***NEW INDOOR AMUSEMENT CENTER ALERT***
Elev8 Fun Sanford is now open at the Seminole Towne Center in Florida,. What used to be a Sears department store is a now a two-story park with FAST electric go-karts, bowling, arcades, laser tag, climbing towers, ropes course, bars, and a restaurant with terrific food. As seen exclusively on Good Day Orlando.

On Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 10:21:47 PM UTC-5, surfd...@aol.com wrote:
> On Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 10:03:23 PM UTC-5, Heather Kendrick wrote:
> > On Feb 1, 2022, Surf Dance Chris wrote
> > (in article<4947a388-f708-4369...@googlegroups.com>):
> > > SeaWorld Parks makes an offer to purchase Cedar Fair.
> > Really hoping this doesn´t happen. Seems like it probably won´t, but
> > I´m no expert by any means.
> > --
> > Heather, the Carousel Rabbit
> I think it would be good. The Cedar fair parks are mostly bland, cookie cutter and corporate feeling. Plus they don’t invest in several parks such as Dorney. SeaWorld owned parks are a lot more creative and unique, in my opinion. If it happens, I wonder if they’d change the company name to cedar fair the way Premier Parks changed their name to Six flags after they bought Six Flags. SeaWorld owned parks are investing heavily on rides (mostly coasters and thrill rides) and less on new animal exhibits and shows, so they’re headed in a cedar fair type direction anyway (hopefully with more themeing than CF likes).

I dont see it. What better theming do you see on Mako, Ice Breaker or Gwazi that CF doesnt have on Orion or SteVe? Neither corp is doing HaMaCraMA or 7DMT level theming. Most of the "theming" left at Seaworld has been there since the park opened. Same is true of both BG parks, outside of Cobras snake. Hell, Tigris is built in the trough of a shoot-the-chute ride with no real changes.

I just dont understand why SeaWorld would want to expand North, I can easily see why CF would want to get into Florida.
I also dont see how KD and BGW would both survive the merger.

> I dont see it. What better theming do you see on Mako, Ice Breaker or Gwazi that CF doesnt have on Orion or SteVe? Neither corp is doing HaMaCraMA or 7DMT level theming. Most of the "theming" left at Seaworld has been there since the park opened. Same is true of both BG parks, outside of Cobras snake. Hell, Tigris is built in the trough of a shoot-the-chute ride with no real changes.
>

They make the most of what they have because they don't have $200 million to spend on a junior coaster. That said, it's the "most of what they have" which isn't that much in the grand scheme of things. They want to borrow money before the fed increases rates to combat inflation and consolidation is the name of the game right now. There's no growth in any of these properties, just opportunities for synergies and greater appeal to acquire meaningful IPs.

> I just dont understand why SeaWorld would want to expand North, I can easily see why CF would want to get into Florida.
> I also dont see how KD and BGW would both survive the merger.

KD might not. It's never been the sort of performer that Kings Island is nor does it have access to the tax breaks that Carowinds got.

Santa's Village Azoosement Park in East Dundee, Ill. has something to ho-ho-ho about this year. The independent theme park has purchased a custom-designed dark ride from IRM. The ride's system was built by Majestic Rides out of Ohio, and the ride itself, formerly known as Escape from Dinosaur Beach, had its original home on the New Jersey Boardwalk. However, in 1998, the ride was placed in storage.

Santa's Village is planning to install and open a revamped version of the ride for 2022. The ride will be rethemed with tech support and general help provided by IRM and Majestic. IRM is also selling Santa's Village a classic Hampton children's ride. The ride company's president, Sam Shurgott says IRM remains “committed to providing reliable rides, equipment and services at the best possible prices and intend to leave parks and facilities a better place.” What new theme Santa has in store for the classic dino dark ride has yet to be determined.

In 2019, Santa's Village announced plans to open a new log flume ride dubbed the Yuletide Plunge for the 2022 season. That ride's hardware was also purchased from IRM. The flume ride was originally known as the Log Jammer in its run from 1992 to 2009 at Kiddieland in Melrose Park, Ill.
Your Company could be here!
Created by OD Hopkins, the flume ride runs 1,000 feet in length and features a 25-foot drop.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg closed February 4 due to weather.

Aquatica Orlando closed February 5 due to weather.

Weeki Wachee:
🌧 Due to inclement weather tomorrow, Tuesday February 8, there will not be a mermaid performance at 11 AM. We will update the page if there are any changes for the 3 PM show.

