Discovery Cove announces The Grand Reef

In Orlando, Discovery Cove takes immersion to new depths when it opens an all-new area -- The Grand Reef -- in June 2011. The new reef features multiple levels of exploration, from shallow waters to deeper swimming adventures, from white sandy beaches and hammocks swaying in the breeze, to snorkeling among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world.

“The Grand Reef takes Discovery Cove’s world-class animal encounters to an all new level -- several, actually,” said Stewart Clark, the park’s vice president. “It’s what our guests expect from us, unforgettable connections with the sea and making memories that will last forever. This could only be created by Discovery Cove.”

Visitors just need to get their feet wet to enjoy The Grand Reef, or they can choose to go deep. They can step into tranquil, shallow waters to discover a below-the-surface world teeming with sea life, or they can snorkel in deeper waters as thousands of exotic fish and graceful rays swim around them.

Surprises abound. Families can seek discoveries along the water’s edge or cross a bridge to see sharks swimming below. They’ll play hide-and-seek with thousands of beautiful fish, from small colorful wrasses to large spotted eagle rays. Further out in the reef, stunning habitats create the feeling of swimming right alongside venomous lionfish and sharp-toothed reef sharks, each safely behind glass. Guests can take paths and bridges to the reef’s islands and hidden grottos as they delve into the reef from above, around and below.

Those looking for an even more exhilarating adventure can take part in The Grand Reef’s innovative experience, SeaVenture, an underwater walking tour. Wearing dive helmets, guests find up-close excitement around every corner, each step yielding a new discovery.

They’ll come across lionfish and sharks (safely behind massive panoramic windows), one-on-one touches with unique animals and schools of fish and gentle rays swimming by. SeaVenture is a once-in-a-lifetime, undersea experience available for a nominal fee.

The Grand Reef is the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, a fully immersive tropical escape, new to discover in Orlando in 2011.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announces Cheetah Hunt

For more than five decades, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has found inspiration in its animals. Animal care experts have turned that inspiration into adventure with immersive natural habitats like the Serengeti Plain and Myombe Reserve. Engineers have also turned it into adrenaline, capturing the spirit of the animals in wood and steel with coasters like Kumba, Gwazi and SheiKra.

Now, the next generation of thrills emerges from the crossroads where up-close animal encounters and awe-inspiring rides come together. Spring 2011, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay introduces a mega-attraction that invites guests to feel the spirit and feel the speed of the cheetah.

Cheetah Hunt
The centerpiece of the new attraction is Cheetah Hunt, a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) Launch Coaster that uses the force of repelling magnets to launch riders from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds – not once, but three times.

The first launch propels the train out of its station and into the grasslands that surround the new area. Moments later, a second burst of speed accelerates riders to 60 mph and up into the ride’s signature tower element that climbs more than 10 stories above the African landscape before plunging 130 feet into a subterranean trench. At the far end of this three-quarter-mile path, a third burst of speed rockets the train back across the plain toward the station in a thrill-ride experience unlike anything Busch Gardens’ guests have ever experienced.

Cheetah Run
But this one-of-a-kind coaster experience is only a portion of the new realm. Building on Busch Gardens’ unrivaled ability to combine thrills with immersive animal encounters, Cheetah Run will set a new standard for bringing nature and humans together in a really unique way.

Located in the area that formerly housed the Budweiser Clydesdales, this expansive new habitat will give visitors the opportunity to get closer to cheetahs than ever before with elevated, glass-paneled viewing areas. Even more exciting will be the chance to witness the world’s fastest land animal in action. Busch Gardens’ trainers will conduct daily sprints with the cheetahs for an awesome opportunity to see one of nature’s true wonders in full form!

Families can also explore interactive touch screens to learn even more about these big cats and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s work on their behalf. Through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, the adventure parks have been helping cheetahs in the wild since 2005.

