Kennywood Announces Black Widow as New Ride for 2012!

Something wicked is coming to Kennywood. With the start of the summer season a short five months away, Kennywood is proud to announce Black Widow as our newest ride for 2012!

“Black Widow will have a combination of height, airtime and thrill factor,” explains Kennywood General Manager Jerome Gibas. “Kennywood offers a great variety of ride experiences and Black Widow will provide our guests with a new dimension of thrill.”

The Black Widow experience starts with riders sitting in outward-facing suspended seats that form a giant circle with a total of 40 riders. With legs dangling freely, each rider is secured with a shoulder restraint. Then the thrill begins.

The giant circle begins to swing in a pendulum motion while rotating counterclockwise. At the peak of the swing riders will reach a height of 146 feet above the ground and experience that feeling of weightlessness coveted by thrill seekers.

The counterclockwise rotation and pendulum motion creates a variety of different sensations depending on a rider’s specific position. The combination of both elements results in a unique ride experience every time!

Black Widow will stand at 90 feet tall but will reach a height of 146 feet in full swing with an angle of 120 degrees from the center. The pendulum motion propels riders back and forth at 68 miles per hour.

While riding Black Widow, guests experience a one of a kind perspective of Lost Kennywood.

Black Widow will have a height requirement of 52” tall. Each of the 40 seats has an individual shoulder lap restraint. For pictures or more information on Black Widow’s manufacturer, Zamperla, visit www.zamperla.com/en/product/145/giant-discovery.html

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Hogwarts is Coming to Hollywood!

Warner Bros. and Universal Parks and Resorts to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood

Significant Expansion Also Planned for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.

"I am delighted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been so popular with fans since the opening in Orlando last year and I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting," said J.K. Rowling.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention. It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions. Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time.

“The announcement of our partnership with Universal to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood and expand what already exists in Orlando is probably the best holiday gift we could give to the legions of Harry Potter fans worldwide,” said Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. “Everyone involved with these projects is committed to continuing the enchantment of J.K. Rowling’s masterful books as they were brought to life on screen in our eight films and dedicated to extending the magic of the experience for generations of fans to come.”

“This is an incredible moment for Universal Studios and the millions of guests who visit our theme parks,” said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios. “The Harry Potter stories are some of the most powerful of our time and we are honored to expand our Orlando experience and bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever changing family tourism in Los Angeles.”

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an entirely new level of themed entertainment that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in incredible ways,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. “We are thrilled to be able to share this experience with our guests in Hollywood. And we are thrilled to take what has been created in Orlando to even greater levels.”

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Warner Bros. Movie World Announces Green Lantern Rollercoaster!

A shining new light will dawn upon Movie World this December with the opening of the new GREEN LANTERN rollercoaster. Guests will experience fun and thrills of a galactic proportion as they take on the steepest drop in the Southern Hemisphere. This new multimillion dollar rollercoaster will truly be in a league of its own!

“This exciting new ride will reach speeds of up to 66kmh and pull 3.5Gs on hairpin bends and a crazy inverted spin,” said Warner Bros. Movie World General Manager Bob White. “This amazing GREEN LANTERN rollercoaster is like no other coaster experience at Warner Bros. Movie World and is sure to be a hit with families and thrill seekers alike.”

The Green Lantern coaster will take the thrill factor to the extreme with 488 meters of electric green track and a gut wrenching drop of 120 degrees, well beyond vertical.

Guests can face their fear on the Green Lantern coaster by Christmas 2011, but beware, it’s not for the faint hearted.

With a host of exciting new attractions and shows opening summer 2011, including the new GREEN LANTERN rollercoaster, the Super Pass is the best way to experience amazing theme park fun while getting the best bang for your buck.

The Super Pass provides 28 days of unlimited entry to Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World for the incredible price of just $129.99.

ABOUT GREEN LANTERN:

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 fortitude and willpower to overcome great fear. Recognized as the greatest member of the GREEN LANTERN CORPS, HAL JORDAN was the first Earthman ever inducted into the Corps. and also became a founding member of the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA. Green Lanterns are outfitted with a weapon unlike any other in existence, a power ring that channels pure willpower in the form of solid green energy that can manifest any construct the bearer imagines.

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Dreamworld Unviels Spectacular End to 2011: New World-Class Entertainment Alliance with DreamWorks Animation

Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, Australia has revealed a new and world-class alliance with the innovative global entertainment brand, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA), in the park’s most anticipated announcement for the year.

The most exciting and extensive development currently underway in any Australian theme park, Dreamworld’s new DreamWorks Animation-themed lands will welcome guests inside the very worlds of their favourite animated characters, inspired by the iconic DreamWorks Animation franchises. Well-loved characters including Shrek, Puss in Boots, Po from Kung Fu Panda, Alex the Lion from Madagascar, and many others will soon appear at Dreamworld all year round.

Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Todd Coates said, “We are really excited to have formed a long term strategic alliance with one of the most visionary entertainment companies in the world. The DreamWorks Animation brand is a household name, and we have no doubt that featuring the characters and worlds from their movies will be a great draw for our park.”

“Dreamworld has done a fantastic job of creating quality entertainment experiences for their customers and we look forward to joining forces with the largest theme park in Australia, a hugely important market for us,” added DreamWorks Animation Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Katzenberg. “The alliance between Dreamworld and DreamWorks represents yet another opportunity for families across the globe to interact with our characters in new and exciting ways.”

The alliance will be revealed over three phases commencing with the DreamWorks Holiday Shrektacular Show this summer season. The stage spectacular will feature eight of DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters performing a host of popular holiday-themed songs.

In an Australian theme park first, phase two will open for the 2012 Easter holiday period with a new 8,400sqm DreamWorks Experience precinct, which will transform the heart of Dreamworld. Guests of all ages will be invited to step directly into the story as they enter these immersive lands: come face to face and interact with their favourite animated heroes, enjoy festive musical shows, ride all-new attractions, and delight in imaginative food, beverage and merchandise offerings. The precinct’s cornerstone rides will capture memorable moments from DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster films.

The exciting third phase, which is currently in development, will include a Kung Fu garden where families can meet Po from Kung Fu Panda and enjoy lunch or refreshments.

The addition of the DreamWorks Animation brand tops off a huge year for Dreamworld as it celebrates its 30th birthday. An impressive line-up of new attractions, including the new exotic animal enclosure, The Lair, family adventure ride, ShockWave, and Big 7 thrill ride, BuzzSaw, account for the largest capital investment spend in a number of years.

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Legoland Billund builds world novelty in 2012

Polar Land is the name of the completely new area in LEGOLAND® Billund. The main attraction will be the first roller coaster in the world to combine a 5-metre-drop with an outing among live penguins.

The poles meet in LEGOLAND, in the new 12,500 square metre Polar Land area. Here guests can take a ride in the Polar X-plorer, which is the first roller coaster to combine a 5-metre-drop with a visit into the world of penguins.

Moreover, the area holds a penguin display, a restaurant and the existing Power Builder, which will be transformed into a flight simulator.

The expansion is the largest expansion in the history of LEGOLAND Billund and needs a 75 mill. DKK investment.

A crazy ride
The new area has been developed by the LEGOLAND Park’s own designer Tom Christiansen:

- New young polar researchers can expect quite a ride in the Polar X-plorer. The coaster has a top speed of 65 km/h and leads guests through an ice-waterfall, past impressive polar animals built of LEGO® bricks, into a giant mountain, just to crash through the ice in a 5-metre-drop. Then speed decreases, allowing guests to enjoy the view of live penguins, Tom Christiansen tells. He is looking very much forward to testing the ride himself.

Only two roller coasters with drops already exist in the world, but this is the first to combine the experience with a zoological element. Polar X-plorer will be the fastest roller coaster in LEGOLAND Billund and will take guests 20 metres up in the air.

New residents in LEGOLAND
The penguin display will be a central part of the new area. It will house 15 Gentoo penguins, which are easily recognized by their distinct donkey-like sound. From a special amphi theatre guests can experience talks and feeding of the penguins by professional communicators.

