Paultons Family Theme Park in England is to open an SBF-Visa Drop ‘n’ Twist tower called Magma. The ride will feature theming from RMA and is due to open in time for Easter.
BRC Imagination Arts has presented preliminary plans for a theme park in Braunschweig-Wolfsburg, Northern Germany. The park is one of more than 100 projects proposed as part of a masterplan for the region. “This is the first time we have been asked to work on a tourism offer for an entire region,” BRC Europe’s Bart Dohmen tells Park World.
Greg Pearn has been appointed the new operations manager of Madame Tussauds Blackpool, England, moving from Merlin Entertainments’ neighbouring Sea Life attraction. Matthew Titherington remains as Madame Tussauds’ general manager.
The Dollywood Company is to bring a major family entertainment centre (FEC) to Nashville. The company have entered into a memorandum of understanding with Gaylord Entertainment for a 50/50 joint venture adjacent to the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Phase one of the project is slated for a summer 2014 debut and would consist of an approximately $50 million water and snow park.
The sale of the German theme park Fort Fun has fallen through following revelations that would-be buyer Matthäus Ziegler had been convicted of fraud. The park will remain under the ownership of Compagnie des Alpes for the 2012 season.
Lo-Q has signed a three-year deal with Palace Entertainment/Parques Reunidos to introduce a virtual queuing system at Splish Splash waterpark in Riverhead, New York. Guests will be able to rent a Q-band waterproof wristband, enabling and reserve a “virtual” place in line at the park’s most popular slides.
A troupe of Mexican Olympic high divers will be the stars of a new show opening this summer at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, England. La Quebrada will be performed in a purpose built arena in the shadow of the Big One rollercoaster. The park’s live entertainment offer will receive another boost in July when the 75th edition of the IAAPA Big E Award-winning skating spectacular Hot Ice opens at the Pleasure Beach Arena.
Professional simulation specialist Cruden has moved into new premises in Amsterdam to handle increased orders from customers in the motorsport, automotive, attractions and training markets. The new facility is just 15 minutes from Schiphol airport and two minutes from the Amsterdam ring road.
Premier Rides president Jim Seay has been re-elected as chairman of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices. The 500-member collective is responsible for global safety standards that cover design, manufacturing, maintenance, inspection and operations for amusement rides, water-related rides and devices, plus and special rides and attractions.
The Safari Railroad at Toldedo Zoo, Ohio, will feature three new look CP Huntington locomotives when it resumes operation this spring. The Ohio zoo recently purchased one new loco from Chance Morgan while refurbishing two 2003 models it already owned.
Theming and Animatronic Industries (TAA) has appointed two new project managers. Jim Cassidey joins the German company after 22 years in sales with Sally Corporation, but also boasts strong technical skills including welding, pneumatics and fabrication of robots. Meanwhile Frenchman Christophe Batista is an expert in rockwork theming, having themed zoos in Morocco and Hamburg.
