Arabian Nights Dinner Show to Close

  The Arabian Nights Dinner Show in Kissmmee, Florida will be closing. Their final performance will be given on New Years Eve.

 The long-time Florida tradition, Arabian Nights will be closing forever citing a downturn in sales and demand for lower ticket prices which hinder the quality of the show, states owner Mark Miller.  Miller also states that the group sales to resort and ticket brokers are down as they also are demanding a lower, more discounted price.

 Rather than offering an inferior and shoddy product on the shoe-string budget these sales would allow, Miller made the tough call to close the show's doors forever.

 The show which is set in a horseshoe shaped area has given over 10,000 performances of it's romantic story of two Bedouin tribes uniting in marriage.  After 25 years it's going to be hard to look at the Kissimmee tourist area the same way with Arabian Nights gone. It will join a long line of extinct dinner shows lingering in Florida history.

 Miller understands the impact this will have to Central Florida residents so Arabian Nights is offering 50% off tickets for residents to visit the show one last time though the end of the year.

After the show closes the 40 amazingly trained horses will be moving to an 80 acre farm, Miller's family has been breeding and caring for both Arabian horses and other breeds for ages. So no fear of anything regarding the animal care after the end of the show. Sadly the same can't be said for the 224 employees who will also be loosing their jobs- from animal staff to servers.

 Miller also stated that he will likely sell the land around the building as well as the building but for now, a small staff will stay on to keep the building standing and secure. From the article it seems unlikely the show will ever return. While I deplore the loss of jobs and a Florida Staple, I also have to commend Mark Miller for his standards. Rather than offer a cheap and watered-down product just to sell tickets, one that won't live up to the history and standards of the show.. it will close.

 We're all rather sad to see the end of yet another Florida tradition. While I've seen the show several times in my past, I can't say the food was amazing but you didn't go for the food. You went to watch the story, told to you through horses and performers.  Food and Drink simply became an after thought, an automatic action while you stared in amazement at the astounding acrobatics and beauty happening before you.

 If your in Central Florida, Visit Arabian Nights before it disappears. You can purchase tickets either over the phone or through their ticket office.  Please note you WILL need a Florida ID to get the 'Half-Price' ticket.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg- Le Scoot Refurbishment

  Le Scoot getting a massive refurbishment at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Image from BGW Fans

 News today from Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

 Coming from the all knowing minds over at BGW Fans (seriously, they know everything and are damn friendly folks)- we now have reports that the water flume ride, Le Scoot, will be undergoing a massive refurbishment of it's fiberglass over the winter season.

 The sections are being removed and trucked out of the park, it's unclear right now if the sections are being replaced with new or just being refinished.  Le Scoot is one of the original rides to Busch Gardens Williamsburg which opened in 1975.  It is also unclear at the moment if the attractions many special effects will also be receiving upgrades in possible preparation for the parks 40th anniversary in 2015. 

 For more information and images, Please visit- BGW Fans.

Six Flags Great Adventure- Building A Resort Hotel?

 Interesting rumor from Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey has surfaced this week!

 It's long been rumored that the property has wanted to build a resort hotel but these plans have never come to pass, between Six Flags having money issues and the park passing through different general managers over the years.

 Jackson, New Jersey is pretty much a wasteland. It doesn't have any major hotels nearby but there was one small bed and breakfast place within several miles but I've no idea if it's still in business.  Honestly, there isn't much there expect a few small chain restaurants located by the Outlet Mall.

 So if they did built the rumored resort hotel, it would make the park a multi-day visit. Which would be helpful as in the summer it's nearly impossible to ride everything in a single day due to crowds, plus a multi-day ticket would be a nice addition as the price of the park is an insane $65.99 (online) plus an extra $20 for parking.

Barenaked Ladies Drop Seaworld's "Bands, Brews and BBQ's" Event

 Apparently the band "Barenaked Ladies" have decided that mostly falsified hype movies provide a better message than conservation.

 Barenaked Ladies have backed out of their commitment to Seaworld Orlando's event 'Bands, Brews and BBQ" under a thinly veiled comment of "We decided it's not the right time to play at Seaworld. We watch movies too!".

 Why? Because of the hyped up scare film masquerading as a documentary- "Blackfish".  No, I won't be talking about that stupid piece of hyped out trash nor will I, they don't deserve any publicity from more nor will they ever receive it. Just know my opinion of the film is that it's utter bullshit, they don't even deserve a rant in my opinion. 

 At this time their date of February 15th remains as a "To Be Announced" band.

Banshee Charity Event- First Time Night Rides

 More information today about the opening day of both Kings Island and their newest, record breaking roller coaster- Banshee.


 On April 17th of 2014, Kings Island is offering a special event for fans of the new roller coaster and raising money for charity at the same time. In an event called "Scream For A Kid Again" Kings Island will be allowing the first 'night riders' on their new coaster exclusive ride time in return for raising money for 'A Kid Again' charity.

 A Kid Again is a Greater Cincinatti Charity which raises money for kids with life-threatening illness' and their families through respite times of group activities and destination trips. Allowing the kids to enjoy being a kid and having fun-filled times of happiness.

 For a $25 dollar fee riders can sign up to raise $100 each in donations. For the folks who raise the most money, will be the winners of the very first 'night ride' during Banshee's first day of full operations!