- The Gentoo penguins are very active animals, who love to swim. We have arranged the display so it’s similar to their natural habitat. The display is soundproofed and the windows are darkened from the inside to prevent the penguins from getting stressed during our high season, when the park is filled with happy guests, biologist Lars Nørholm Jensen from LEGOLAND tells. He is responsible for the penguins’ new home.

Dine with the penguins
A new polar-themed restaurant will be built next to the penguin area. The restaurant can seat 350 dining guests, who can view the penguin display and almost actually dine with the penguins.

The 75 mill DKK investment in Polar Land will be the largest investment ever in LEGOLAND Billund’s history. The area will be located in the far corner of the park replacing the existing Event Area. The expected opening date of the new area will be May 2012, about one month after the official opening of LEGOLAND Billund.

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Heroes of the Light Horse Closing Soon to make way for a New Show

On Wednesday 23 November Australian Outback Spectacular ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’ will close its doors for the final time to make way for an exciting new show launching in December 2011.

Australian Outback Spectacular first opened in 2006 and has entertained over a million people from all over the world, with its celebration of Australian stock men and women at work and play.

After a hugely successful runoff the original show, Australian Outback Spectacular launched it second show ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’ in September 2009 and has not looked back.

Australian Outback Spectacular Production Manager Shane Phillips said that Heroes of the Light Horse has been an amazing show which celebrated the link between our stockmen and the legendary Australian Light Horse.

“The crowds have loved this show and the entire cast and crew will be sad to see it go, but the new show will be an exciting new chapter for Australian Outback Spectacular.”

“The third chapter in the Australian Outback Spectacular story will be titled ‘Spirit of the Horse’ will celebrate the courageous spirit of the Australian horse and honour the legend that is Phar Lap,” he said.

Presenting partner, R.M.Williams is proud to continue their support for Australian Outback Spectacular ‘Spirit of the Horse’.

Don’t miss your last chance to see Australian Outback Spectacular ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’ before it closes forever. Tickets are selling fast so call 133 386 or visit: myfun.com.au to secure your tickets.

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Green Lantern Coaster for Warner Bros. Movie World

A shining new light will dawn upon Warner Bros. Movie World this December with the opening of the new GREEN LANTERN rollercoaster.

Experience fun and thrills of a galactic proportion as you take on the steepest drop in the southern hemisphere.

More details to come soon!

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Busch Gardens officials announce 2012 roller coaster details

Busch Gardens’ officials unveiled the name of the Williamsburg theme park’s 2012 roller coaster during an exclusive pass-member appreciation event Saturday morning.

“Verbolten℠ offers the latest in roller coaster technology,” said Park President Carl Lum while addressing an enthusiastic crowd inside Busch Gardens’ 2,000-seat dining facility. “When Verbolten opens in spring 2012, coaster fans will feel the exhilaration of multiple launches and a few surprises that can’t be found anywhere else in the United States.”

Saturday’s announcement naming Verbolten as the Williamsburg park’s new roller coaster ended months of speculation among coaster fans who have been eagerly awaiting official news about the new thrill ride.

In addition to the name, park officials unveiled a few technical details about the roller coaster and a way for fans to learn more about Verbolten over the next several months. Guests with smartphones or other Internet-connected devices can download exclusive coaster details using a unique Quick Response Code, a.k.a. a QR code. Content will be updated regularly, but it can only be accessed by reading the in-park QR code.

Saturday’s event also offered pass members an exclusive preview of the 13th anniversary of Howl-O-Scream, which begins Sept. 23.

Vice President of Entertainment Scott Gasparich introduced pass members to a menagerie of creepy characters representing the Dark Side of the Gardens that make up this year’s Howl-O-Scream. Most haunted houses, scare zones and shows are new, Gasparich said, while the rest are resurrected guest favorites.

“Busch Gardens pulled out all the stops for Howl-O-Scream’s 13th anniversary,” Gasparich said. “There is nothing in this year’s event that hasn’t been intensified, including new takes on old favorites.”

Great new haunted houses like Dead Line offer a modern spin on some classic scares. Howl-O-Scream fans suffering from coulrophobia take note that the evil clowns are back and have taken over Festa Italia in Fear Fair and Grin and Scare It. Finally, Fiends is back in the Festhaus by popular demand. Gasparich and his creative team have breathed new life into Busch Gardens’ classic show that debuted during the first Howl-O-Scream in 1999. It is always “Code Pink” in Dr. Weirdstein’s laboratory, and the good doctor is once again feverishly working on his latest and greatest invention.

Howl-O-Scream begins Sept. 23 and continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 30. Howl-O-Scream is not suitable for younger guests after 6 p.m. Parental guidance is encouraged. The park’s younger guests will be treated to Halloween happenings during the day with their favorite characters at Sesame Street Forest of Fun.

For more information about the 13th anniversary of Howl-O-Scream, visit www.howl-o-scream.com/va

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Take your next visit to Sea World to the EXTREME!

Letting loose this school holidays is Sea World’s awesome Jet Stunt Extreme live show featuring some of the world’s best jet ski stunt performers.

Guests will be on the edge of their seats as the team flips out with totally cool aerial flips and gravity defying stunts during a high energy live performance on Sea World’s Lake.

The show will include dynamic Jet Ski stunt sequences and will star some of the industry’s top competitors.

The star of the show will be 20 year old Lee Stone who is widely recognised as one of the single greatest freestyle riders the world has ever seen.

Direct from the UK, Stone has three European Titles, three British Titles and four World Titles under his belt, it’s no wonder Jet Skier Magazine call him ‘The most exciting young talent in the world of freestyle’.

Joining Lee on the Sea World Ski Lake will be Jon Cooke, Former X Games Gold Medal Winner and first Australian Flat Water Freestyle Champion. Jon is known in the region as Australia’s premier freestyler.

The visually spectacular show is returning to Sea World bigger and faster than before after a successful holiday season in 2010.

Jet Stunt Extreme will commence on Saturday 17 September with performances twice daily on Sea World’s lake.

Catch Jet Stunt Extreme again and again during the holidays with a VIP Pass offering unlimited entry to the Gold Coast’s BIG THREE theme parks Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild. Visit MyFun.com.au now to start your extreme holiday fun.

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Aussie World Reveals Giant Slide

2011 has been a great year for the Aussie World theme park located alongside the iconic Ettamogah Pub on the Sunshine Coast. And it's about to get even better with Aussie World adding another thrilling attraction, the Giant Slide, to its ride repertoire.

To be launched in time for the September 2011 school holiday period the Giant Slide will no doubt become a family favourite and is aptly named at 46 metres long, 15 metres high and nine metres wide. Riders collect a mat at the base of the ride then walk up to a lofty platform five stories high in the sky then slip and slide safely down.

Aussie World general manager David Thompson said the Giant Slide is the second new attraction at the Sunshine Coast theme park following the successful opening of thrill ride Redback launched earlier in the year.

"In addition to the Giant Slide opening this September, Aussie World will be opening yet another ride in time for the December school holiday period that will be the first of its type on the Sunshine Coast," he said.

"These three new rides complete a $2million expansion project offering fresh and innovative products to new and returning visitors,
giving them more reason to visit the Sunshine Coast and to stay for longer."

Situated next to the Wild Mouse Rollercoaster and behind the Stockshed Speedway Dodgems, construction of the Giant Slide has been eagerly watched and awaited by park visitors and created plenty of interest along the way.

There is no better time to visit Aussie World than right now to experience over 30 fun rides and games suitable for everyone.

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The World’s First SpongeBob SquarePants Parade Comes to Sea World!

Sea World has announced details of the world’s first SpongeBob SquarePants parade, which will launch at the park this Christmas.

The multimillion dollar parade will be a large-scale attraction for fans of all ages and has been developed exclusively for Sea World by the creative team behind SpongeBob SquarePants.

Sea World Director of Operations Michael Croaker said that the parade will feature key characters and design elements from Nickelodeon’s hugely popular animated series.

“This will be a huge hit with families as the undersea world of Bikini Bottom comes to life in a spectacular show like nothing else ever seen at Sea World.

“This world class experience will be more than just a parade; guests will become submersed in the world of Bikini Bottom with SpongeBob SquarePants and friends during the celebration.”

Sea World will also launch a new live stage show, Dora’s Best Friends Adventure featuring Nick Jr.’s Dora the Explorer in a musical show, which is sure to delight Sea World’s guests.

