Banshee Watch- 2/14

Banshee Watch- 2/14

 Kings Island has some new images up of their final preparation work to get their newest roller coaster, Banshee, up and running for their April opening. So far the first of Banshee's trains have been placed on the track, we're calling it the "Yellow Train" for lack of a better description. The park is slowly getting ready for initial test runs of the ride. Work is also continuing on the station.

Image from Kings Island's Facebook Page

 

 

 

 

 

Image from Kings Island's Facebook Page

Seaworld Orlando- Bands, Brews and BBQ's Artists Update

 Seaworld Orlando- Bands, Brews and BBQ Artists Update.

 Seaworld Orlando has announced this weekends artists for the "Bands, Brews and BBQ" event. Not to be stopped, even in in light of the media blitz that the "Bands, Brews and BBQ" event has created, Seaworld Orlando announced this weekends concert artists.

 Regardless of what "Blackfish" supporters may want, the traditional special event featuring food, concerts and craft beers is moving forward into it's opening weekend. The park is keeping the full artist list closed for now, announcing the week before who will be playing during the weekend.This weeks artists are no exception, proving again that even with the dropping out of the original bands- Seaworld has gotten far better acts for the 2014 event.

Seaworld Orlando- Bands, Brews and BBQ Concert Update

 Seaworld Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ" Concert Artist Update

 Seaworld Orlando has again released the names of this weekends artists from their seasonal event- Bands, Brews and BBQ.  Both parks having this event are slowly announcing their artists by the week, avoiding additional problems from overzealous advocates.

 This week they've really gotten some BIG NAME artists.

 Saturday February 8th, 2014- Gretchen Williams
 Sunday February 9th, 2014- Bill Engvall

Inside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

 Inside the New "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" Attraction.

 The Disney Parks Blog has favored fans with a treat over the weekend. A quick and teasing look inside the new attraction coming to Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 2014, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

 Showing off some of the mysterious interior of the attraction as well as the theme work going on, the park is building up the hype for this newest addition to Fantasyland.

 This new ride, themed off "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" replaced the old attraction of "Snow White's Scary Adventures". A family roller coaster, it's the newest mountain range to be added to Disney World.

 We've included another image from the post below! Overall, it's looking pretty awesome but still leaves a LOT of questions about the ride.

All images are from Disney. You can see the full post by visiting- The Disney Parks Blog: All in the Details for more images.

Seaworld Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ" First Weekend Concerts

 Seaworld's Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ" Event Goes Forward- First Weekend Artists Announced.

 Not to be stopped, even in in light of the media blitz that the "Bands, Brews and BBQ" event has created, Seaworld Orlando announced this weekends concert artists.

 Regardless of what "Blackfish" supported may want, the traditional special event featuring food, concerts and craft beers is moving forward into it's opening weekend. The park is keeping the full artist list closed for now, announcing the week before who will be playing during the weekend. This is likely to avoid the previous media and online harassment of both the artists AND the park.

 This weekend the event beings and we know just who is playing!

Saturday 1/1- Alan Jackson at 5pm
Sunday 1/2- Kid Rock at 4pm

For more information and speical packages for the weekend, Please visit- Seaworld "Bands, Brews and BBQ" Event Page

Seaworld Orlando's Bands, Brews and BBQs Concert Update- Performer stands with Seaworld.

Image from Patrick Gibson's Facebook Page

 Seaworld Orlando's Bands, Brews and BBQs Concert Update- Performer stands with Seaworld.

 One brave musician has stood up to the controversy and media hype of the "Bands, Brews and BBQ's" event happening at Seaworld Orlando.

 Patrick Gibson, a Florida native and country musician has stood up and made people take notice. While many washed-up stars have used their dropping out of Bands, Brews and BBQ's to gain media attention- Patrick is showing his support of Seaworld and making an even bigger name for himself at the same time. Rather than focusing on the negative, here is a native floridan who is showing his support in the most positive way while getting his name and music out to the world.

 Sir, I don't know who you are but I'd like to salute you and shake your hand for standing up. Don't give into the hate your undoubtedly receiving, many stand with you.

Patrick Gibson doesn't have much posted up on Youtube right now but you can see a sample of his music both on his Website- PGCountry.com and down below. 


