FLAMINGO LAND WITHDRAWS PLANNING APPLICATION FOR LOCH LOMOND RESORT AND WATERPARK

 BY GABRIELLE

Theme park and zoo operators, Flamingo Land, has officially withdrawn its planning application to develop a £30 million leisure and entertainment resort on Loch Lomond.

The site, known as Lomond Banks, would have featured a waterpark, alongside a 60-bedroom apartment- hotel, a 32-bedroom budget hotel and over 100 holiday lodges. There would also be a boat house, leisure centre, craft brewery and restaurant on the site.

The application for the development was met with local disdain, with more than 57,000 objections being made against building the site.

Lomond Banks’ director, Andy Miller, commented on the withdrawal from the project.

“We’ve been working hard with all parties, including the National Park Authority, for more than two years to ensure all information relating to the proposed development was made readily available.

“We know the national park recognises that the majority of what we propose fits in with the LDP [local development plan].

“It is therefore surprising and disappointing that their recommendation report raises previously unidentified concerns and highlights the need for new additional information,” said Miller.

“Our priority now is to fully understand concerns, gather the necessary information and dispel some of the myths that continue to circulate around our ambitions for the site.

“It is only at this point, we will consider re-submitting our plans to ensure decision makers will be able to take a fully informed decision on this important application,” Miller added.

KATMANDU GROUP TEAMS UP WITH FALCON’S CREATIVE GROUP TO WORK ON PUNTA CANA THEME PARK

 BY GABRIELLE

Katmandu Group, the attractions developed based in Orlando with operations in Tenerife and Mallorca, have teamed up with theme park developers’ Falcon’s Creative Group, to create a series of Katmandu-branded attractions.

Among the first developments will be an innovative entertainment venue in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Initial plans also include two new attraction by Falcon’s Licensing, a division of Falcon’s Creative Group, which will be part of Katmandu’s first ever theme park, which aims to attract millions of visitors.

The Punta Cana theme park is due to open in late 2020. One of its key attractions will be the Quest for the Multiverse, which will be powered by Falcon’s iconic storytelling and attraction development abilities.

Falcon’s Licensing’s pioneering Suspended Theatre will also be premiered at the new theme park, promising to set new standards for immersive entertainment. The flying system is powered by Reveal Technology, to create a thrilling and immersive family experience.

A Legend of Katmandu will also be developed by Falcon, a cutting-edge dark ride. Guests at the entertainment site will also be able to enjoy a 36-hole Expedition Golf course, with themed holes scattered across the Nepalese landscape.

Further attractions include a huge multi-storey ninja playground with obstacle courses and a climbing net.

Dan Jensen, President of Katmandu Group, spoke about the new agreement with Falcon’s Creative Group.

“Katmandu Group is extremely excited about our relationship with Falcon’s Creative Group and proud to be working with such a talented group of individuals,” said Jensen.

DIGGERLAND USA TO EXPAND WITH TWO-ACRE OUTDOOR WATERPARK

BY GABRIELLE

Diggerland USA, the construction-themed amusement park in New Jersey, where children can drive, ride and operate heavy machinery, is to expand with two-acre outdoor waterpark.

The waterpark will feature two multi-zone pools, a swim vortex and a slide tower. It will also comprise of a Witbit-brand challenge course, a themed splash park, an in-pool basketball facility and leisure and family swim zones.

Lawned areas with deckchairs will also be available to visitors, as well as private cabanas and F&B.

The new outdoor aquatic park is named The Water Main and is set to open in time for Memorial Day weekend in May 2020.

Ilya Girlya, co-owner and co-president of Diggerland USA, informed that admission into The Main Water was included in the price of a Diggerland USA ticket.

“With the opening of The Water Main, we now offer two distinct parks for one great price,” said Girlya.

“We researched various alternatives for adding value to our guests’ experience and determined that adding The Water Main and including it in the price of admission to Diggerland USA returns maximum value to our guests, particularly our members, who can visit throughout the seasons.

“We want our guests to know that The Water Main is an expansion of our attractions footprint and that we are not removing any of our existing attractions.  We listen to and learn from our guests.

“Many know our team’s aquatic park development and operational experience and have asked about whether Diggerland USA could add a swimming pool. Why just add one pool when you can add two?” Girlya continued.

AMERICAN WAVES MACHINES TO LAUNCH TWO NEW PERFECTSWELL VENUES TO BRAZIL

BY GABRIELLE

American Waves Machines, designers, engineers and manufacturers of world class surf parks and wave pools, are to develop two new PerfectSwell sites in São Paulo, Brazil.

