SEAWORLD ORLANDO CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SESAME STREET

BY GABRIELLE

To celebrate its 50th anniversary of Sesame Street inspired fun, SeaWorld Orlando is hosting a party at Sesame Street Land.

The fun-filled celebrations are taking place on the weekend of November 9, 2019.

Visitors at SeaWorld Orland will be encouraged to make their way to the Sesame Street themed area of the attractions site known as Sesame Street Land.

At the themed area, Sesame Street fans will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the beloved characters the animated puppet TV series.

A never-seen-before float will be a key feature of the weekend. Complimentary cupcakes will be being served at the Sesame Sips café, alongside commemorative paper crowns.

EPCOT’S TRANSFORMATION TO INCLUDE A NEW MEET-AND-GREET EXPERIENCE WITH MICKEY MOUSE

BY GABRIELLE

Walt Disney World Resort has unveiled that the historic expansion and renovation of Epcot theme park will include a new meet-and-greet experience with Mickey Mouse.

The current transformation of the amusement park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, is the biggest renovation of any theme park in Disney’s history.

Visitors will have the chance to experience meeting Mickey Mouse, as well as other much-loved Disney characters. It is believed that Mickey will be located at the entrance of the Imagination! pavilion, the location for the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival.

Mickey will greet guests arriving at the Imagination! pavilion, which will show short films starring Mickey Mouse and his friends.

Other highlights of the Epcot transformation include a Mary Poppins-inspired attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Unwind and Journey of Water, inspired by Moana.

Micky Mouse will be greeting guests arriving at the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival in early 2020.

RCI TO UNVEIL NEW PRODUCTS AND BRANDING AT IAAPA EXPO ORLANDO

BY GABRIELLE

RCI Adventure Products, formerly known as Ropes Courses Incorporated (RCI), are to debut their new brand and products at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando.

The recently revamped adventure attractions leader will display their new products at the expo, alongside a crew of sales professionals and authorised distributors to talk to attendees.

RCI will also be showcasing a Sky Trail aerial attraction, featuring new features, including a pioneering multi-activity Clip ‘n Climb configuration.

The company will be unveiling two new innovative products, the Adventure Trail and the Destination series, a product line with three different models.

Without participant weight or height requirement prior to entrance, the Adventure Play is open to all ages and abilities. The adventure attraction involves participants climbing up the net ‘elevator’ and then proceeding through towers, bridges and exit slides that are interconnected.

The Destination series comprises of three large-scale individual entertainment hubs, each containing five core attractions for participant interaction – a Sky Trail with multiple Sky Rails, Clip n’ Climb climbing activities, Adventure Trail netplay and a Sky Tykes.

RCI, as it has been known for years, decided to officially change its name to RCI Adventure Products to reflect the expansion of the company’s products more fittingly, as the adventure attraction manufacturer offers a lot more than just ‘rope courses.’

As, noting the reason behind the name change, Jim Liggett, president and founder of RCI, commented: “This company was founded 30 years ago with the name ‘Ropes Courses Incorporated’ but since then, we have grown tremendously and it felt like the right time to transition into a new era of ourselves.

“The new name makes it clear that we offer more than just one product and it gives us the space we need to grow even more,” Liggett added.

Jon Weston, chief sales officer for RCI, said: “We are so proud to welcome both Adventure Trail and the Destination series to our product family as they each offer aspects not previously available through us.

“These new additions further illustrate our evolvement as a company, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer clients more expansive entertainment options.”

RCI Adventure Products is to exhibit at booth 5730 at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, which is taking place on November 19 to 22.

This will be the 16th consecutive year that RCI will have been in attendance at the IAPPA Expo held in Orlando.

MK THEMED ATTRACTIONS TO SHOWCASE FAMOUS IP CHARACTERS AT IAAPA EXPO, ORLANDO

BY GABRIELLE

MK Themed Attractions, the award-winning themed production company, has announced it is to showcase a selection of world-famous Intellectual Properties the company has created in recent months at IAAPA Expo in Orlando.

The display will include characters from Warner Bros. France, Ubisoft and Looney Tunes. Visitors heading to MK Themed Attractions’ stand will be able to feast their eyes on the blue Occamy from Warner Brothers’ Fantastic Beasts, a Rabbids character, Bugs Bunny from Looney Tunes and a Chewbecca figure.

The company’s stand in Orlando contrasts to its booth at IAAPA Expo Europe in September, which was jungle themed, with gorillas, lions, crocodiles, crashed airplanes and trees.