Patrick Gibson will perform at Seaworld Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ's" event on March 9th, 2014.

Six Flags Magic Mountain- X2 Reopens!

 "X2" to Reopen this Weekend!

 Screamscape is reporting that X2, the problem plagued roller coaster located at Six Flags Magic Mountain, is set to re-open this weekend.

 Screamscape reports this has been confirmed by Six Flags Magic Mountain. The roller coaster has been done since September had problems during it's season refurbishment.

Canada's Wonderland- Wonder Mountain Construction

Construction on "Wonder Mountain's Guardian" Continues.. We've got HOLES!

 Construction continues on Canada's Wonderland and their new dark ride attraction, Wonder Mountain's Guardian.

 In the last few days Canada's Wonderland has posted up some nice new progress photos of the construction of Guardian on the parks Facebook Page. Wonder Mountain is full of lovely holes to get equipment in and out for the new attraction but we're finally seeing some installation and ride equipment going in.

Schlitterbahn- Virtual Ride on Vurruckt

Virtual Ride on Schlitterbahn's "Vurruckt" is CRAZY 


     

 Schlitterbahn Kansas City recently released this crazy 'virtual ride' on their monster new slide, Vurruckt. Frankly, I think they've lost their minds with this creation but at the same time I'm sure plenty of thrill seekers will line up to jump on this new water ride! 

Kings Island- The Bat Update

Image from Kings Island's Facebook Page

 The Bat- Repainting Keeps Going

 I've got to admit, this ride hasn't looked better for a long time.

 The new re-theme of 'Flight Deck' into the classic attraction 'The Bat' at Kings Island is making some amazing progress. No longer will it blend in with the back of the park and go unnoticed by many.

 The new Orange and Charcoal paint job is going to make this ride stand out once again. I also have to admit, I really hope the coaster cars will get a nice new update with some new fiberglass work also. Plus some nice new queue line goodies, really drive this thing home completely!

 I'm really beginning to wonder if Kings Island is planning to fully re-theme this area of their amusement park into a full 'land' type of area. With great themes like 'The Bat' and 'Banshee' happening, I hope it goes beyond the rides and extends to the park. It'd be nice to see something with a slightly darker theme lurking around!

Banshee Watch- 1/3

Banshee Watch- 1/3/14

News today from Kings Island and Banshee.

  This image was posted up just moments ago on Kings Islands Facebook Page. Show a complete Batwing element of the new, record breaking coaster. 

 You can see the finished element and where it will head out into the second big loop. Even in the bitter cold and the snow, Kings Island keeps moving. 

 Honestly, I'm so excited for this new coaster I could just scream! 

 

First Banshee Watch of 2014- 1/1

 First Banshee Watch of 2014- 1/1

 A new interview of Don Helbig, the Public Relations Manager for Kings Island has given up a few new bits of information about the new coaster, Banshee.

Including a conformation that the building schedule is on track for completion in mid-January, Conformation that a gift-shop and photo area will be included under the raised station for Banshee, On-Ride Photos will be included with Banshee and that the park expects the coasters trains to arrive in February!

 Don also goes into lots of details about the 2014 Season at Kings Island, including some possible re-names and even more information about The Bat.

 You can read the full interview over on "Don Speaks Live- KI Fansite"

Image from Kings Island's Facebook Page

 Kings Island has also been posting up some construction photos of the new ride.  In this image we can see the batwing section of the ride rising into the air.

 With the hint that Banshee will likely receive it's trains in February, I'd guess we can expect testing of the ride to begin shortly afterwards. 

 Things are getting exciting over at Kings Island!

Canada's Wonderland- Wonder Mountain's Guardian Name Change.. that isn't!

 Wonder Mountain's Guardian- Name Change isn't a Name Change.


 We've finally got some information in regards to the possible 'name change' rumor which has been circulation around Canada's Wonderland and their newest attraction, Wonder Mountain's Guardian.

  According to Screamscape, The name "Wonder Mountain's Guardian" will not change.  The name "Guardian-Quest for Gold" is simply the name of the 2014 seasons game which you play on the ride. Canada's Wonderland has now leaked that plan is to upgrade and change the 'game' played on the ride each season, keeping it new and fresh for park visitors.