On Feb 3, 2022, Surf Dance Chris wrote
(in article<ca3655f0-8fbf-4175-8a7a-c6fb887b6016n@googlegroups.com>):

>
> Santa's Village Azoosement Park in East Dundee, Ill. has something to
> ho-ho-ho about this year. The independent theme park has purchased a
> custom-designed dark ride from IRM. The ride's system was built by Majestic
> Rides out of Ohio, and the ride itself, formerly known as Escape from
> Dinosaur Beach, had its original home on the New Jersey Boardwalk. However,
> in 1998, the ride was placed in storage.

Wow, that kind of news almost has me wanting to finally make a visit to
Santa´s Village. I´ve stayed away because I avoid patronizing
unaccredited zoos (which are usually better characterized as exotic animal
collections), but it´s going to really test my principles to have to pass
up a quirky dark ride.

--
Heather, the Carousel Rabbit

Niagara Amusement Park:
“We are pleased to announce that another 🎢 Schwarzkopf 🎢 will be joining the IB Parks arsenal! Arriving right here at Niagara Amusement Park, this classic shuttle loop coaster (with flywheel launch!) is expected to begin construction as soon as the weather cooperates!!”
This is Kennywood’s old Laser Loop!

Busch Gardens Tampa:
Closing at 12 noon February 8 due to weather

Fun Spot America - both Florida locations:
Closing outdoor rides early and arcade at 9pm on February 8 due to weather.

Dollywood:
Dollywood on Tuesday announced they'll start paying a hundred percent of tuition for employees who wish to further their education. This includes the cost of fees and textbooks.

BREAKING NEWS! Wild Adventures Theme Employees to Receive 100% FREE Tuition!

Starting February 24, every employee at Wild Adventures, regardless of their role, will be eligible for 100 percent free tuition through Herschend GROW U, a new program from our parent company, Herschend Enterprises, in partnership with Guild Education. GROW U connects our team members with amazing online programs to earn degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Right now, we are gearing up for our 2022 Season, and we are looking to hire over 500 people to help us create unforgettable experiences for our guests. If you’re looking to further your education, we invite you to join our team. See available positions now at https://fal.cn/3m2Qx

Wisdom Rides Sells it's First New 1-Trailer Giant Wheel to McDaniel Brothers Shows.

Cedar Fair rejects SeaWorld’s offer to purchase Cedar Fair.

Carnival Warehouse announced a new print magazine, publishing 10 times per year.

B&C Amusements has decided to do away with the ride portion of their business. In 2022, they will just operate their food stands and they are selling their rides. One of their rides is a Swinging Gym, one of only two rides of its kind they claim are still operating in the US.

Steve Mattfeld of Sun Valley Rides will be taking delivery on a Luna Park wheel this coming season. In addition, Luna Park wheels will be delivered to Matt Jax Amusements, Texas Born Amusements, and Paul Huesman for a Nov. 21 delivery.

Bronx Zoo’s Dinosaur Safari will return this spring

Cedar Point’s Top Thrill Dragster coaster will remain closed all of 2022.

Thunderbolt will replace Flying Bobs for 2022

Thunderbolt will replace Flying Bobs at Beech Bend for 2022

Hersheypark:
Sidewinder is rethemed and repainted to Jolly Rancher Remix. The reimagined boomerang roller coaster takes guests on a flavor ride by sending them and their senses forward and back on the same flavorful track. Riders of Hershey’s height category (48”) and above will blast through the flavor tunnel, invert six times in 90 seconds and jam to sweet tunes. Each ride is different with five randomized flavor rides like Watermelon or Green Apple, complete with different music, lights and scents for an only-in-Hershey sensory experience.
New ride: Mix'd Flavored By Jolly Rancher all-new family ride is located just steps away from Jolly Rancher Remix in the heart of Hersheypark near Storm Runner coaster. Riders of Reese’s height category (42”) and above sit in one of the four arms and spin 360 degrees. The ride then shifts into gear and mixes in lifts, drops and never-before-seen views while dodging the other riders.

Nighttime spectaculars are returning to Disneyland

SeaWorld Orlando changes height requirement on Ice Breaker from 48” to 54”

Powers Great American Midways:
Techno Jump

Santucci’s Original Square Pizza is opening this summer in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will be located at 402 E. 26th Ave in Wildwood, NJ.

The United Kingdom's Chester Zoo has announced the birth of an aardvark for the first time in their 90 year history.