With a host of exciting new attractions and shows planned for 2011 including a new rollercoaster at Warner Bros. Movie World, the VIP Pass is the best way to experience amazing theme park fun while getting great value family entertainment.

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Nickelodeon Aquatic Adventure Zone Comes to Sea World Resort & Water Park!

In an Australian first, Sea World Resort & Water Park is joining forces with Nickelodeon to bring an amazing new SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer Aquatic Adventure Zone to the Resort just in time for Christmas.

The Nickelodeon Aquatic Adventure Zone will feature three bright and colourful water-play areas themed around SpongeBob SquarePants characters including SpongeBob, Gary, Patrick, and Squidward. Highlights of the Zone will be a spectacular dancing water display, a giant spray bucket, and interactive water sprays.

The Aquatic Adventure Zone will also feature a Dora the Explorer interactive sculpture, and Nick Jr. characters. The Dora the Explorer attraction will feature special character voice-overs offering guests a truly unique play experience.

Sea World Resort General Manager Ernst Pfister said the Nickelodeon Aquatic Adventure Zone will be the ultimate attraction for families.

“The Aquatic Adventure Zone is going to be extremely popular with families as the Resort brings the undersea world of Bikini Bottom to life through amazing special effects including the spectacular dancing water display featuring a mixture of water jets and LED lights, spray buckets, and water sprays.

“SpongeBob, Gary, Patrick and Squidward will be the centrepiece of the Aquatic Adventure Zone, with Dora and friends the centrepiece of the interactive sculpture. The Spray Park will be transformed into the perfect place for the entire family to relax and play.”

“In addition to the Aquatic Adventure Zone, families will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse and hang-out with their favourite SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer characters in the Resort lobby.”

Sea World Resort will be integrating Nickelodeon into their Kids’ Club with specially designed SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer activities and programs that the kids will love.

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob and Dora are also coming to Sea World this Christmas and construction is well underway for the world’s first SpongeBob SquarePants parade, a large-scale attraction for fans of all ages.

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Ardent Leisure Announces SkyPoint Climb

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh joined Ardent Leisure Chief Executive Officer, Greg Shaw and SkyPoint General Manager, Andrew Sharry today, Monday 26 September, to announce the Gold Coast’s most anticipated new tourism offering, SkyPoint Climb.

Opening this summer, SkyPoint Climb will be Australia’s highest external building walk, taking climbers on a guided journey reaching 270 metres into the sky on top of the Q1 resort building.

Climbers will dress in a full body Climb suit and harness before they step into the open air via SkyPoint Observation Deck on level 77. Along the way an informed guide will highlight major landmarks and share some of the region’s best kept secrets as the group take in spectacular uninhibited views of the Gold Coast’s stunning golden beaches, city skyline and lush green hinterland.

Ardent Leisure Chief Executive Officer, Greg Shaw, explains the long awaited experience will give locals and visitors an opportunity to experience the region like never before.

“SkyPoint Climb will form the Gold Coast’s premium new tourism and leisure attraction designed for locals and holiday makers wanting to experience the region’s most unique vantage point with a level of thrill,” Mr Shaw said.

“The Gold Coast is known for being Australia’s fun capital and Ardent Leisure is proud to be on the front foot when it comes to offering new experiences that will boost the region’s tourism offering,” he said.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said that new attractions are exactly what the Gold Coast needs at a time when the State is overcoming a tough year for tourist."This attraction presents another reason to visit Queensland and another product that locals can proudly promote. Once again Queensland is on the map for the biggest and best attractions proving that this is where Australia shines,” Ms Bligh said.

Walking above the glass crown which frames the top of the Q1, climbers can enjoy the security of an internal hand rail that guides them up to the massive spire or the more daring can walk along the edge of the building experiencing the thrill of a 270 metre sheer drop.

Close to 140 stairs will guide climbers up to the summit of the Climb where guests can take an extended pause to experience the 360 degree surrounds from the Climb’s highest point before descending to level 77 on the opposite side of the building.While details are still being finalised, the experience is estimated to be around 90 minutes in duration and pre-bookings will commence in November.

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Thrilling Coasters, Family Rides, New Shows and Attractions Coming to Six Flags Parks Across North America in 2012

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX), the world’s largest regional theme park company, today announced its lineup of new rides and attractions for the 2012 operating season. Six Flags parks across North America will debut an exciting package of thrill rides, family rides, shows and special events featuring some of the most innovative rides and attractions in the industry and providing even more reasons than ever to visit Six Flags.

“We are bringing new attractions to every Six Flags park every year,” said Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President and CEO. “This season’s guest satisfaction scores are the highest in our history, and we want to continue that momentum by offering a combination of family-friendly fare and thrill rides for guests of all ages to enjoy.”

Among the 2012 highlights:

• Six Flags Magic Mountain near Los Angeles, which is the Thrill Capital of the World, welcomes the world’s tallest vertical drop ride, LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom! At a sky-scraping 400 feet, this engineering phenomenon drops riders at speeds of up to 85 miles-per-hour.
• At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom near San Francisco, SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight, a new launch coaster, blasts riders at over 60 miles-per-hour through two vertical twists and a high-flying 150-foot-high inversion, ranking it among the tallest inversions in the world.
• X-Flight, the only announced wing coaster in the United States, soars into Six Flags Great America near Chicago, and features 3,000 feet of intense high-speed drops and barrel rolls with no track above or below.
• Six Flags New England in Massachusetts debuts Goliath—a colossal boomerang coaster that sends riders up nearly 200 feet in the air, flying forward and backward over a twisting, looping inverted steel track at speeds up to 65 miles–per-hour.
• Six Flags America, just outside of Washington D.C., introduces Apocalypse, the park’s eighth roller coaster and first stand-up design that offers a two-minute adventure and features a 90-foot drop with vertical and cork screw inversions at 55 miles-per-hour.
• Guests at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio will have more to scream about with the introduction of SkyScreamer, the newest sensation in tower rides. SkyScreamer offers breathtaking views from open air swings that rotate in a 98-foot circle high above the parks.
• Thrilling water park additions are also on tap for next season. Guests at Six Flags St. Louis Hurricane Harbor will keep cool and have a blast at the same time on the all new Bonzai Pipeline, the park’s first extreme looping body slide. Hurricane Harbor at Great Adventure is also premiering this ground-breaking new slide while Alpine Freefalls, a Nordic-themed waterslide complex, is on tap for The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom in upstate New York. This multi-slide attraction will feature the park’s first free-fall speed slide and the region’s first twisted mat racer.
• Finally, the company is adding a variety of family rides, shows and attractions at several parks, including Six Flags Mexico, La Ronde in Montreal, Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas—America’s favorite show park—and a 45th anniversary tribute at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Six Flags parks are the number one choice for thrilling, world class entertainment—so grab your friends and family to Go Big and Go Six Flags!

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Six Flags America Announces Apocalypse

The end is near as Six Flags America prepares to face the Apocalypse in 2012! Mayhem comes to Maryland’s favorite theme park in the form of a 100-foot mean machine roller coaster. Guests will take a stand against the end of the world in an all-new, stand-up, steel adventure.

Upon approaching Apocalypse, located in the Skull Island area of the park, guests will wind through a queue stepping further and further into an end of the world scenario. Just when it looks bleak, riders will break out to make the final stand against obliteration. They’ll stand four abreast together, while making the 100-foot ascent to the ride’s apex. For two minutes, they’ll hurtle along the 2,900-foot steel track, feeling the rush of 55 miles-per-hour speeds, hairpin turns, and pulse-pounding inversions.

The Apocalypse is planned to begin at Six Flags America on Friday, May 25, 2012 with a grand opening observance in the morning as the park opens and a thrilling display of fire in the sky that evening. 2012 Six Flags America Season Pass holders will be invited to be amongst the first to brave the ride in a two-day preview event on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, 2012. Season passes are on sale today at sixflags.com/America.