 This also lends in to what many of us read during the 2013 IAAPA convention, where the creators and designers of the new attraction hinted that during Halloween a 'zombie' theme could be coming.

Kings Island- The Bat Overhaul

 Despite Winter Weather, Kings Island Keeps Moving!

 The Overhaul of Flight Deck and it's complete change over to "The Bat" is making good progress. Kings Island has posted up this image to their Twitter Account. Showing that the paint is going down for the big conversion.

  The new Orange and Black theme is a great improvement over the previous "Steel Gray" incarnation of the previous "Top Gun" coaster which was renamed "Flight Deck" after Cedar Fair bought the park from Paramount.  It's still unknown if the ride cars will receive a full new theme to go along with this change over.

 Either way, It's AWESOME to see The Bat Return in some shape!

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! 

Freestyle Music Park- Stripping the Corpse

Image from Screamscape

Stripping the Corpse of Freestyle Music Park


 Freestyle Music Park, with it's rides all up for sale is seeing more activity now then it has since it's doors last opened in 2009.

 This image was posted over on Screamscape and shows a crane now in the park. They believe this is removing the WaveSwinger ride.

 Since the rides have gone up for public sale, rumors have been flying left and right. Some are saying that many of the rides have been sold to an undisclosed Asian park while others say that 'Time Machine', the B&M Looping coaster has been sold to an unknown park in China.  Nothing has been confirmed.

 However, as of right now all the rides are still listed as "For Sale" on ITAL (www.italintl.com).

More Trouble for Bands, Brews and BBQ at Seaworld Orlando

 More bad news for Seaworlds yearly event- Bands, Brews and BBQ.

With more people believing the hype from the faux documentary "Blackfish" more bands have bought into the silly petition online to drop the event.

The latest loss is Willie Nelson, who was suppose to play on February 2nd.  Rather then coming out and saying this pull-out was due to "Blackfish" Nelson's management has simply said it's a 'scheduling conflict'.  Not even man enough to say the real reason, I've lost some heavy respect for the man after this chicken move. 

 Seaworld again offered the music star to visit the park to find out what it is they really do, their conservation and education work. Once again, they are declined by a public figure who thinks they know better because they watched a movie.

 Also in the rumor mill but not yet confirmed is that yet another band has given into the petition, this time Heart.

Cedar Point- Hotel Breakers Upgrades

Image from The Toledo Blade

 Well Folks, It's December. The coasters are closed and the screams are silent on Lake Erie but Cedar Point is still busy.

 Besides Winter being the only time of the year most of us normal folks can afford the price tags at the Hotel Breakers, The long awaited and desperately needed updates to the resort hotel have finally begun. Hotel Breakers is in for a two year, two phase renovation project.

Image from The Toledo Blade

The first phase involved upgrade to the outside of the hotel. Hotel Breakers is finally getting a much needed new roof and a completely new coat of paint.  The second phase on construction which will  happen in winter of 2014 (we suspect) will be a full renovation of the resort hotels much aging interior.  

 Honestly, If I was Cedar Point I would have done this project in reverse. The inside first followed by the outside but perhaps the roof has finally gotten bad enough that it couldn't be ignored any longer. I've had several reports over the last two years that Hotel Breakers has gone down in quality severely with most people opting to stay at Breakers Express due to the main resorts deteriorating conditions.  Either way, it's nice to see their paying attention and giving the Resort, built in 1905, so much needed love!

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.

Good and Bad News for Disneyland Paris

 Both Good and Bad News from Disneyland Paris this week. 

The Bad:

The park has seen a decline of over 1 million people and declining hotel bookings in the 2013 fiscal year. This goes in hand with the economic problems in France as well as Southern Europe.  However, this may not impact the parks badly as with this decline they have seen higher spending and longer stays from their guests.

The Good:
In 2014 the newest addition to the park, Ratatouille will open. This is expected to drive up attendance for at least a year or two. In addition to this Disney has stated they will be spending $600 million in both maintenance and development.  This come afters a large public outcry about the overall shabby state of the parks, so while many disagreed with the "Save Disneyland Paris" movement it seems to have done some good!