Wadkins is building a new wheel for Kissel Amusement Company. Other deliveries and sales include CDAC, Modern Midways, Pride of Texas Shows and TDK LLC.

Wonder Woman: Flight Of Courage at Six Flags Magic Mountain coming in summer

Several Cedar Fair parks will replace a Halloween Haunt with another Halloween event

Rides 4 - U:
Mini Crazy Dance from Visa was purchased by North American Midway Entertainment and themed Raptor Run. This is the second version of the ride for NAME and they currently have a third on order.
The Beach Buggies ride, made by SBF, is going to Big Rock Amusements.
A second ride was sold to Bates Brothers Amusement Company.
A dog themed Mini-Jet with new special rack was sold to Andy Schoendienst and Durant Amusements purchased a mini Pirate ride themed the Flying Dragon. Another Mini Pirate was sold to Houghton Enterprises.
Soled also sold a used Freak Out to Rainier Amusements of Washington.
A 36' Chance carousel was sold to Icon park in Orlando.

ESI:
Street Fighter Revolution, a version of the Street Fighter that spins a complete 360 degrees was sold to Lisko Family Midways.

Cedar Point:
New restaurant called “Farmhouse Chicken & Grill”
Subway will be replaced with custom made hot dog stand

Ray Cammack Shows has been awarded the contract for the San Diego Fair for the next 5 years.

Aquatica Orlando:
New bar called Motu’s Bar

Great Adventure has finally announced the wide array of improvements coming to the park this year!

• MEDUSA is back with a new color palette, logo, and Gold Rush-era backstory!

• Jr. Thrillseekers (formerly Safari Kids) is completing its 2-year renovation complete with 8 rides including Lil’ Devil Coaster–and Barnstormer, returning for 2022.

• Single rider lines are being added to Jersey Devil Coaster, El Toro, Nitro, and Medusa!

• The FLASH Pass is moving from the Q-Bot system to the new Q SMART mobile technology system that works directly from your smartphone.

• The Six Flags mobile app now allows you to add your pass to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay Wallet for faster access into the park.

• “Wow moments” – More emphasis will be placed on creating “Wow” moments through fun and memorable guest interactions, beautiful landscaping views, additional seating for relaxation, and a massive, new marquee on Rt. 537

• Yum Yum Cafe and Granny’s will both reopen following makeovers with new floors, décor, menu boards, and traffic flow.

• A Fatburger® location is coming to Adventure Alley, serving burgers, milkshakes, onion rings, and more.

• New Dining Options – The park will expand its culinary options with freshly roasted rotisserie chicken added to the menu at Granny’s, freshly-brewed coffee creations at Sweet Treats, proudly serving Starbucks® and many additional high quality offerings

• Family Restrooms – To better accommodate the needs of all guests, the theme park will introduce two new family restrooms to the Adventure Alley section.

• Volta Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – Compatible with all electric vehicles, units will be available in the theme park, water park and safari parking lots

• New Pavilions – The park’s high-tech, touchless security screening entry area and the popular Johnny Rocket’s outdoor dining patio will sport new wooden pavilion shade coverings.

• Summer Vibes Festival – As sun-kissed dreams come to life, guests will drench themselves in a kaleidoscope of color at this new, summer festival, which will run July 16 to August 14. Mouth-watering treats, beat-the-heat beverages, bold, eye-popping spectacles, live entertainment, and colorful curiosities will immerse guests in the reverie of summer.

• New Animal Adventures – The Wild Safari’s animal care team welcomes three new giraffe calves, a new male rhinoceros, and an array of spring babies. The Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will feature an entirely new audio tour guests can stream from any mobile device and an expanded, three-lane roadway with five newly paved miles. The Drive-Thru opens March 19th!

• New ‘Giraffe Encounter’ Safari VIP Tour – Great Adventure theme park will launch a new safari VIP experience, the Giraffe Encounter Tour. This off-road adventure on military-style, open-air trucks will feature an informative and engaging tour guide through seven sections of the Wild Safari and the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes at Wild Safari’s Camp Aventura. Tour guests can also meet small exotic animals up-close. Tour tickets may be purchased in advance or at the park.

• BATMAN™ The Ride will sport a bold, shiny new coat of paint!

New Season Pass Program

Six Flags has announced its brand new 3-tiered Season Pass program:

• Thrillseeker Pass is perfect for frequent home park visitation

• Extreme Pass is ideal for live-on-the-edge thrills all year, without blockout dates

• Ultimate Pass provides the best value for everything offered

Extreme and Ultimate Passes also each come with two Junior Passes for guests under 42"!

