Theme Park Insider Staff Columns

New Theme Park Insider debuts this weekend
By Robert Niles
December 21, 2005: Robert's delivering a long-awaited site redesign for Christmas.
5 responses. Last on December 24, 2005 at 4:39 PM (MST)


From D.C. to Florida, Part Two: Five Days at Disney
By Russell Meyer
December 12, 2005: A marathon, three-parks-in-one-day visit kicks off week two of Russell's trip to Central Florida.
9 responses. Last on December 22, 2005 at 12:14 PM (MST)


From D.C. to Florida: Five Days at Universal Orlando, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld
By Russell Meyer
December 2, 2005: TPI's Russell Meyer recounts the first half of his recent visit to Central Florida with a trip report from the non-Disney theme parks.
9 responses. Last on December 21, 2005 at 8:06 AM (MST)


Snyder Claims to Have Control of Six Flags
By Robert Niles
November 22, 2005: The owner of Washington D.C.'s NFL franchise says that he's got majority control of the company and will replace the amusement chain's CEO.
5 responses. Last on December 26, 2005 at 5:05 AM (MST)


WinterFest Returns to Paramount's Kings Island
By Katie McGuire
November 19, 2005: The Cincinnati-area tradition, gone for more than a decade, shows theme park fans that a cold-weather park can deliver holiday cheer, too.
1 response. Last on November 20, 2005 at 11:20 AM (MST)


A Photo Tour of Christmas at Disneyland
By Robert Niles
November 14, 2005: Theme Park Insider's editor takes a look at some of the holiday happenings at Disney's original theme park.
11 responses. Last on December 21, 2005 at 4:20 PM (MST)


An Insider's Guide to Disney's Super Soap Weekend
By Jimmy D. Lee
November 5, 2005: The world's largest daytime TV celebrity fan fest returns to the Disney/MGM Studios theme park November 12-13, 2005.
3 responses. Last on November 11, 2005 at 6:04 PM (MST)


What's on Tap at America's Theme Parks for 2006?
By Russell Meyer
October 24, 2005: From Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom to a new Nickelodeon land at Kings Island to a new B&M Flyer called Tatsu in L.A., here's what you can expect next year at the nation's top parks.
18 responses. Last on November 19, 2005 at 4:36 PM (MST)


An Insider's Look at Halloween Horror Nights 2005
By Joe Lane
October 19, 2005: A year-long planning process helps make Universal Orlando's annual scarefest one of the nation's most popular Halloween events.


Exploring the 'Real' Central Florida
By Jimmy D. Lee
October 12, 2005: You don't need to limit your Orlando-area theme park vacation to man-made thrills. A side trip to one of the region's natural springs offers oh-so affordable bliss.
7 responses. Last on October 14, 2005 at 10:12 PM (MST)


An Insider's Look at Howl-O-Scream 2005
By Russell Meyer
September 23, 2005: Russell Meyer takes you on a photo and video tour of the Williamsburg, Virginia theme park's annual Halloween bash.
12 responses. Last on October 7, 2005 at 9:29 AM (MST)


Six Flags' New Owners Face a Capital Challenge
By Robert Niles
September 9, 2005: Whoever buys the struggling amusement park chain will need to bring a new model, and a lot of cash, to turn around the ailing company.
28 responses. Last on October 24, 2005 at 12:03 PM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—A Sticky Situation
By Russell Meyer
September 7, 2005: Hong Kong Disneyland prepares for its grand opening and a debut at the Magic Kingdom.
21 responses. Last on November 25, 2005 at 9:36 AM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Massive
By Russell Meyer
September 4, 2005: The effects of Hurricane Katrina, Goliath is born, and the theme park ticket black market.
15 responses. Last on September 8, 2005 at 12:24 AM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Decisions
By Russell Meyer
August 31, 2005: Part three of my Orlando Vacation Planning Guide
4 responses. Last on September 2, 2005 at 9:13 AM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Golden
By Russell Meyer
August 28, 2005: Amusement Today's 2005 Golden Tickets are announced.
21 responses. Last on August 31, 2005 at 7:31 AM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Desperation
By Russell Meyer
August 24, 2005: A Cedar Point first, a huge announcement coming next week, and a final farewell.
5 responses. Last on August 26, 2005 at 5:54 AM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Oh Danny Boy
By Russell Meyer
August 21, 2005: What happens when an NFL owner makes a hostile takeover of a regional theme park chain?
4 responses. Last on August 26, 2005 at 8:07 PM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Out of the Bag
By Russell Meyer
August 17, 2005: Cedar Fair selling attractions and details about Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
8 responses. Last on August 24, 2005 at 2:45 PM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - The Good, The Bad & The Fugly™: IOA's Rumored Jeep Coaster
By Kevin Baxter
August 14, 2005: What's good about the rumored Jurassic Parkization of the popular Italian Job coaster? What's bad? And what's downright fugly? Here's a (hopefully) comprehensive look into the IOA's longest rumor - a JP Jeep Thang - becoming reality... maybe.
20 responses. Last on December 9, 2005 at 10:08 AM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Slow Down
By Russell Meyer
August 14, 2005: Daniel Snyder increases his ownership of Six Flags and Cedar Point caters to the VIPs.
4 responses. Last on August 18, 2005 at 2:52 PM (MST)


Disneyland to Offer New Family-Friendly Halloween Event
By Robert Niles
August 11, 2005: But "Mickey's Halloween Treat" will be at California Adventure, not the original Disneyland park. Will families go?
19 responses. Last on September 15, 2005 at 12:01 PM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Dollars and Sense
By Russell Meyer
August 10, 2005: A decision in the Ovitz trial, and surprising 2nd quarter earnings reports.
9 responses. Last on August 15, 2005 at 5:42 AM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—It’s Magic
By Russell Meyer
August 7, 2005: Paramount's Kings Dominion's 2006 attraction, and is Disney losing its magic?
16 responses. Last on October 12, 2005 at 9:51 AM (MST)


The Rainforest Cafe Takes a Stumble in the Jungle
By Robert Niles
August 4, 2005: Disney World's outpost of the popular theme restaurant chain offers interesting recipes, but poor ingredients and an atmosphere that is showing its age.
17 responses. Last on September 16, 2005 at 8:10 PM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—Here it Comes!
By Russell Meyer
August 4, 2005: Another woodie coming in 2006, Kingda Ka is almost ready, again, and a diving accident at Disney World.
4 responses. Last on August 11, 2005 at 11:06 AM (MST)


Girls (and Boys) Go Wild at Orlando's Nickelodeon Hotel
By Robert Niles
August 1, 2005: Love pools, water slides and lots of cable TV? Then, just outside Walt Disney World, there's a hotel for you....
9 responses. Last on August 3, 2005 at 1:59 PM (MST)


The BLOGFlume—What’s New?
By Russell Meyer
July 31, 2005: Busch makes additions, and Sky High flies higher than expected.
21 responses. Last on August 11, 2005 at 10:55 PM (MST)


PENNIES FROM KEVIN - California Careenin'
By Kevin Baxter
July 30, 2005: The Disneyland Resort features yet another roller coaster crash. No major injuries, but Disney is learning that one at-fault crash leads to a lot of undeserved - and much-deserved - scrutiny. Here's some much-deserved scrutiny...
15 responses. Last on August 11, 2005 at 10:03 PM (MST)


Little Princesses on Parade at Disney World's 'Perfectly Princess Tea Party'
By Robert Niles
July 28, 2005: This ultra-expensive event at Disney World's Grand Floridian Resort sells out quickly and, for one little girl, was worth every dime.
25 responses. Last on August 11, 2005 at 9:58 PM (MST)


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