Cedar Fair - I am starting to think that when Cedar Fair was trying to put in their credit card information to buy one Windseeker, the website bogged down and they kept hitting the submit button until it finally went through. When 10 of the things showed up in the mail a couple of days later, they had no choice but to install them (or pay the insane restocking fee). Hint for the betterment of the company: just hit the submit button once and if the website stalls out, pick up the phone and call the supplier.
Europa Park - As one of the best parks I have never been to, and the home/testing grounds of Mack Rides, Europa Park confirmed that it is getting a new wooden GCI roller coaster.
Islands of Adventure - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter celebrated being soft-opened for one year by holding a grand opening celebration with free butterbeer.
Universal Studios Hollywood - Not to be outdone, Universal Studios Hollywood raised their prices. The problem is that there are like 7 attractions at USH, so now the breakdown is that you are spending about $15 per ride. A fool and his money...
Kings Island - The rumor mill has suggested that Son of Beast is going to be fixed in time for the 2012 season, stating that if this did not work, the ride would be scrapped. My thoughts are that if they spend a single penny on anything other than Iron Horse tracking system(like the Texas Giant just received), it is money wasted. Son of Beast needs a rebirth, not a refurb. While you are making with the Iron Horse tracking system, put the loop back in. In other rumors, Kings Island may be getting a new steel coaster for 2012. Hopefully these rumors are one in the same.
Six Flags Great Adventure - SFGA just raised their parking price to $20! Yeah! More blacktop! We love blacktop! Be sure to factor that into the cost of admission before you go somewhere else.
Mt Olympus - Rumor has it that they want to install a Star Flyer. No offense, but seriously, SERIOUSLY rethink that move. With all of the problems and all of the installations that just happened with the Windseekers, this is something that you do not need. Why not build a new go-cart track with a loop? Or a large mud pit for the kids? Or a chemical dump? Or free admission to registered Theme Park Insider members?
Busch Gardens Williamsburg/Europe - Construction has started on Verbolten. There have been sightings of a girl running around the area in a red cloak and three pigs snarling up the construction....but that is what happens when you get rid of the Big Bad Wolf...
Create My Caption - In the discussion thread post your best caption for the following picture taken at Knoebels, one of the few places left where you could even take a picture like this. Photo lovingly borrowed from www.dogbreedinfo.com.
Joyland - In a smug turn of events, while walking up to the podium to announce their perfect 63-year safety record, the spokesperson for Joyland stumbled on the steps and broke their leg, was then gored by a rampaging wildebeest, before being flattened by the wood sign above the stage touting their perfect safety record.
If I have missed anything (and I have, so no worries there) please post below. If you have some inside information, more news, more rumors, first rides, please share with the rest of us.
Sources: Screamscape, Amusement Today, and whatever else I happened to read this week...
Caption: Rex gives up his car chasing habit when presented with a much bigger fish.
Caption: Rex thought the roller coaster was interesting, but couldn't shake the smell of the half eaten hot dog in the trash can.
"Strangest looking fire hydrant I'VE ever seen..."
Caption: "My dog is so excited to be at Knoebels... maybe I should pincher?"
Caption: "All dogs may go to Heaven, but I'll go a LOT sooner if I ride that rickety old thing!"
Caption: "It's been 35 years since my last visit, and they still haven't opened Flying Turns!"
Caption: It's loud, it's noisy, it's.. Oh! Trashcan!
Caption: Beyond the roller coaster, the squirrel was staring back...