Lars Nielson, a Themed Attractions specialist, explained why they have opted to showcase IP characters at the forthcoming exhibition. “We believe the industry has become aware of our capabilities within comprehensive themed production, as we over the last couple of years, have grown our portfolio of large-scale themed projects with some of the most well-known amusement parks in Europe,” said Nielson.

“During IAAPA Expo Europe we won a European Star Award for helping the brand new theme of Colossos – Kampf der Giganten come to life, which contribute to this understanding, so now we want to show the attraction industry that we are also trusted by companies such as Warner Bros. France, Ubisoft and Looney Tunes, to produce their world famous IP characters,” Nielson added.

MK Themed Attractions will be exhibiting at booth #E7612 at IAAPA Expo in Orlando, which is taking place on November 19 to 22, 2019.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS RETURNS TO DOLLYWOOD

BY GABRIELLE

Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas, which has been voted the Best Theme Park Christmas Event in America for 12 consecutive years, is returning to Dollywood on November 9, 2019.

The festive festival comprises of lively Christmas entertainment, heart-warming festive food and drinks, an ambiance lit up by more than five million brilliant lights and plenty more seasonal fun.

This much-loved family event is presented by Humana. The park’s Glacier Ridge will look like it is a frozen scene from the Arctic. This winter wonderland will be home to numerous fun activities, impressive Christmassy displays and different dining options.

Guests can meander through this immense frozen fairyland through areas including Wildwood Grove, Timber Canyon, Wilderness Pass and the upper part of Craftsman’s Valley.

Traditional festive shows such as ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Christmas in the Smokies’ will entertain guests. Further festive cheer can be found at Dollywood’s Parade of Many Colours.

Sharing her excitement for Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas, Dolly Parton said: “There’s nothing like Christmas in the Smokies. I’ve been a lot of places and seen a lot of things, but the feeling of being home with the people I love at Christmas really is one of the most special things in the world to me.

“It’s my hope that the people who come experience my Dollywood at Christmas make those same sweet memories they’ll be able to share forever. I also hope we’re able to help them start some brand new Christmas traditions right here!” Dolly Parton added.

Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas will be running at Dollywood from November 9, 2019 to January 4, 2020.

THOUSANDS OF RUNNERS HEAD TO HONG KONG DISNEYLAND RESORT FOR 10K WEEKEND 2019

BY GABRIELLE

On the weekend of November 3 and 4, more than 10,000 local and international runners arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) to take part in the annual 10K Weekend.

The popular weekend of running is now in its fourth consecutive year at HKDL. Cheering the runners on throughout the theme park were more than 100 Disney characters, Pixar pals and performers.

Showing their support for the popular event, were leaders from different tourism organisations and non-profits, who took part in the ‘HKDL Leadership 3K’ race, designed to promote healthy living.

To demonstrate the park’s commitment to encouraging accessibility and promoting sports for all, a portion of the proceeds from the weekend. went to the ‘HKFHY Momentum Academy’ program. The scheme is aimed at giving children and young people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports and outdoor activities to support physical strength, confidence and healthy living.

HKDL’s managing director, Stephanie Young, spoke about the fun-filled and healthy weekend, commenting: “We are so proud to see so many happy faces at this fourth edition of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s 10K Weekend, which is a great way to encourage healthy living and exercise in the most unique way imaginable.

“We have a few exciting developments to reflect our continued efforts on sustainability, diversity and healthy living this year.

“One such way is through our sponsorship of the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth (HKFHY), helping more children and young people with disabilities enjoy outdoor exercises and fitness activities. It means so much to us to see many people with different abilities and backgrounds come together to take part in the 10K Weekend each year,” Young continued.

Peter Crewe, chief executive officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, the weekend’s presenting sponsor, commented: “We are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor at the 10K Weekend for the fourth consecutive year in the name of AIA Vitality.

“This event combines fun and exercise for people of all ages and has been well-received by the community every year. We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to create more magical experiences for the community, fulfilling our brand promise of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives,” said Crewe.

The 10K Weekend also enabled HKDL to show it sustained dedication to being an environmentally friendly theme park. The resort collaborated with several green organisations to help achieve a carbon neutral event.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN LAUNCHES ‘HOGWARTS MAGICAL NIGHT – WINTER MAGIC’

BY GABRIELLE

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan has reopened its doors to ‘Hogwarts Magical Night – Winter Magic.’

With festive décor, seasonal entertainment and much more, the Wizarding World is set to become even more magical for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

The Winter Magic event will feature a projection mapping show on the façade of the mighty Hogwarts Castle. Spells will be cast throughout the show that conjure up snowmen, presents and other items of a Christmas and winter theme.