Apocalypse has been designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) of Switzerland. This is Six Flags America’s first B&M coaster as well as the park’s first stand-up coaster. Apocalypse promises to add to a whole new high-intensity thrill to Maryland’s favorite theme park, complementing the park’s arsenal of world-class roller coasters, thrill rides, and water park. The seven current roller coasters at Six Flags America are anchored by the 200-foot SUPERMAN: Ride of Steel; and highlighted by BATWING, Maryland’s first flying coaster; and the classic wooden Wild One, which celebrates its 95th year of thrills in 2012.

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Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Announces New Thrill Coaster in 2012 — SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight

The familiar refrain, “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superman!” will become part of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s lexicon with the official announcement today of the park’s exciting new roller coaster, SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight. The ride, created in a partnership between Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, is slated to open in spring 2012.

This one-of-a-kind super launch coaster features the tallest inversion west of the Mississippi and will rank alongside the tallest coaster inversions in the world. At 150 feet high, riders will experience lightning speeds of 62 miles per hour, with two upside-down twists and two vertical rolls over a track length of 863 feet.

“We’re excited to bring this caliber of ride to Discovery Kingdom,” said Dale Kaetzel, Park President. “Since we opened our super coaster Medusa in 2000, the public has been waiting for a ride to match that intensity. We believe that SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight will satisfy even the most fearless thrill-seeker, and then some.”

As Discovery Kingdom’s first DC Comics-themed ride, the new addition is the perfect complement to the park’s unique collection of marine life, wildlife and wild rides. Thrill rides include the aforementioned Medusa, along with Kong, Roar, Vertical Velocity and Boomerang, and SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight’s addition solidifies Discovery Kingdom’s standing as Northern California’s best place to experience thrills of all kinds.

Brightly painted in Superman’s colors — vibrant blue, red and yellow — the steel coaster will be visible from Highway 37 and beyond from its location on the eastern side of the park. Construction on SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight will begin in early 2012.

SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight is being manufactured for Six Flags Six Flags Discovery Kingdom by Premier Rides.

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Six Flags Fiesta Texas Announces Major Tower Attraction for 2012

Six Flags Fiesta Texas revealed plans today to give guests more to scream about in 2012 with the introduction of SkyScreamer. The newest sensation in tower rides, SkyScreamer joins the park’s already spectacular lineup of thrills as it takes guests skyward, high above the park. The addition of SkyScreamer continues Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ tradition of providing thrilling rides and award-winning live entertainment. A selection of new and returning show favorites will also be featured in 2012.

Towering 200-ft. above the ground, SkyScreamer will surpass the height of the park’s quarry walls. Thirty-two guests will board the ride and sit two across in open air swings as they climb to the top of the SkyScreamer tower while spinning round and round. At full swing, guests will soar in a 98-ft. circle at speeds of 40 mph with the rest of the park far below their dangling feet.

“SkyScreamer will provide a breathtaking, panoramic view towering above our unique park setting. From the vantage point of these thrilling, open-air swings, guests will have an unusual birds’ eye perspective of the San Antonio skyline as they soar to new heights,” stated Park President Martin Bozer.

By day, guests will have an aerial view for miles past the cliff walls and even into downtown. By night, SkyScreamer will provide a totally different experience. SkyScreamer will take flight in Spring 2012.

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Six Flags Great Adventure Announces New Attractions for 2012

Six Flags Great Adventure, America’s largest regional theme park, today unveiled plans to add both extreme and family thrills to its current lineup for 2012. SkyScreamer, an extreme swing ride, will transform the Fantasy Forest skyline while three additional family rides are introduced to the whimsically-themed section below – bumper cars, scrambler and flying elephants.

Theme park guests will have more to scream about with the introduction of SkyScreamer.
The newest sensation in tower rides, SkyScreamer will take swing rides to the next level and join the park’s already breathtaking lineup of thrills as it whisks guests up, up and away high over the park, feet dangling and hair blowing. Towering 15 stories above the ground, SkyScreamer will reside next to the classic Big Wheel. Thirty-two guests will board the ride and sit two across in open-air swings as they climb to the top of the SkyScreamer tower while spinning round and round. At full swing, guests will soar in a 98-ft. circle at speeds of 40 mph high above the park below.

For those wishing to keep their feet closer to the ground, the park is introducing two new, yet classic, family attractions – bumper cars and a music-themed scrambler. Guests will also be greeted with the return of the popular flying elephants ride, which formerly made its home in
The Golden Kingdom section of the theme park.

“Although we are best known for our record-breaking thrills, families have told us they would like more attractions they can enjoy together. So this season we are introducing four rides sure to deliver fun for all ages,” said park president John Fitzgerald.

At Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, it’s go big, go extreme – with the addition of exciting, new drop boxes guaranteed to ramp up the thrill factor at the slide tower known as “The Falls.” Guests will climb into a clear, fully-enclosed launch capsule and begin the nerve-wracking countdown to the moment when the floor literally disappears beneath them and sends them into a freefall at speeds of up to 32 mph.

“Drop boxes are an innovative, exciting addition to our already thrilling speed slides,” Fitzgerald added. “They are not for the faint of heart. The sheer anticipation of waiting for the floor to drop will have our guests’ adrenaline pumping.”

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Revolutionary Wing Coaster Coming to Six Flags Great America in 2012

Get ready to take flight! Six Flags Great America announces plans to add a state-of-the-art roller coaster for the 2012 season. X-Flight is a ground-breaking wing coaster featuring cutting-edge technology. The Gurnee theme park is the first to announce plans for a wing coaster in the U.S.

X-Flight will take riders on a flight that defies gravity, with no track above or below them. Riders sit in pairs, suspended on either side of the track with their feet dangling, as they begin their climb up a 12-story plunge launching them into speeds of 55mph through 3,000 feet of intense drops and five inversions, including a barrel roll and zero-g roll. One of the most adrenaline-pumping moments on the ride is an extreme fly-through where the coaster speeds straight toward a structure, before making a last-minute vertical flip to fit through a keyhole cut-out.

“Six Flags Great America has a long history of introducing legendary rides and first-of-its-kind roller coasters,” said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America Park President. “What makes
X-Flight so unique is soaring through 3,000 feet of high-speed drops, loops and turns, with nothing above or below you. The coaster’s train actually looks like a plane with seats suspended on either side of the track. It’s like nothing you have ever experienced before. We are thrilled to bring this revolutionary wing coaster to our guests for the 2012 season.”

X-Flight is designed by acclaimed Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, who also designed Six Flags Great America favorites: Raging Bull, SUPERMAN: Ultimate Flight and BATMAN: The Ride. The wing coaster will make its home in the County Fair section of the park. Construction begins this Fall. X-Flight is scheduled to open Spring of 2012.

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Six Flags Magic Mountain Announces LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom

Another one for the history books, Six Flags Magic Mountain, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, announced today the world’s tallest vertical drop ride, LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom, will make its debut for the 2012 season. Named after one of DC Comics’ most dangerously intelligent super-villains and Superman’s greatest enemy,
LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom will be an engineering phenomenon, attached to both sides of the iconic SUPERMAN: Escape from Krypton tower. Soaring at a sky-scraping 400 feet,
LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom is slated for a spring 2012 launch.

Fearless riders will be seated inside floorless gondolas on two vertical tracks flanking each side of the SUPERMAN: Escape from Krypton tower. Passengers on the gondolas will be pulled to the top of the tower, experience a brief pause before being released and dropped at speeds of up to 85 miles-per-hour. After five seconds of freefall, the gondola will be stopped by a sophisticated magnetic braking system just a few feet from the ground.

“Six Flags is known world-wide as the industry leader in delivering world-class thrills, and
Six Flags Magic Mountain is proud to be at the head of the pack, offering guests the biggest and the best,” said Bonnie Rabjohn, Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President. “We are excited to add another world record to our collection of record-breaking, first-on-the-planet attractions.”

Changing Magic Mountain’s legendary skyline, LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom will offer riders breathtaking panoramic views as they are lifted to the top of the tallest vertical drop ride ever built. Sitting eight abreast, riders will plummet 40 stories at an extreme speed before coming to a stop, all while the SUPERMAN: Escape from Krypton cars are blasted to the top of the same structure.

“Six Flags Magic Mountain continues to deliver powerful thrills to our guests year after year,” said Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.
“LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom is a tremendous addition and brings a new dimension of excitement to the park’s already remarkable collection of thrill rides.”

LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom is being manufactured exclusively for Six Flags Magic Mountain by Intamin AG of Switzerland.

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Six Flags New England Announces Goliath – A Coaster of Epic Proportions for the 2012 Season

Six Flags New England, home to the largest collection of coasters in the Northeast, today announced the addition of Goliath a suspended looping boomerang coaster that will leave guests wondering which way is up! New England’s newest coaster will reside in the Crack Axle Canyon section of the park and will make its debut in late spring of 2012.

The ride experience will begin when guests are strapped into chairs suspended from the track above, Goliath sends riders dangling face-down out of the station and up the first tower. Once riders reach the top of the tower they are dropped into a complete vertical 18-story free-fall reaching speeds of 65 miles-per-hour before racing head-over-heels on the outside of a 102-foot-tall vertical loop followed by an enormous 110-foot-tall butterfly turn before rocketing up the second 19-story tower. Think that’s all…hold on, there’s more as guests are sent rocketing back through the entire experience all over again with nothing beneath their feet but earth
and sky.

“Six Flags New England is thrilled to announce the addition of Goliath to our already amazing arsenal of rides,” said Jason Freeman, Six Flags New England park president. “This ride delivers pure adrenaline from start to finish and solidifies our commitment to adding high volume fun for the entire family.” Goliath joins an incredible line up of coasters including: Cyclone, Batman The Dark Knight, Mind Eraser and of course the top rated steel coaster, Bizarro. When coaster enthusiasts are looking for thrills and excitement, Six Flags New England is their #1 choice! Six Flags New England is also home to three dedicated children’s areas, entertaining shows, FREE concerts and New England’s largest water park. Guests can experience Goliath-sized thrills all season long with a 2012 Season Pass! Buy three (3) 2012 Season Passes today for $59.99, and get one (1) FREE, plus receive FREE parking. Season passes must be processed by October 30, 2011 to receive FREE parking and can be used for the remainder of the 2011 season. Be sure to check out Fright Fest, New England’s premier haunted attraction, weekends in October. Don’t miss out on the fun, visit www.sixflags.com to purchase online.

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Six Flags Over Georgia Announces Plans to Introduce Six New Shows in 2012

Six Flags Over Georgia today announced that it will celebrate its 45th anniversary by introducing six new shows during the 2012 season. An exciting array of new shows will light up venues across the park, including an all-new outdoor experience that will highlight the park’s storied history since its opening in 1967.

Two thrilling new productions will debut inside the Crystal Pistol Music Hall, including an illuminated dance show with stunning visual effects. Other shows include the return of “We Got the Beat” in the BUGS BUNNY World Theater, a new 60’s-inspired dance show in the U.S.A. section of the park and the return of a fan favorite show during Fright Fest 2012.

“We are excited to celebrate our park’s 45th season with even more live entertainment for our guests,” said Melinda Ashcraft, park president. “With our thrilling roller coasters, family rides and water attractions, these all-new shows are the perfect complements and will truly make Six Flags Over Georgia an exceptional vacation destination in 2012.”

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Six Flags St. Louis Announces New Water Park Attraction for 2012

Six Flags St. Louis today announced plans to add an extreme body slide, Bonzai Pipeline, to Hurricane Harbor in 2012. Bonzai Pipeline joins the
12-acre water park’s existing lineup of water attractions as the only looping body slide with a launching capsule. Hurricane Harbor opened in 1999 and remains Missouri’s only free water park with theme park admission.

Bonzai Pipeline is the ultimate wipeout experience featuring twin, looping slides that sit side by side and the Proslide Skybox launching capsule. After reaching the top of the 6-story structure, guests will step into the enclosed capsule where the floor drops out beneath them, sending them free-falling down the slide and into a side “super loop.” Riders will surf the 290-ft. slide at up to 40 mph. Bonzai Pipeline’s clear tubes allow spectators below to watch riders as they shoot through the 360˚ loops and splash out into the water below.

“Hurricane Harbor is already a favorite of our guests during their visit to Six Flags St. Louis,” said Dave Roemer, Six Flags St. Louis park president. “The addition of Bonzai Pipeline makes the water park an even greater value while providing a new element of extreme thrill that we think guests are really going to love.”

Bonzai Pipeline, manufactured by Proslide Technology, Inc., is scheduled to open May 2012. The body slide will be located to the west side of the wave pool and will have a 48” height requirement.

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Coming in 2012 – Alpine Freefalls at The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom

The Great Escape’s popular outdoor water park, Splashwater Kingdom goes big in 2012! The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom today announced plans to add Alpine Freefalls, a two level water slide complex set to open May 2012. The new attraction will boast the park’s first free fall speed slide with Skybox technology and the Northeast’s first of its kind mat racer.

Guests will face their biggest fears when they take on the double black diamond Cliffhanger water slide. Perched six stories high, riders will count to three before the floor drops from below, plunging them at speeds of up to 32 mph down an 80 degree drop into six inches of water. The plummet slide will complement the popular Tornado water slide, offering thrill seekers the ultimate water park adventure.

For those looking for a little competition, Twisted Racer is a four-story, four-lane race through enclosed tunnels, giving guests the chance to compete with friends and family at speeds of over 25 feet per second. Riders will race on mats through pretzel shaped tubes before opening up into a final drop and a straight shot to the finish line where each competitor’s time will be displayed on LED boards.

“Alpine Freefalls will offer our guests an extreme water ride experience combined with friendly competition,” said Don McCoy, President of The Six Flags Great Escape Properties. “We believe this multi-slide attraction will be a great enhancement to the water park and offer guests an attraction that is as fun to watch as it is to ride.” McCoy added, “From our coasters and shows, to our two children’s areas and free water park, there is no other theme park in the area that offers the tremendous amount of thrills we do for one price.”

More information about Alpine Freefalls will be released during a hard hat tour of the attraction’s construction site in the spring of 2012.

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ProSlide Goes HUGE at Beijing Happy Magic Waterpark

The Beijing Happy Magic Waterpark located in the Fengtai District of Beijing, China has recently opened with some of the most unique and innovative water ride complexes in the world which entertains a huge amount of guests daily, up to 35,000! This Waterpark has the largest amount of water rides built in 2011 and has been touted as the World's Largest Waterpark, with all major rides and complexes by ProSlide Technology.

No other Waterpark or Water Ride manufacturer has produced such industry-changing complexes and world firsts. ProSlide provided Beijing Happy Magic Waterpark with 7 major ride complexes, Thirty-five water rides and the World's Largest RideHOUSE active Ride n' Spray structure which boasts 12 slides, over 65 active water play features, a 400GAL dumping bucket and over 150 themed sculptures and features.

Beijing Happy Magic Waterpark has the World's First TornadoWAVE (pictured), the next evolution of ProSlide's thrilling line-up of extreme water rides. With a 45 degree drop in and near vertical hang time there is nothing on the market that comes close to sweeping weightlessness sensation that the TornadoWAVE creates. This complex is even more impressive with the addition of the IAAPA Best New Waterpark Ride and Industry Impact Award winning BehemothBOWL!

In total ProSlide built a triple funnel TantrumALLEY, the iconic TORNADO, a MACH 4 complex, BehemothBOWL, Duelling CannonBOWLs, OctopusRACER, TornadoWAVE, a SpeedZone complex with FreeFALL, Turbo TUNNEL and a MultiBUMP, as well as a KIDZ Zone and a RideHOUSE!

The most iconic and Award-Winning Water Ride in the World, the TORNADO, goes even bigger in Beijing as now it holds the spot as being the world's tallest. At over 20.5m, or 67ft, the TORNADO towers over the park. Sharing in its massive stature is the TantrumALLEY. In doing so it establishes another world first by having these two rides share the same complex.

The MACH 4 complex features four ProSlide PIPEline slides and combine to give guests over 360m, or 1200ft. of rider excitement on board their 2-Man tubes. For even greater speed and slide length the 8-lane OctopusRACER combines to produce over 880m, or close to 2,900ft. of high speed, side-by-side racing!

The rides, innovative complexes and sheer size of the Beijing Happy Magic Waterpark are something that truly needs to be seen to be appreciated. When you combine all these innovative ProSlide water rides and structures with one of the world's largest wave pools, the result is simply one of the most impressive waterparks in the world.