The leading developer of wave pools have signed a partnership with JHSF Participacoes SA, a Brazil-based real estate company, to construct two new PerfectSwell locations.

PerfectSwell technology provides an innovative approach to generating waves with an emphasis on creating an authentic surfing experience.

These surf pools and surf lagoons are over an acre in size and can be enjoyed by over 1,000 visitors. Since 2007, more than 3 million of American Wave Machines’ surf sessions have been enjoyed by visitors around the world.

Commenting on the new partnership with American Wave Machines, Thiago Alonso, CEO of JHSF, said:

“JHSF is constantly innovating its real estate developments and the importance of surfing to Brazil cannot be overstated.

“We are very proud of working hand-in-hand with AWM implementing PerfectSwell technology in Brazil.

“We intend to launch two projects with surf facilities over the coming quarters, resulting in greater waves for our clients.  We will be able to specify any ride length, wave size, and pool footprint, with an aesthetic design for both recreational and competitive surfers,” Alonso continued.

COUNT’S SPOOKTACULAR PROMISES FAMILY FUN AT BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG

 BY GABRIELLE

Spooky family fun is coming to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in the Count’s Spooktacular Halloween event.

Every Saturday and Sunday from October 5 – 27, 2019, children aged 9 and under can dress up in their favourite Halloween costume and enjoy exploring the park’s newly-themed hay maze as they encounter much-loved Sesame Street characters also adorning Halloween costumes.

Young visitors can participate in a Halloween dance party, enjoy some spooky entertainment at the Countdown to Halloween show, visit trick-or-treat stations and witness interactive performances carried out by the Count and his friends.

Other Halloween-themed fun at Count’s Spooktacular include a Monsters and Fairies event, where families can join Elmo and Cadabby for colouring, mask making, costume dancing and more.

More craft making and searching for ghosts in the hay maze can be enjoyed by little ones at the Super Grover event.

Bert and Ernie will host a Pirate Party, with plenty of dancing, colouring and searching for ghosts in the hay maze will take place.

Rosita will show off her fiesta Halloween costume in the Rosita’s Halloween Fiesta event, where youngsters will have fun searching for Mardi Gras in the hay maze.

Count’s Spooktacular takes place from 11am to 5pm at the weekends from October 5 – 27.

WALT DISNEY WORLD SHARES DETAILS OF NEW ‘STORYTELLING COASTER’ RIDE

BY GABRIELLE

During D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim, California, Walt Disney World revealed details about the Guardian of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a ‘storytelling coaster’ that is part of the biggest transformation of any Disney theme park.

The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Unwind will be located at World Discovery. The story will start in the planetarium exhibition known as the ‘Galaxarium,’ where visitors can marvel at the formation of Marvel’s fictional planet, Xandar, as well as the Earth’s galaxy.

The Guardians of the Galaxy then arrive and take guests on a Cosmic Rewind journey. The family-friendly coaster will feature a pioneering OmniCoaster ride system by Walt Disney Imagineering, in which the vehicles rotate 360 degrees. The attraction will also feature the first reverse launch on a Disney rollercoaster.

As guests ride in the individual vehicles, their eyes are directed to the immersive story taking place around them.

The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to launch at Walt Disney World Resort in 2021, to coincide with the theme park’s 50th anniversary.

UNIVERSAL REVEALS PLANS ABOUT SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

BY GABRIELLE

Universal has shared details about the soon-to-be-opened Super Nintendo World, set to launch at Universal Studios Japan in spring 2020, ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resort, shared more details about the new world during Comcast’s 2019 Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference that took place on September 11.

Williams revealed that over the next few years, new rides, attractions, games, merchandise and more would be coming to all Universal Parks.

The chairman and CEO also confirmed Super Nintendo Park would be home to two rides, Yoshi’s Adventure and Super Mario Kart. Two themed areas will also feature in the park, centred on Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle.

“It’s a whole new separate area of the park. It’s got food. It’s got merchandise. The first phase will have two rides, Super Mario Kart Ride as well as Yoshi’s Adventures.

“It’s the best, and we’ve tested them all, and they’re killers. It’s a great lineup. It takes it to the whole next level. It’s gonna redefine what a park experience is like. It really is special,” Williams commented.

The new park will provide an interactive experience for visitors, with the possibility of Nintendo Switch integration and with Nintendo-themed magnetic wristbands.