A magical Christmas tree will be a key feature of the event, located in Hogsmeade Village. Visitors will be able to cast a spell on the tree, causing it to illuminate different ornaments.

To warm up guests during the chilly festive season, hot butterbeer will be being served, alongside other festive treats.

Adding some more festive cheer to the proceedings will be the Holiday Frog Choir, featuring four Hogwarts students and their frogs.

‘Hogwarts Magical Night – Winter Magic’ commences at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan on November 8, 2019.

PORTAVENTURA WORLD OPENS PORTOAVENTURA DREAMS FOR CHILDREN WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS

 BY GABRIELLE

Spain’s PortAventura World has opened its doors to PortAventura Dreams, an innovative recreation and recovery area for children suffering from serious illness.

The new and unique recovery village is designed to have a positive impact on children fighting disease and illness, as well as enabling families to spend some quality time together.

The village spans an area of 8,850 sq. mt., which features six houses, gardens, play areas, a restaurant and football pitch.

Volunteers can help plan activities and workshops for visitors to the village in a multi-purpose room.

Families attending the village are chosen by a committee of social workers, doctors and other healthcare professionals and experts.

Guests can stay at the site for up to six days, free of charge.

Arturo Mas-Sarda, president of PortAventura World, commented: “At PortAventura World, we want to bring real value to society and our environment.

“Our actions as a social lever act as tools to bring together all of the company’s needs for change and sustainability.

“Today, the PortAventura Dreams project is launched as a reflection of our values.”

The new village welcomed its first visitors on October 22.  The park expects to play host to around 200 families to PortoAventura Dreams each year.

THE WAVE SURF PARK IN BRISTOL TO OPEN IMMINENTLY

BY GABRIELLE

The Wave, a new inland surf destination near Bristol, is to open in November, Colliers International, specialists in destination development, have announced.

Colliers International, a market leader in the development of surf parks, has provided advice about market viability and business planning services to The Wave.

Matt Hyslop, destination consulting leader at Colliers International, spoke about the new surf park, commenting: “This is innovation in the South West that is right on trend, far beyond the surfing itself.

“The Wave reflects innovative thinking in technology, business model and attitude, and is a perfect fit with modern consumer expectations.”

The Wave will be the second surf park to open in the UK. Inland surf destinations are rising in popularity and typically comprise of a manmade lagoon, which creates a consistent and reliable surfing environment, so that surf lessons, events and parties can be held all year round.

“While the principles are very similar to other surf parks, The Wave is really quite a different proposition,” Hyslop continued.

“It is the first destination in the northern hemisphere to offer Wavegarden Cove wave-making technology. This promises a lot of high-quality waves, for all abilities.

“The lagoon provides up 1,000 waves of varying sizes and shapes an hour – around one wave every 10 seconds. Heights start at 50cm and peak at 1.8m, providing sport for all ability ranges from first-timers to Olympic hopefuls,” Hyslop added.

AMERICAN DREAM MEADOWLANDS OPENS ITS HUGE NEW INDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK

BY GABRIELLE

On October 25, American Dream opened its doors to the first of its four-part opening series, Nickelodeon Universe.

The huge new amusement park is located at American Dream Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The amusement park features two indoor rollercoasters, the TMNT Shellraiser and the Shredder.

Hailed as the world’s steepest rollercoaster with a staggering drop of 122 degrees, the TMNT Shellraiser is the largest of the two rollercoasters. It boasts seven inversions, a 62mph LSM launch, and a 141 ft. vertical lift.

Riders are held at the edge of the huge drop in a glass and steel pop-up, before they are plummeted down 12 storeys, bringing even more exhilaration to the Shellraiser.

The record-breaking Spinning Coaster known as the Shredder is interwoven between the Shellraiser, The Shredder takes riders on a journey through a forest of steel columns as they witness remarkable visuals.

Both indoor rollercoasters were designed and manufactured by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, a German-based rollercoaster manufacturer.

Siegfried Gerstlauer, managing director of Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, commented: “Everyone at Gerstlauer Amusement Rides is thrilled about the opening of Nickelodeon Universe in American Dream.

“We appreciate Triple Five giving us the opportunity to showcase roller coasters that featured firsts and record-breaking statistics. The added fun of having the Spinning Coaster weave through the Launched Euro-Fighter makes this experience truly world-class.”

Nickelodeon Universe is the first phase of American Dream’s four-part opening series.