Cheetah Hunt and the Cheetah Run open in spring 2011. Together, they form a unique experience – the kind you’ll only find at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Cheetah Hunt Facts

• Type of ride -- Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) Launch Coaster
• Launches -- Launch 1: 30 mph ... Launch 2: 60 mph ... Launch 3: 40 mph
• Other elements -- 130-foot drop into an underground trench ... over-banked turns ... "air time" parabolas ... heartline roll inversion.
• Track length -- 4,429 feet -- more than three quarters of a mile!
• Maximum speed -- 60 mph
• Maximum force -- 4 G
• Height -- 102 feet
• Ride duration -- 3 1/2 minutes (including loading and unloading)
• Seats/Train -- 5 trains, 16 passengers per train
• Guest capacity -- 1,370 guests per hour
• Height requirement -- 48"
• Location -- Crown Colony Plaza, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
• Manufacturer -- Intaride LLC, exclusive U.S. supplier of Intamin rides.

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Six Flags Discovery Kingdom announces SkyScreamer for 2011

Experience the newest sensation in tower rides, SkyScreamer comes to Six Flags
Discovery Kingdom in 2011. This new swing ride will take you up, up and away high over the park, with your feet dangling and hair blowing.

Towering at 150 feet above the ground, SkyScreamer will be as high as the park's tallest roller coaster, Medusa. Grab a friend and sit two across in an open air swing as you climb to the top of SkyScreamer tower while spinning round and round. At full swing, you'll soar in a 98-foot circle at speeds over
43 mph. By day, you'll have a bird's eye view of Shouka the killer whale in her pool or the tigers lounging in their exhibit. By night, SkyScreamer will light up the night as its lighted arms whirl high above the park.

SkyScreamer will open in Spring 2011.

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Pleasure Beach Blackpool announces Nickelodeon Land

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, is delighted to announce the launch of Nickelodeon Land which will open at Britain's favourite tourist attraction in April 2011. Nickelodeon Land represents an investment of £10.3m.

This collaboration between Pleasure Beach, Blackpool and Nickelodeon, the number one entertainment brand for kids, will see a 6 acre area of Pleasure Beach transformed into Nickelodeon Land, which will feature 14 rides, 9 are brand new and 5 are extensively re-themed existing rides. Nickelodeon Land also includes themed retail and catering outlets.

New rides include SpongeBob's Splash Bash, which is an interactive ride where riders have the opportunity to turn the jets onto their friends and blast pesky jellyfish with jets of water for a splashing time. Avatar Airbender allows riders to join Aang on an amazing adventure, spinning and soaring through the air on a giant disk. The Rugrat's Lost River is a rollicking flume ride where you join the Rugrats on their quest to find the mythical Temple of Spoon.

Amanda Thompson, Managing Director of Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, comments, "We are delighted to welcome Nickelodeon to Pleasure Beach. Both of our brands represent fantastic family fun and Nickelodeon Land will combine Pleasure Beach's reputation for amazing rides and attractions with Nickelodeon's favourite fun characters to produce a wonderful attraction, which will wow visitors to the park."

"Pleasure Beach is a first-class amusement park and popular destination for families in the U.K." said Gerald Raines, Senior Director, Nickelodeon Theme Parks and Attractions. "This is an ideal location for Nickelodeon and a great opportunity to expand our global presence. We look forward to offering Pleasure Beach patrons experiences that are unique to Nickelodeon and based on fan favourites like SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer."

Work on Nickelodeon Land will commence in the Autumn of 2010 and is scheduled to open in April 2011.

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Dollywood announces Barnstormer for 2011

High-flying high jinks take to the sky at Dollywood for the 2011 season with the new Barnstormer ride, a $5.5 million family thrill ride situated in a barnyard-themed area which also includes play areas for younger guests.  

“I remember my daddy and granddaddy talking about the old barnstormers that used to do all kinds of crazy stunts above the fields where they’d work crops,” Dolly Parton said.  “My new Barnstormer ride offers folks those same breathtaking moments, high in the sky above Dollywood.  And I’ve recreated a critter-themed barnyard that reminds me of growing up on the farm here in the Smoky Mountains!”