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WindSeeker for Carowinds in 2012

While Kitty Hawk, North Carolina became symbolic to the Carolinas as the site of the “first flight”, Carowinds will follow down a similar path as the amusement park announces plans to debut WindSeeker in the Spring of 2012 - a $6.5 million, thirty story tall swing ride designed to give riders the sensation of flying.

WindSeeker’s three minute ride begins when the ride’s carriage, featuring 32 two passenger swings, slowly rotates while climbing to the top of a 301-foot tower. Riders will experience a sense of weightlessness as the swings reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and the arms extend outward at a 45-degree angle. WindSeeker will give riders an astonishing panoramic view of not only the park, but also of the greater Charlotte region.

“The sense of soaring thirty stories in the air will be both exhilarating and breathtaking at the same time,” said Bart Kinzel, Carowinds’ vice president and general manager. “This new addition will give guests an unparalleled view, making it a must-ride attraction for both families and thrill-seekers alike. The immense scale of this ride alone will be truly stunning.”

WindSeeker will be located in the Carolina RFD section of the park near the entrance of Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular. A portion of the lake near the Nighthawk rollercoaster will be filled in to accommodate this massive tower ride.

To complement the recently added Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular, WindSeeker will be built with an elaborate LED lighting system. Aside from the LED spotlights that will be located at the top and bottom of the tower, the carriage of the ride will be equipped with LED light strands that will run out from the tower and down each of the ride’s steel arms. At night, as the ride ascends to the top of the tower, the light display will come to life with a kaleidoscope of colorful patterns and shapes. In addition, WindSeeker will be equipped with speakers located on the ride’s carriage. This on-ride audio can play up to eighteen different music tracks.

WindSeeker will climb sixty nine feet taller than IntimidatorTM, the tallest, fastest and longest coaster in the Southeast, introduced by the park in 2010. Construction will begin later this Fall, continue throughout the winter months and is expected to open in the Spring of 2012.

WindSeeker has a ride capacity of 960 passengers per hour, a 52-inch minimum height requirement and is designed and manufactured by Mondial, a 24-year-old Dutch based company focused on developing unique and innovative amusement rides.

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The Anticipation Is Over - Mach Tower opens at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens’ Mach Tower officially opened today, ending months of anticipation from guests eager to ride the parks’ newest and tallest thrill attraction.

“We know our guests have been eagerly awaiting the debut of Mach Tower,” said Park President Carl Lum. “During the manufacturer’s initial testing, some mechanical issues were discovered that caused the delay. Now that the ride is open, we are excited to share this amazing experience with our guests.”

Mach Tower offers an incredible view as its 30-seat rotating carriage climbs nearly 240 feet above the park’s Oktoberfest village. Thrill elements experienced during the ride keep riders from becoming complacent on their journey to the top. Once riders get a few seconds to take in the view, the carriage plummets at breathtaking speed straight down the massive maypole-themed tower attraction.

“We’re pleased our guests will be able to ride Mach Tower before the summer comes to a close,” said Lum. “We allowed our guests a sneak peek earlier this week and the overwhelming comments have been, ‘it’s been worth the wait.’”

Ray Beyer and his son Brandon were some of the lucky guests who experienced Mäch Tower during the sneak peek.

“I thought it was great,” said Brandon, adding that the drop took his breath away. “Not being able to look down sort of freaked me out.”

Mach Tower anchors a newly rejuvenated Oktoberfest village featuring new game areas, performance spaces and a pretzel bakery serving some of the best pretzel-themed cuisine in the region.

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Leviathan for Canada's Wonderland in 2012

Vaughan, ON (August 18, 2011) - In 2012, Canada’s Wonderland will unveil one of the biggest and tallest roller coasters in the world: Leviathan. When the Park opens in May 2012, Leviathan will dominate the Park’s landscape, taking riders to breathtaking heights and speeds never experienced before at Wonderland.

The excitement begins on Leviathan’s first lift hill as riders climb to a record breaking height of 306 feet (93.3M) followed by an exhilarating 80 degree drop. Reaching a top speed of 148 kilometers per hour, riders will experience extreme coaster thrills on 5,486 feet (1,672M) of track that includes a series of giant camelback hills reaching heights up to 180 feet (54.9M), and an astonishing overbanked hammerhead turn at 115 degrees that will cross above the Park’s front gate at 147 feet (44.8M) high.

“Leviathan will be our 16th coaster and now positions Canada’s Wonderland as one of the top three coaster destinations in the world.” said Raffi Kaprelyan, Vice President and General Manager, Canada’s Wonderland. “We will go higher, longer, and faster than ever before when we launch Leviathan in 2012. With the addition of this new coaster and our diverse collection of rides, shows and attractions, we continue to show why Canada’s Wonderland is the destination of choice for those seeking world class thrills and family entertainment."

Leviathan is designed and manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, of Monthey, Switzerland. The highly recognized industry leader in roller coaster development also constructed Behemoth, which premiered at Canada’s Wonderland in May 2008.

Construction is well underway at the park, with a completion date of May 2012. Guests who would like to experience Leviathan before the Park opens next year can visit leviathan.canadaswonderland.com to view ride renderings, specifications, construction updates, and experience a virtual ride simulation.

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Nickelodeon & Nick Jr. are coming to Sea World & Sea World Resort this Christmas!

Village Roadshow Theme Parks (VRTP) and Nickelodeon have joined forces on an exciting new partnership that will bring the world’s first-ever SpongeBob SquarePants parade to Sea World on the Gold Coast this summer. A large-scale attraction for fans of all ages, the parade will be developed exclusively for Sea World by the creative team behind SpongeBob SquarePants and will feature key characters and design elements from the hugely popular animated series.

The multi-year deal between VRTP and Nickelodeon will also include a live stage show of Nick Jr.’s Dora the Explorer that will feature character appearances to entertain pre-school aged kids at Sea World. The Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. brands will also be integrated into the Sea World Resort water park and kids’ club. Additionally, a range of SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer consumer products will be available as part of the Nickelodeon integration, including some items offered exclusively at Sea World.

“The Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. brands have a unique resonance with families and are the perfect fit for the Sea World and Sea World Resort properties,” said Dale Stratford, Executive Director of Marketing, Village Roadshow Theme Parks. “This is a fantastic union of world-class entertainment brands, which will be of great benefit to both parties.”

“Nickelodeon is thrilled to be teaming up with Village Roadshow Theme Parks on these new attractions,” added Ben Richardson General Manager for Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand. “This is a major milestone for our burgeoning local recreation business and an important next step in our brand expansion across all facets of entertainment for Australians.”

"We are looking forward to bringing Nickelodeon attractions to kids and families in Australia,” said Gerald Raines, Senior Director, Nickelodeon Theme Parks and Attractions. “Sea World is a premier family park on the Gold Coast and the ideal location for a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience featuring the pop culture icon and the world’s most optimistic sea sponge, SpongeBob SquarePants.”

Further details of the SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer attractions and Sea World Resort attractions will be revealed in the coming months, with launch planned for late 2011 during the peak summer holiday period.

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Mammoth for Holiday World in 2012

Coming in 2012! What’s the largest animal found on the safari? Lion? Gorilla? Elephant? Think back further in time … it was the great and powerful Mammoth. This immense beast once ruled the safari … and now he rules Splashin’ Safari!

Our Wildebeest claimed the title of World’s Longest Water Coaster when it opened in 2010. But Wildebeest bows to the mighty Mammoth and turns over the title. For Mammoth is taller and longer and wider..

Wider?

That’s right. Mammoth boats will be new six-passenger boats. Round boats. Nine feet in diameter, flying up and down hills in the 15-foot-wide slide. That means your thrilling trek on the World’s Longest Water Slide may be facing forward, facing sideways, or facing backwards.
Facing backwards? Yes, and in the dark. There are five enclosed slide sections. And many twists and turns. Plus air-time, that incredible feeling of being lifted off your seat.

What powers these six-passenger boats up the hills? As with Wildebeest, we use Linear Induction Motor (LIM) technology. In total, eight LIMs will magically propel the boats on their way through this 1/3 mile, air-time filled water coaster.