More info: https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/store/tickets

Miami Seaquarium has been sold from Palace Entertainment to The Dolphin Company. They will no longer provide orca shows or orca exhibits at all.

The Tennessee Valley Fair has named Kissel Entertainment to be the official midway provider of the Tennessee Valley Fair. The partnership between the Tennessee Valley Fair and Kissel Entertainment will begin this upcoming Fair, September 9th-18th, 2022.

The Maryland State Fair announced that the 141st edition of the fair will run for three weekends in 2022 with scheduled days off in the beginning of the week. The fair will run Thursday, August 25 – Sunday, August 28, Thursday, September 1 – Monday, September 5 and Thursday, September 8 – Sunday, September 11, 2022. Last year, the fair announced during its final weekend of the 2021 fair that it would extend its run an additional weekend and feature the Deggeller Attractions Midway and vendors, however, agriculture and 4-H events were not extended. The 2022 fair will feature its full schedule of events all three weekends.

Playland’s Flying Witch will be moved to Niagara Amusement Park..

California’s Great America:
Liberty Twirler, just one of several upgrades to the All-American Corners section of the park. On Liberty Twirler, guests will take a spin on this dizzying scrambler ride that offers fun for all ages!

Blue Sky Amusements:
Zipper, replaces older one.

Kentucky Kingdom:
The Stunt Dog Experience (May 28 - July 31) brings amazing tricks and comedy antics featured on The Tonight Show, Oprah, Animal Planet and more! It's doggone, tail-waggin' fun for all ages! Beginning opening day, April 30, get ready for an adventure of mammoth proportions – Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs – The Ride begins showing in the 5-D Cinema! During this immersive experience, you'll join Manny, Ellie, Diego and Sid the Sloth on an epic dinosaur adventure. Grab your special effects glasses; dinos in mirror are closer than they appear!

Wet N Wild Emerald Pointe:
We have extended our 2022 operating calendar by TWO weekends!
Now opening on May 21st and closing September 11.

Kennywood:
Due to the approaching winter storm, the Job Fair scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, March 12, has been POSTPONED. We have rescheduled the Job Fair for Saturday, March 19, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We’ll see you then – or, you can apply online now! https://bit.ly/3CzJ0bE

Six Flags Over Georgia:
Due to inclement weather, the park will be closed tomorrow, March 12. ❄ The park will be open Sunday, March 13, from 11:00am - 6:00pm.

Several weather related announcements today:

Carowinds closing at 2pm today

Kings Dominion closing at 1pm today

SeaWorld Orlando closing at 8pm today.

Weeki Wachee closed today.

Central Florida Fair is closed today due to weather.

Aquatica Orlando:
Closed early at 1pm Saturday, March 12.
Closed Sunday, March 13.

Bradford County Fair:
Free Admission to Family Day on Sunday! That’s right, our friends at Deggeller Attractions have announced there will be free admission to Sunday’s Family Day on the midway. Individual ride tickets and arm bands will be sold inside the midway and pre-sale armband vouchers will be honored as well. Family day opens at 1pm. Come out and enjoy the midway!

Adventureland (NY):
Team Fun Circus will be performing at the park all season.

Hersheypark:
Will be cashless this season

Kings Island:
The park will be bringing back the original red, white and blue colors on The Racer.

Islands Of Adventure:
Poseidon’s Fury has reopened today.

SBF-VISA Rides:
SBF-VISA Rides proudly presents Break Dance, a great and fresh amusement ride perfect for kids and adults alike, based on the classic amusement ride model that is an evergreen attraction at any park and funfair.This permanent park version features a small footprint (15.3m in diameter and 5.5m in height, safety envelope included) and 4 arms, each one carrying 3 two-seater cars. The central hub, the arms and the individual cars rotate clockwise and anticlockwise, offering a visually impressive, wild ride with great whipping forces. Power consumption is 63 kW. The ride can be custom-themed.

SeaWorld Orlando:
SkyTower has reopened as of today.