Talking about the interactive wristband, Tom Williams said:

“The wristband is super cool. It’s all magnetic. You slap it at your wrist, and it just snaps on, and it won’t come off.

“You’ll be able to go up and keep score and play with the various games, and that also translates to a score-keeping capability if you choose to do so within the rides and it actually interfaces back with your game console,” Williams added.

THAILAND’S LARGEST AQUARIUM OPENS WITH UNDERGROUND RESTAURANT AND BAR

BY GABRIELLE

Central Pattana, Thailand’s largest retail and property development company, has opened the largest aquarium in Thailand.

Known as Aquaria Phuket, the site is home to Asia’s first underwater bar and the largest underwater restaurant in the world.

The retailtainment and eatertainment venue is situated inside the Central Phuket shopping mall. Aquaria Phuket features several different zones, including River Giants, Mystic River, Coastal Haven, River Caves, Station Aquarius, and Trick Eye Museum.

Thai folklore creatures reside in Mystic Forest, whilst River Giants is home to the largest freshwater planted tank in the world, featuring Mekong giant catfish, Mekong ray and Arapaima.

Penguins and otters live in coastal haven and River Caves. Visitors ca enjoy educational and interactive encounters with creatures in Station Aquarius, while Trick Eye Museum comprises of the world’s first art museum which creates AR produced art and panoramas.

More than 51,000 aquatic animals over 300 plus species can be found in Aquaria Phuket.

Dr Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Central Pattana’s executive VP of marketing referred to Aquaria Phuket as “the final jigsaw pieces that complete Central Phuket’s world-class attractions”.

“We are confident that Aquaria Phuket will soon become a must-visit aquarium for tourists,” said Tangpoonsinthana.

NEW DUPLO DREAM COASTER COMING TO LEGOLAND WINDSOR

 BY GABRIELLE

A new DUPLO Dream Coaster is to be launched at Legoland Windsor in March 2020. The new ride is designed to be a “first coaster” experience for pre-schoolers.

The Dream Coaster will sweep little ones through a “topsy turvy wonderland full of colour and a sprinkle of magic.”

Adding to the magic will be a number of playful creatures that the children will meet on the way round the coaster.

It is believed the DUPLO attraction will be themed to enable youngsters to embark on a journey that explores “their wildest dreams,” whist “igniting their imagination.”

Other new attractions are also in the pipeline at Legoland Windsor’s DUPLO Valley, including the Brickville outdoor play area and the DUPLO Valley Airport.

DREAMLAND MARGATE ENJOYS RECORD BREAKING YEAR

 BY GABRIELLE

Dreamland, the popular amusement park in Margate, attracted more than 650,000 visitors in 2019, in what was its busiest year since reopening.

By mid-August, the amusement park surpassed half a million visitors. Guest numbers continued to escalate over the bank holiday weekend.

From the park opening for the start of the 2019 season until September 2, around 650,000 guests visited Dreamland, more than twice as much compared to any previous year.

In April, the amusement park announced it would waiver its old £5 entry fee and would be free to enter.

Guests are now able to pay per ride or join as members and buy discounted wristbands online in advance.

Over Easter, when the park opened for the year, Dreamland broke all previous visitor number records, with more than 15,000 people attending the park on Easter Sunday for the Camp Bestival takeover, a 97% increase in visitor numbers overall during the Easter break on 2018.

Eddie Kemsley was made CEO of Dreamland in January 2019, appointed to oversee the new direction of the park.

“Dreamland is having its busiest year since it reopened four years ago, it’s a staggering achievement by the whole team. The results surpassed even our own high expectations. We’re particularly pleased that numbers are spread across the year, with healthy numbers visiting in the quieter ‘off peak’ months too – which is great news for Margate tourism,” Kemsley commented.

“We’ve absorbed to a lot of customer feedback from years gone by,and took a new direction with our entertainment and visitor offer this year. With the Camp Bestival Easter park takeover leading the way, we chose to build on our ‘all the fun of the festival’ moniker and create more regular, varied content that would give families a full programme of Dreamland branded events to enjoy.

“We also increased our food offer on the park, with great new street food stalls, vegan options, and a new restaurant on site in Café Barletta.

“The entire Dreamland team has put a lot of time and effort into getting our 2019 offer right for visitors. Operations have gone very smoothly, and our fantastic entertainments team keep the party going everyday on park.

“We have some big plans ahead for autumn, Christmas and – of course – our centenary year in 2020, but we’re certainly in high spirits down by the sea this summer,” Kemsley added.