Just as with Wildebeest, the massive Mammoth begins with a conveyor ride up the water coaster’s lifthill. Following the breath-taking five-story drop at a 28-degree angle, LIMs will fly your boats back up hill after air-time-filled hill.
Mammoth will tower seven stories from highest to lowest point and cover more than two acres.

With bright yellow, round, six-passenger boats, your whole family will be able to challenge Mammoth together – and watch each other’s delighted faces as you conquer this epic ride together.

Opening May 2012, Mammoth – the World’s Longest Water Coaster – rules!

Ride Facts

• Type: HydroMagnetic Water Coaster
• Height: 69 feet
• Length: 1/3 mile (1,763 feet)
• Highest Drop: 53’ at 45-degree angle
• Drops: 6 drops, totaling 282’
• Linear Induction Motors: 8, including the world’s longest LIM on a water-coaster
• World Record: World’s Longest Water Coaster (Wildebeest is #2)
• Boats: Six-passenger round boats
• Theme: Mammoth, the immense beast which once ruled the safari
• Designer: ProSlide Technology Inc., Ontario, Canada

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Hersheypark to Debut Its 12th Coaster in 2012 Season

200‐Foot Thrill Ride Will Feature the First Trains of Their Kind in the United States.

Rising out of the earth at Hersheypark will soon be a whole new breed of roller
coaster – Skyrush, a mega/hyper coaster with winged seating. It will be the tallest,
fastest and longest coaster in the Park.

The train cars of the 200‐foot‐tall steel coaster will feature two floored seats
flanked by two floorless, winged outer seats that will offer a staggering 270‐degree
panoramic viewing perspective.

Skyrush, which will feature cantilevered trains that are to be the first of their
kind in the United States, will cost approximately $25 million and raise the number of coasters in Hersheypark to an even dozen.

The train will begin its skyward climb – at 26 feet per second – before it even
leaves the station. Upon cresting the track’s peak, the train will plunge down an 85‐degree descent and send riders rushing into the first of four high‐speed, high‐banked turns as they travel at speeds up to 75 mph.

Riders will feel the rush of five exhilarating airtime hills and transition from
positive to negative gravity as they cross over the entire length of Comet, the oldest roller coaster in Hersheypark. Skyrush will travel over Spring Creek, the body of water that was a centerpiece when chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey opened his park in 1907, and race along nearly 3,600 feet of steel track back to its station.

The third Intamin coaster in the Hersheypark arsenal, Skyrush will join crowd
favorites Storm Runner, built in 2004, and Fahrenheit, built in 2008. It promises to
deliver the same high‐intensity thrills that Park guests have come to expect from this renowned coaster manufacturer.

Skyrush will also bring a new coaster sightline to the Comet Hollow section of
Hersheypark, where it will interact with Comet, a classic wooden out‐and‐back coaster that dates to 1946; sooperdooperLooper, which opened in 1977 as the first steel looping coaster on the East Coast; and Great Bear, which debuted in 1998 as the first looping, inverted steel coaster in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Hersheypark, which is well known for blending the past with both the present
and the future as it offers guests a one‐of‐a‐kind experience, is reclaiming about three acres of land that have been closed to the public since 1972. The land is the site of the Park’s former “Sunken Gardens,” a popular place for early visitors to Hershey to take a stroll. The area is now being transformed not only by the new coaster, but also by a renovation that will result in the creation of a scenic observation path that’s lined by globe streetlights, fencing, trees, landscaping and flowers. The area will allow guests to reflect on the Park’s history while watching riders on a state‐of‐the‐art mega coaster.

The coaster’s station house is being modeled after historic train stations in the
Hershey area. New restroom facilities, games and food stands will replicate the Park’s buildings of yesteryear, and a new floating fountain in Spring Creek will bring back memories of days gone by.

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The Swarm for Thorpe Park

The UK's first winged rollercoaster, THE SWARM, takes you on a death defying flight through apocalyptic devastation.

Be picked up and dragged on the wings of THE SWARM as you’re left exposed and vulnerable to the extreme near misses and gut wrenching inversions as it rips through the sky on its
mission of complete annihilation.

Experience the unique head first, inverted drop from 127ft as you are flung into this merciless flight for your life. War is coming... Spring 2012.

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A New Jet Ski Show for Sea World!

It’s the final chance for renewing VIP Pass holders to purchase their new VIP Pass for only $99.99, and with the opening of the new Jet Stunt Extreme Show at Sea World this September, this year’s pass provides the biggest year of theme park fun ever seen on the Gold Coast.

Letting loose from 17 September 2011 is Sea World’s awesome new Jet Stunt Extreme Show featuring some of the world’s best jet ski stunt performers.

The visually spectacular show is a new and improved version of the jet ski show which featured at Sea World over the Christmas holidays and will blow guests’ minds with totally cool aerial flips and jumps during a high energy live performance twice each day at Sea World’s Lake.

The best way to check-out Jet Stunt Extreme is with the new VIP pass which provides unlimited entry to Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild until 30 June 2012 for the incredible price of just $99.99 until 31 July 2011 for renewing pass holders.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks Executive Director of Marketing, Dale Stratford said that the aim was to continue to provide a great value, one-stop pass to fun and entertainment which is available to families Australia-wide.

“The VIP Pass really is the best deal around because it provides unlimited entry to three theme parks for a whole year, so you can visit over and over again, plus there is a truly exciting line-up of new attractions opening this year including multimillion dollar attractions launching at Movie World and Sea World in-time for Christmas,” he said.

This year will also see a new addition to the VIP Pass offering with the VIP Gold ticket which not only provides unlimited entry to Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild until 30 June 2012, but also includes one entry to each of the signature after dark events at Movie World, Fright Nights and White Christmas.

The VIP Pass also provides a host of discounts and bonus offers including great deals on food and beverage and retail items available exclusively to pass holders.

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Dreamworld Reveals its new Bone Chilling Thrill Ride

Dreamworld celebrates its 30th birthday in 2011, and there has never been a better time to visit as Australia’s favourite theme park goes all out with a host of additions including a bone chilling new thrill ride, BuzzSaw.

The biggest year ever for the iconic entertainment destination, Dreamworld has added a new exotic animal exhibit, ‘The Lair’, a new adventure ride, ‘ShockWave’ and now a major thrill ride so extreme it will boost the park’s Big 6 Thrill Rides to the Big 7.

Opening in time for the September school holiday period, BuzzSaw is an Australian first and will be the ride to conquer for high-action adrenaline seekers.

Seated in an open carriage, riders will be held in by a single waist harness leaving the upper body fully exposed to the elements, and with little to cling onto. This white-knuckle ride starts with a suspenseful 46m vertical ascent that will have riders instantly wishing they were back on the ground.

At its peak, the rider’s centre of gravity is flipped and they are dangled upside-down 15 storeys in the air before the ride car free-falls through a 360 degree heart roll, and plummets down a final vertical drop at speeds of up to 105km/hour. BuzzSaw will be the highest inversion ride experience in the Southern Hemisphere.

Situated in the park’s Gold Rush precinct, the construction of the new ride has unearthed some unusual stories about the make-believe mining township, which has been part of Dreamworld since the mid 1980’s.

Unexplainable occurrences recounted by staff working in the area and historic research dating back to the late 1800’s have inspired the ride’s theme and will have guests wondering where fact ends and fiction begins.

With construction now well underway, BuzzSaw will be one of the first menacing thrill rides guests can spot as they arrive in the main car park adding to the already impressive landscape including the Tower of Terror II and The Giant Drop.

Dreamworld’s line-up of new rides and attractions in 2011 makes now the best time ever to visit our worlds of fun.

Stay tuned for more details on this year’s biggest, fastest thrill ride, BuzzSaw.

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Penguin Encounter Animal Adventure

Become an Antarctic Adventurer at Sea World!

Sea World has launched its ‘coolest’ new Animal Adventure program – Penguin Antarctic Adventure.

The new program allows guests to don special snow gear and head out onto the ice with the King and Gentoo penguins in Sea World’s Penguin Encounter exhibit.

Sea World Assistant Director of Marine Sciences Mark Craig said that the Penguins are just amazing fun to watch and getting out on the ice with them is a really unique experience.