 In 2009 Kings Island raised more then  $107,000 with the same event for the opening of their 'Diamondback' roller coaster. Not only do you get special riding privileges, you do something good for kids!

 If you'd like to sign up and help raise money, please visit- Kings Island: Scream For A Kid Again

 We here at InSanity lurks Inside are thinking we may put together a ride team for this event. However, I need to confer with our team members! Stay Turned for more information! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

We here at InSanity lurks Inside would like to wish all our friends, fans and readers a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

If your not having a "Happy Turkey Day" we suggest all our friends, fans and readers who are over the age of 21 cope in the same time honored tradition that the staff of InSanity lurks Inside does- To the Wine Rack- STAT! 

Universal Orlando Resort Rumors

 Lately a lot of rumors have been flying around the Universal Orlando Resort, Both in regards to possible new attractions, attraction updates and all kind of other crazy things. Thing's are starting to get harder to follow with so much speculation around, so we're going to attempt to sort them out for your reading pleasure!

 Rumor One-The Lorax Dark Ride.

 Rumor has been floating around since 2012 when The Lorax was made into a movie for the big screen. Supposedly Universal Orlando's 'Island of Adventure' theme park was/is planning in putting in a dark ride based off The Lorax someplace in Seuess Landing.   However, rumor is now suggesting this, like the others, may have been scrapped.  Either way it has a proposed opening date (if it happens) of Summer 2016.

 Rumor Two- Jurassic Park

 Rumor has it that Universal Orlando's 'Islands of Adventure' theme park may be considering adding in a new attraction in their Jurassic Park area. This could possibly be a new Roller Coaster coming to the area was well as a new improvements to the Thunder Falls restaurant.  The supposed location for this is the lot currently sitting behind the Thunder Falls Restaurant, with Jurassic Park getting a new movie in 2015- This rumor is possible with an opening date of 2016 also.

 Rumor Three- King Kong/Skull Island

 Yet another rumor suggest that King Kong/Skull Island may be moving into an area of Universal Orlando's 'Islands of Adventure' theme park. Possible in or around the current Jurassic Park area, with the park relocating the current Jurassic Park gate closer to the Thunder Falls Restaurant. There are no real deatils with this rumor other then speculation of if this new ride would be a slow moving show style attraction or if it could be more along the lines of 'Revenge of the Mummy' which replaced the original King Kong attraction in 2002.  This also as a possible proposed opening date in the 2015/2016 range.

Rumor Four- Lord of the Rings/Middle Earth

This rumor suggests that Universal Orlando may replace the currently aging 'Cartoon Lagoon' area of their 'Islands of Adventure' theme park with Middle Earth, the land which hosts the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" movies. While unlikely, this project is rumored for the 2017 season. No details on possible attractions or even theming has been proposed.

Rumor Five- Replacing Marvel Superhero Island

Ever since Disney bought Marvel in 2009 the rumor mill has been working overtime with the belief that Universal Orlando will eventually drop the Marvel name and characters. Rumor suggests they may eventually look into replacing it with DC comic characters or  even another franchise. Speculation suggest Universal already has had meetings and a plan in place but no one seems to know that the real plan or deal may involve. The soonest this could happen is 2018 which is the soonest Disney could try to re-negotiate the Marvel/Universal deal after 20 years.


 So while a lot of speculation and rumors have been flying around about Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios,  but no one has any concrete proof or information. Some of this is old and some is new, either way they are simply just rumors and I'm not really included to trust any of them until someone from Universal makes a press release or they can no longer hide their plans from the public.

Six Flags Adding Seat Belts to ALL 'Lap Bar Only' Coasters

 More News from Six Flags- This one involving all of the chains amusement parks.

 It seems that Six Flags will be adding in seat belts to all their roller coasters, franchise wide, that currently run only with a lap bar system. This news isn't really surprising after the deadly accident at Six Flags over Texas involving the New Texas Giant roller coaster.

 There doesn't appear to be a time-line for when this improvements must be completed and in place but is seems to be happening very quickly. However, the folks over at Great American Thrills reports that "Superman- Ultimate Flight" at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has already added them.

 More information when we hear it!

Busch Gardens Tampa- Timbuktu Changes Themes

New Today from Busch Gardens Tampa-

 It seems with the opening of Falcon's Fury in 2014 the entire area of Timbuktu will be changing themes. The new theme being Pantopia- The Spirit of Animals.

 Basically it's getting an animal themed make-over, changing from the current 'desert oasis' theme to one involving critters. It will feature not only the new theme but new concessions and a gift shop to go along with the new ride- Falcon's Fury.

“In addition to the power and allure of Falcon’s Fury™, Pantopia™ will celebrate the spirit of animals, welcome adventurers from the four corners of the earth, explore ancient lore and display fantastic architecture,” says Busch Gardens Park President Jim Dean. “Guests will find multiple portals and doorways and learn about the legends that have drawn journeyers from around the world to Pantopia™. Plus, family favorites like the Scorpion, Phoenix, Bush Flyers, Desert Runners and the Kiddie Train will return.”  

 This new change to an 'animal' theme may well fit into the parks 'long game' plan to add more animals. I suspect this because of the rumors surrounding the park in regards to a possible elephant breeding program.