Rumor Alert- Could Maelstorm become 'Frozen' themed ride at Epcot?!

Rumor Alert- Could Maelstorm become Frozen Themed at Epcot's World Showcase?!

 Alright, this rumor came out of left field today and really is rather a bit of a surprise. Although I'm surprised it took this long for a "Frozen coming to the theme parks" rumor to surface!

 According to a rumor posted on Screamscape today, WDI is pondering if they can turn the iconic ride "Maelstorm" located at the Norway Pavilion into a "Frozen" theme.

 Now I've got some issues with this as most of the pavilions at World Showcase are partly funded and operated by the country they represent, so Disney would likely require permission from Norway to change over the fan-favorite attraction.

Image from Disney

 While it's also very true that the current versions of Maelstorm is in dire of need of a face-lift due to attraction aging and lack of up-keep, I'd hate to see it disappear. Although no one is currently sure if much needed attention will be paid to the ride anytime soon or if they're simply going to wait for it to fall apart, replacing it only at the end with something new.  Rumor has it the ride is scheduled for a massive refurbishment in 2017 but this is also unconfirmed.

 However, this is still an unconfirmed rumor. As of right now, I rate this as PURE SPECULATION.  If true, all it shows is that Disney has given WDI the go-ahead to dream up various ideas of how an attraction would look and operate, on various budgets. This is often called "Blue Sky Dreaming" by Fans and Insiders.

 As of right now, it's just a concept and a rumor.

Even though Wiki is trying to report this as confirmed, it is NOT!

Disneyland- Finding Nemo Submarine Ride to get Extended Refurbishment

 Finding Nemo Submarine Ride Gets Extended Refurbishment.

Alright, this makes me a little uncomfortible because of Disney's track record with their 'submarine' rides. Remember, this is what was going to happen at Disney World but our 20,000 Leauges Under the Sea ride would never re-open from it's 'extended refurbishment' again. 

  On Friday Disneyland confirmed via The Disney Parks Blog that the Finding Nemo Submarine Ride would go down on January 6th and reopen LATE in 2014 for an extended refurbishment of the attraction.  Disneyland states the 5 million gallon 'lagoon' will be drained allowing crews to preform the massive ride refurbishment. They state when (if) the ride reopens guests will see a more vibrate and colorful version of the ride, which will be painted with a special mixture created by Disney which involved recycled glass.

 I sincerely hope that this ride does reopen, unlike it's now deceased counterpart at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Kings Dominion- 40th Anniversary Celebration News

 News has been flowing out of Kings Dominion over the last week about their plans for their upcoming 40th Anniversary Celebration which will take place over the 2014 season.

Image from Kings Dominion's Facebook Page

The latest bits of News include the Return of the "Singing Mushrooms" as well as the "Clown Bands" the "Candy Apple Grove" and the "Floral Clock".  Things seem to be moving forward quickly as they've already begun to re-build and possibly install components such as the Singing Mushrooms and Candy Apple Grove.

The Kings Dominion Facebook Page Reports: We take you behind the scenes of Garner Holt Productions and TIVOLITOO, which are building our Singing Mushrooms and Candy Apples for the #KD40 Celebration respectively. Garner Holt in currently making the infamous frog and TIVOLITOO is using an original candy apple from Kings Dominion to create 20 new large candy apples to be installed by the spring of 2014! Enjoy!

 The park has many more great photos of the rebuilding and reconstruction of both these iconic items on their Facebook Page. So make sure you stop over there and take a peek! 

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.

Knott's Berry Farm- Major 2014 Announcements

Big News today from Knott's Berry Farm.

The 2014 plans have been announced and some of them are pretty impressive.

 While no new coaster is the works, Knott's has announced that the classic dark ride attraction "Calico Mine Ride" will undergo a complete refurbishment.  Opened in 1960's and designed by the legendary Bud Hurlbut  it's one of the most immersive and impressive dark ride attractions It carries riders through an impressive series of dark 'mine tunnels' of an active gold mine.

 Knott's stated the following about the refurbishment- "It is our company's top priority to preserve and enhance the original story of a working gold mine deep in the heart of the Old West," said Garner Holt, GHP's founder and president. "The Calico Mine Ride will be filled with lifelike sounds and motion, while maintaining the uniquely authentic feel of the attraction as designed by Knott's and industry legend Bud Hurlbut." The renovation of the iconic attraction includes the addition of over 50 new state-of-the-art animatronic figures, all new audio and theme lighting system, and special effects that will capture the imagination of would-be miners as they journey deep into the winding caverns of the attraction. 

  Also on the list for 2014 is the 30th anniversary of Camp Snoopy, Home to the famous beagle and his gang of friends since 1983.

 To celebrate this event Knott's is giving the entire land a new polish including adding in new attractions plus updating and restoring the entire area.  They also state the entire theme of the area will be enhanced and brought out to shine.