“Guests will experience a back of house tour of the exhibit before joining the playful and inquisitive penguins in their sub zero home”.

“Penguin Encounter is a world class exhibit which has already proven extremely popular with children and adults alike and this new animal adventure is a great opportunity to meet and interact with the penguins at close quarters,” he said.

The $12M Penguin Encounter exhibit is a slice of Antarctica at Sea World which is home to 24 penguins and features icy rock formations and a crystal clear pool for the penguins to explore.

King and Gentoo Penguins are important ambassadors for climate change and Sea World guests can learn about the effects of climate change in the Antarctic region in the Penguin Encounter educational exhibition.

The program, which commences on 1 July 2011, includes a souvenir photograph and can be booked by calling 133 FUN or visiting MyFun.com.au.

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Kid's World - where kids really do rule

Dreamworld’s top family attraction, is bursting with 10 different rides and attractions, all designed with kids in mind.

The largest kids’ zone at a Gold Coast theme park, Kid's World is a whole new world of fun for families with children aged four to 12 years. What you need to know

TARGETTING THE TOTS

1. Rainforest Rampage … Kids will have a ball in this foam ball play factory filled with 20,000 colourful foam balls, moved around by 28 vacuums and compressed air cannons. Kids can blast Mum, Dad and friends as they rampage through an interactive two storey adventure playground.

2. The Swinger Zinger …Zoom through the skies on this aerial chair ride in a ride. A mix between traditional fun and fast tech, it’s bound to have the kids laughing out loud.

3. Bumper Beach ... Everyone’s favourite fairground fun, kids can dodge, duck and spin around their friends every day in the dodgem arena.

4. The Mighty-Go-Round … A turntable of twists to enchant the smallest of tots, Dreamworld’s carousel of fun is home to painted ponies. Relive your childhood excitement and be enthralled as you go round, and round, and round again.

5. Remota Cars and Trucks … In between spinning wizzing and twirling, why not take charge of our toy trucks at the Remota cars and trucks.


TWEEN ADVENTURE

1. The SkyRocket Rollercoaster… Hang on to this incredible suspended family coaster! Shoot through the sky as you duck and weave through the atmosphere on an intergalactic adventure before returning safely back on earth. Australia’s first suspended family rollercoaster SkyRocket stands 18 metres high and offers plenty of tummy jumping thrills for the whole family, the 342 metre track weighs 200 tonnes and incorporates six km of cabling.

2. Kite Flyer ... Dreamworld's Kite Flyer will take you on a journey that soars up into the air swirling around, dipping and rising as if you were on the end of a rope. The closest thing to feeling like you are flying, Kite Flyer is the perfect ride for kids and parents to enjoy together.

3. The Avalanche… Spin-out on a crazy mountain adventure and dash around in the dark inside Dreamworld's tallest sculpture.

4. Reef Diver … Forget the flippers, you won't need them on this giant whiling whirlpool of fun. But you will need the ear plugs as you and your friends test their tonsils when Reef Diver rises to a nerve-wracking vertical height. Be careful! It’s only centrifugal force that keeps you stuck in your seat.

Aside from this, why not meet all your favourite Dreamworld stars including Kenny Koala and Belinda Brown and Goldie the Clown every day of the year!

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The Big Theme Park Pass is Back!

The Gold Coast’s big three favourite theme parks, Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World have announced the return of Australia’s biggest theme park deal - the revolutionary VIP Pass!

With a host of exciting new attractions and shows planned for 2011 including MonsterMoto Xtreme at Warner Bros. Movie World this June school holidays, the VIP Pass is the best way to experience amazing theme park fun while getting the best bang for your buck.

The new VIP pass provides unlimited entry to Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World until June 30, 2012 for the incredible price of just $99.99 for renewing pass holders.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks Director of Sales, Annette Pearce said that the aim was to continue to provide a great value, one-stop pass to fun and entertainment which is available to families Australia-wide.

“We have listened to what our visitors want and it’s a big bang for their entertainment dollar and the VIP Pass offers affordable fun for families at the Gold Coast’s big 3 theme parks.”

“The VIP Pass really is the best deal around because it gives unlimited entry to three theme parks for a whole year, so you can visit over and over again, plus there is a truly exciting line-up of new attractions opening this year.”

“We are also rewarding our existing VIP pass holders by offering them a special price of $99.99 to renew their tickets before July 31 2011,” she said.

This year will also see a new addition to the VIP Pass offering with the VIP Gold ticket which not only provides unlimited entry to Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World until 30 June 2012, but also includes one entry to each of our signature after dark events at Movie World Fright Nights and White Christmas.

The VIP Pass also provides a host of discounts and bonus offers available exclusively to pass holders.

So for the best value and BIGGEST theme park ticket in town visit MyFun.com.au or call 133 FUN. The $99.99 VIP Pass renewal special is a strictly limited offer to current VIP Pass holders which ends on 31 July 2011.

For new pass holders the VIP Pass price is from $109.99 and is on sale for a limited time only from 1 July 2011.

Why not make your big theme park holiday complete with a stay at Sea World Resort & Water Park. Phone 1800 074 448 or visit www.MyFun.com.au for a great range of packages.


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MotoMonster Xtreme Tears into Movie World!

Monster truck mania and Freestyle Motocross superstars will take over Warner Bros. Movie World’s Hollywood Stunt Driver arena beginning tomorrow - June 24 until July 18 2011 - in a spectacular display of extreme motorsport.

The highlight of the new show entitled ‘MotoMonster Xtreme’ will be a 1000hp, 3.5M tall Monster Truck valued at $300,000 which performs unbelievable stunts.

‘MotoMonster Xtreme’ will also feature dare devil Freestyle Moto X riders defying gravity as they jump 75 feet through the air while performing edge of your seat tricks in a fearless display of FMX skill.

Movie World Show and Entertainment Manager Christophe Broadway said that this show will be an absolute highlight for the school holidays.

“MotoMonster Xtreme will feature world class riders including a world champion freestyle trial rider as well as Australia's leading freestyle team, the ShowTime FMX Kawasaki team.”

“The star of the show is sure to be the Monster Truck. This huge truck will use a specially designed ramp to launch into a spectacular aerial manoeuvre which will wow the audience,” he said.

‘MotoMonster Xtreme’ will run twice daily and the best way to experience it is with a VIP Pass which provides unlimited to Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. To purchase your ticket visit MyFun.com.au or call 133 FUN.

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Six Flags Great America Starts the Summer Right with Two World-Class ProSlide Custom Complexes!

We are thrilled to announce the opening of yet another World's First ProSlide Complex in a Six Flags Waterpark. Six Flags pride themselves as "The gold standard of regional theme park entertainment. The parks are bigger and bolder than ever, offering cutting-edge, one-of-kind rides and so much more." Since 2003 with the initial installation of one of the first ProSlide TORNADOs™, Six Flags exemplifies the difference that ProSlide quality truly makes.

Riptide Bay, Six Flags Great America's new 2011 summer expansion, demonstrates the continued trend-setting nature of this Corporation.

Plunge from either one of the six-story FreeFALLs™ with 80 degree angle drops, or the unmatched G-forces of the incredible looping SuperLOOPs™. The ProSlide SkyBox™ Launch Systems are designed and refined to produce an absolutely unmatched high speed drop-launch experience. Enter any of the four SkyBoxes™ through the transparent door, if you dare, inspect your fate through the transparent floor panel and take your last breath before being launched down the ride of your life!

The launch angle of the SkyBox™ has been carefully calculated in conjunction with the speed with which the floor drops out to provide the greatest sensation of weightlessness, while providing a very safe and consistent anticipatory launch.

The fun doesn't stop there at Riptide Bay! The installation of North America's First Outdoor TantrumALLEY™ spices up Water Ride entertainment for the whole family. "Wipeout" winds your 4-Person CLOVERleaf™ raft through the tunnel onto two separate funnels, both promising several oscillations before feeding your raft on through the ride.

Our continued partnership and friendship with the Six Flags Corporation has taken the water ride standard and industry to a whole new level, as they now have 14 TORNADO™ Installations accompanied by the largest number of iconic ProSlide attractions in the World.

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