Taking its name from the daring aerialists and stunt pilots of the 1920s, the Barnstormer features two pendulum arms with seating for 32 riders.  Seated back to back, riders travel progressively higher on each swing of the Barnstormer’s massive arms, reaching a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour and 230 degrees of rotation.  At its peak, the Barnstormer reaches a staggering 81 feet in the air, taking riders high above the barn’s rooftop and the area’s treetops.  Situated in the lush foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Barnstormer rests amid a traditional red barn on the Owens Farm, a nod to Parton’s family’s rural upbringing.     

While the Barnstormer fills the air above the barn, children’s play areas dot the landscape around the barn.  With a fun, barnyard theme, children can enjoy a 22-foot by 16-foot bi-plane play area as well as a pig pen water play area.  

The Barnstormer has a ride capacity of 450 passengers per hour, and a 48-inch minimum height requirement.  
   The Barnstormer is adjacent to the Mountain Slidewinder, one of the park’s most popular rides which opened in 1987.  

The new area opens in March 2011 to usher in Dollywood’s 26th operating season.  

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Six Flags Great America's Hurricane Harbour announces Riptide Bay for 2011

The Best Water Park in the Nation...Just Got Bigger
Coming in 2011 — Riptide Bay at Hurricane Harbor! Catch a wave
at the only place to surf on Lake Michigan. The newly expanded
water park will boast more slides and attractions than any other
in the state.
Splash into three more acres of fun featuring:

• Double-sided surf simulator
• Caribbean-inspired activity pool
• Thrilling waterslides
• Luxury cabanas and more!

The Riptide Bay expansion will complement Hurricane Harbor's tropical-inspired paradise boasting hundreds of wet and wild water activities for all ages. Best of all, you can enjoy the water park for FREE with your Six Flags Great America daily admission or Season Pass. Get two parks for the price of one!
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Six Flags Over Georgia announces Dare Devil Dive for 2011

Calling all daredevils. In 2011, Six Flags Over Georgia will introduce Dare Devil Dive,
a "euro fighter" coaster with an amazing drop that's BEYOND vertical.

Dare Devil Dive's mission begins as you're pulled straight up to the sky on a special vertical chain lift, then slowly roll to the top of the tower nearly 100-feet in the air. After an agonizing pause at the crest of the summit, you plummet downward at an angle that is beyond straight down — it actually angles inward at a blistering 52 mph. it is the country's first PAUSE element before the beyond vertical drop.

Then you careen through a thrilling combination of diving loops while executing three inversions before you catch air on a zero gravity hill and swoop across the dreaded Immelman vertical U turn stretched high above the ground. The crescendo builds as the car dives toward the ground and up into a Heartline roll before being slowed by the magnetic brakes. Whew!

Dare Devil Dive will be the 11th coaster in Six Flags Over Georgia's already stellar coaster line-up.
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Six Flags St. Louis announces SkyScreamer for 2011

Experience the newest sensation in tower rides, SkyScreamer comes to Six Flags
St. Louis in 2011. This new swing ride will take you up, up and away high over the park, with your feet dangling and hair blowing.

Towering at 236 feet above the ground, SkyScreamer will be the tallest ride in the park, located near the Screamin' Eagle. Grab a friend and sit two across in an open air swing as you climb to the top of SkyScreamer tower while spinning round and round. At full swing, you'll soar in a 98-foot circle at speeds over 43 mph. By day, you'll have a bird's eye view for miles away. By night, SkyScreamer will light up the night as its lighted arms whirl high above the park.

SkyScreamer will open in Spring 2011.

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Busch Gardens Williamsburg announces 2011 and 2012 plans

As you enter Oktoberfest and pass by the fun-filled halls of Das Festhaus, you see it rising into the sky – the massive spire known as Mäch Tower.

Craning your neck to see the top, you notice a group of revelers being lifted and spiraling into the stratosphere. Suddenly, in a rush of wind and screams, they drop. So does your jaw.