Six Flags Great Adventure & Wild Safari:
Wild Safari Drive-Thru opens this Saturday!
The Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure opens this Saturday, March 19th. Read about some of the additions below, including 5 miles of freshly paved Safari road, 3 new giraffe calves, and the 2022 "Save an Icon" pin.
NEW ANIMALS
• Sawyer, the Southern White Rhinoceros – Six-year-old Sawyer joins three adult female rhinos in the Afrikka section of the safari. At 3,800 pounds and growing, Sawyer has a youthful bounce in his step and enjoys human touch like scratches from a bristle brush;
• Three Reticulated Giraffe Calves – Three adorable and graceful calves were born in the safari this winter and join the safari’s “tower” (group) of 13 giraffes;
• Two sable antelope calves – This striking, horse-like antelope from Africa boasts a tufted tail, mane and impressive, ringed horns that curve like a scimitar;
• Two red lechwe calves – Identifiable by their reddish fur, white-ringed eyes and tall horns reaching up to three feet long, this type of antelope is usually found near aquatic areas in Zambia and Botswana and are considered a “near threatened species” in the wild. The safari’s red lechwe calves, born onsite this winter, reside in the Wilde Plains section; and
• Two Asian water buffalo calves – Two adorable Asian water buffalo calves join the Afrikka section. While they bear some similarities to their African cousins, the Cape buffalo, these are domesticated animals..
And be on the lookout for other new babies coming soon, including American bison, zebra, aoudad, kangaroo, dama gazelle, blackbuck and more!
SAFARI IMPROVEMENTS
• Roadway Enhancements – All guests will enjoy a smooth experience on an expanded, two-lane roadway with five newly paved miles of blacktop. The wider roadway will help better accommodate guests who wish to enjoy the tour at their own pace and accommodate school buses for educational programs;
• Safari Off Road Education – New in 2022, this fun and educational tour on a giant, off-road vehicle features a personal tour guide and driver, and an opportunity to feed giraffes and meet small exotic animals up close.
• Science on Safari – This contactless safari experience features a special Academic Adventure audio tour, grade-specific guidebook and optional visit with an animal educator.
• Wild Encounters – This outreach program brings exotic animals to schools for a 45-minute presentation.
• Cyber Safari – The safari’s virtual education program offers an animal meet & greet session, and the option for a longer virtual outreach program.
• Free Online Classroom – Six Flags Great Adventure’s YouTube channel offers free videos for kindergarten through 12th grade that cover conservation, adaptation, genetics and evolution.
• New Audio Tour – Guest can immerse themselves in the animal world with a new audio tour. Energetic narrators will showcase 11 simulated natural habitats featuring more than 70 different species of animals. Guests will learn fun and educational facts about the animals, hear fascinating animal sounds and music from around the world. At the start of their adventure, guests will receive a handout with QR codes that take them to the audio tour and safari map. The audio tour is free and can be streamed from any mobile device;
• Enhanced Safari Entrance – Six Flags’ expansive modernization and beautification efforts include a new roadway entrance and upgraded safari plaza to welcome guests;
• Volta Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – Compatible with all electric vehicles, units will be available in safari parking lot later this season;
• Save an Icon Pin – Each year, the park produces and sells collectible animal pins and donates 100% of the proceeds to the Wildlife Conservation Network, whose efforts directly benefit animals in the wild. The 2022 pin, available later this spring, will feature the bongo and cheetah.. Since 2019, the park has raised more than $50,000; and
• Enhanced Mobile App – A new mobile app feature that allows guests to add their safari pass to their Google Pay Wallet or Apple Wallet will expedite the admission experience and reduce wait time.
Education information can be found online at www.sixflags.com/safari and by emailing SafariPrograms@sixflags.com.

Sam’s Fun City in Pensacola, Florida has been rebranded Splash City Adventures.

Timber Falls Golf closed this weekend due to weather.

Six Flags Great Adventure’s Safari off-road adventure is now Giraffe Encounter and an extra charge.

Weeki Wachee reached capacity both days this weekend.

Introducing DC UNIVERSE™ at Six Flags Great America in 2022!
The Thrill Capital of the Midwest— in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC, introduces DC UNIVERSE™, an exciting, newly themed section of the park where guests can immerse themselves inside a DC comic book-inspired world. This area of the park will feature three reimagined attractions – THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity, a high-speed launch coaster, AQUAMAN™ Splashdown, a winding flume ride with a watery plunge, and DC Super-Villains Swing™, an exhilarating spinning attraction twirling guests in a 360-degree orbit. This one-of-a-kind themed section will also include park favorites BATMAN™ The Ride and THE JOKER™ Free-Fly Coaster.

Adventure Island in Tampa closed today due to weather.

Six Flags Great Adventure to pay up to $20 an hour for ride operators this year.

Mighty Jungle Golf in Kissimmee, Florida to have delayed opening due to weather.

Putnam County Fair closed today due to weather