaster on their website. As of today (4/8/2020), the Safari…
SeaWorld CEO Serge Rivera has officially resigned just five months after becoming CEO. According to a news release, Rivera’s resignation was due to disagreements over the board’s involvement in the decision making at the company, adding that he has stepped down from the board. It was announced this morning that the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Marc Swanson, would…
When a park chooses a roller coaster to build, they often listen to multiple competing bids. Usually information about the bids never becomes public information, however a recently discovered article from 1987 provides insight into the decision making process. After the Bat was demolished, Kings Island was looking for a new signature coaster. When it…
Over the course of the last few seasons, Cedar Point has been rapidly updating the park with new rides (Steel Vengeance and Snake River Expedition) and new eateries such as French Quarter Confectionery, The Corral, and the soon to open Mac and Cheese Shack. Back in February, during the annual 2020 “Winter Chill Out” off…
Even though we can’t physically visit Carowinds, the park is still finding ways to bring the Carolinas together. The park has created downloadable coloring pages featuring five different rides as well as a word search challenge. Families can still play and have some Carowinds-inspired fun by creating their own versions of the park’s rides. The…
The coronavirus pandemic has caused businesses from around the world to suffer and it appears the Walt Disney Company is no exception. Disney has announced that all cast members whose jobs “aren’t necessary at this time” will be furloughed starting April 19, and impact all employees who are not necessary to maintain park operations during the…
Like most parks around the world, SeaWorld has also been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has temporarily shut down all of its parks in Florida, California, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Texas as well as furloughed 90% of its employees. Originally, the shutdown was scheduled through March 31, but it has since…
Blackpool Pleasure Beach has announced a string of activities allowing the public to experience the thrills and spills of the UK’s favorite amusement park from home. To kick things off, the park is launching a virtual experience of their double launched roller coaster, ICON on Saturday 4th April at 4pm – ‘riders’ will reach dizzying new…
The opening of LEGOLAND New York Resort will be delayed until 2021 due to COVID-19 outbreak. Merlin Entertainment, the resort’s owners, said the a $350 million theme park and 250-room Legoland Hotel was expected to debut on July 4, 2020. Officials said delaying the opening was consistent with the closure of venues and postponement of events…
Europa-Park, operated by the Mack family (Mack Rides), is the largest theme park in Germany, and often referred to by coaster enthusiasts as the best amusement park in the world. Located in Rust, (south-western Germany), Europa-Park has been named the world’s best amusement park by the Golden Ticket Awards every year since 2014. The park is home…