This is Mäch Tower, the highest ride in Busch Gardens. It’s 245 feet of adrenaline-pulsing thrills with a view of the park and surrounding countryside you have to see to believe. That is, if you can keep your eyes open.

Mäch Tower – Heart racing. Jaw dropping. Spring 2011.

Then in 2012, we unveil our next attraction ... a multi-launch roller coaster featuring many "firsts".
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Water Country USA announces Vanish Point

Get ready for the slide of your life on Water Country USA’s epic new drop slide: Vanish Point. Inspired by the point on a wave where water and gravity form a perfect partnership, this summit supplies two wicked wet ways to drop out of sight.

The crest of this 75-foot tower challenges you with two wave paths. You can step into a skybox where you drop down when the floor drops out. Or get horizontal on the 300’ speed slide where you drop down as soon as you flop down … straight down.

Brace yourself for pure liquid adrenaline.

Vanish Point. Coming in 2011, only to Water Country USA.
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Halloween Fright Nights 2010 at Movie World

This October ‘Fright Nights’ at Movie World will be the scariest yet… your favourite theme park will be transformed into a playground of nightmares when two of the world’s most popular horror film franchises; SAW and A Nightmare on Elm Street, will come back to life. For the first time in Movie World history, these two iconic movies will be recreated as mazes for the return of the highly acclaimed 2009 Fright Nights. In 2010, Fright Nights at Movie World will up the ante on all previous horror experiences and totally blow your mind… every waking moment will be filled with unexpected fear and even shadows in the darkness will play on your subconscious – “Was that Freddy lurking in the dark, or… did you just see Billy the Puppet hiding around the corner…?”

Fright Nights will be held at Warner Bros. Movie World on the 8th, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 29th, 30th and 31st of October 2010 from 6:00pm - 11:00pm. SUPERMAN ESCAPE, BATWING Spaceshot, LETHAL WEAPON and Wild West Falls will operate from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. All other attractions operate until 11:00pm.

WARNING: The event contains intense and explicit experiences and is not recommended for children under the age of 14 years.

No face coverings, masks or make-up that prevents facial identification are permitted. Costumes and light facial make-up only is permitted.

Attractions

• SAW Maze - Are you brave enough to enter the SAW maze… the game has moved to the next level… jigsaw is waiting for you! Located behind Wild West Falls.
• Nightmare on Elm Street maze – ‘Freddy’s Nightmare Maze’ - Welcome to your new nightmare. A nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy Krueger lurks within… but where? Located inside the Show Stage.
• Psycho 3D maze - Will you lose your sanity in a world of moving walls and 3D illusions? Located inside the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster queue.
• Zombie Motor Cross Live Show - 7pm and 8:30pm - An action packed live freestyle motocross show goes wrong when zombies attack! What starts out as a simple Free Style Motor Cross show goes very wrong when Zombies attack. The Cheerleaders put up a fight but the Zombies just won’t stop. Action packed Free Style Motor Cross jumps mixed with some fully sick gore. Located inside the Hollywood Stunt Driver arena.
• The Offering - 10pm - The Priestesses of an ancient cult are performing their ritual dance but they need to find a sacrifice. They send their warriors find their quarry, after a short but bloody battle the ritual commences. Located in the Main Street Plaza.
• Live Freak Show - This live show of grotesque and bizarre feats will have you hooked and wanting more. Located in Main Street.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Announces Opening Plans

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has revealed its launch plans of the world’s largest indoor theme park with an opening celebration a day earlier than anticipated.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will open to the public for the first time, starting at seven o’clock in the evening on Wednesday 27th October 2010. Guests will be able to experience a wide variety of rides and attractions and join in the special festivities with shows, dedicated entertainment and free souvenirs.

“We are excited to open our doors to the public earlier than previously anticipated, on Wednesday 27th October 2010 and we look forward to welcoming many guests to mark this historic day,” said Claus Frimand, General Manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. “This will be the beginning of an exciting Inaugural Period, with the start of operations at the world’s first Ferrari theme park.”

“The Inaugural Period will continue throughout November, leading up to a Grand Opening in December with the official launch of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi,” he added.

During Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s Inaugural Period, families and racing fans will be able to experience the legendary Ferrari passion, history and culture through various rides and attractions, in addition to unique shopping and dining experiences. From the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa; the region’s first dueling roller coaster, Fiorano GT Challenge and the 4-D experience inside Speed of Magic; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer a truly amazing experience for every member of the family.

Ticket prices range from AED 225 for guests above 1.5m, and AED 165 for visitors below 1.5m. Guests can upgrade their experience with a Premium Ticket, which will give them priority on all attractions and access to an exclusive lounge with refreshments, as well as other benefits. Premium Tickets cost AED 375 for guests above 1.5m and AED 270 for visitors below 1.5m. All tickets provide unlimited use of rides and attractions inside Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The park will be operating on a six-day a week schedule from Tuesday to Sunday, welcoming visitors from 12 noon each day.

"Our operations team of nearly 850 dedicated staff is currently conducting comprehensive ride testing,” added Frimand. “They have all successfully completed extensive training programs on safety procedures and are passionately working round the clock as we count down the days to the Public Opening date.”

“We are on schedule to open the park with a wide selection of rides and attractions. We have managed to turn one of the world’s most exclusive brands into an extraordinary experience which families and fans will come back for time and time again,” concluded Frimand.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will feature many Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions that range from speed thrill rides to the world’s most advanced simulators and family-friendly attractions.
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Six Flags Great Adventure announces The Green Lantern for 2011

DC Comics' Super Hero GREEN LANTERN will focus the might of his Power Ring at Six Flags Great Adventure in 2011 with the launch of an exciting new thrill ride. Towering 15 stories high with over three quarters of a mile of twisting green steel, this new stand-up coaster will take you on a journey of epic proportions.

Standing 154 feet tall and reaching speeds of 63 mph, GREEN LANTERN will rank among the tallest and fastest roller coasters of its kind anywhere in the world. Unlike traditional seated coasters, GREEN LANTERN allows you to stand throughout the entire course of the ride that delivers a ride experience unlike any other. The two minute and thirty second thrill begins with a pulse-quickening
45 degree vertical drop before rocketing you through five inversions – including a 121-foot-tall loop, a 103-foot dive loop, a 72-foot inclined loop and twisted double corkscrews.

Guardians of peace and justice, the GREEN LANTERN CORPS is a group of intergalactic police officers charged with the protection of the universe. A GREEN LANTERN must be someone who has the ability and willpower to overcome great fear. Recognized as the greatest member of the GREEN LANTERNS CORPS, HAL JORDAN was the first Earthman ever inducted into the Corps. and founding member of the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA. Green Lanterns are fitted with a weapon unlike any other in existence, a ring that channels pure willpower in the form of solid green energy that can manifest any construct the bearer imagines.

GREEN LANTERN is guaranteed to deliver a smooth, white-knuckled adventure – but this time standing up while upside down!
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FlowRider now open at Wet'n'Wild Water World

Endless Waves at Wet’n’Wild*

Wet’n’Wild has opened an amazing new FlowRider located next to the Wave Pool.

Guests can ride the endless waves, rushing down the man-made torrent of water on a specially designed board.

Wet’n’Wild offers a mix of Body Board sessions for less experienced riders and stand-up Flow Board sessions for those who know how to ‘Flow’.

See how long you can survive the deluge!

*Pay as you play attraction


Rider Requirements:

• Guests must be a minimum of 110 cm to participate in a Body Board session and a minimum of 140 cm to participate in a stand-up Flow Board session.
• For safety reasons, this attraction is restricted by height, weight and physical limitations eg: pregnancy, neck or back disorders. Eyewear, goggles, hard or fibreglass casts and prosthesis are not permitted. Large jewellery items, watches, necklaces, bracelets, body piercings hairclips clips or pins or religious and cultural ornamentation are also not permitted.
• Due to the nature of this attraction, expectant mothers are not permitted to ride.
• Guests must adhere to all operating procedures as directed by staff.

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