DISNEY’S RIVIERA RESORT OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

BY GABRIELLE

Disney’s Riviera Resort has officially opened at Walt Disney world Resort, Florida.

On December 16, 2019 a ceremony was held at the resort’s promenade to open the deluxe Riviera Resort, which takes inspiration from both the French and Italian Rivieras.

The new luxury resort features more than 300 family-friendly holiday homes, including Tower Studios, grand villas and deluxe studios.

A rooftop restaurant serves flavours of both the French and Italian Rivieras, where guests can dine with Mickey and friends.

The resort is Disney Vacation Club’s 15th property but is the first dedicated Disney Vacation Club resort to be opened at Walt Disney World since the opening of the Saratoga Springs Resort in 2004.

During the opening ceremony, Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club, said: “Blending the flavours and flair of the Italian and French Riviera with the creativity and imagination that only Disney can deliver, this new resort pays tribute to Walt and Lillian Disney’s amazing European travels while connecting Disney artistry and storytelling to this region’s renowned art heritage and inspiration.

“Not only will Disney’s Riviera Resort delight families with its gorgeous architectural details and wide range of accommodations, but members and guests will simply fall in love with the sights, sounds and flavours of Europe around every corner.

“Our team is excited to welcome families to this relaxing destination inspired by the world-famous sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline,” Schultz continued.

AGREEMENT REACHED FOR EVERGRANDE LUSHUN CULTURAL TOURISM CITY PROJECT

BY GABRIELLE

An agreement has been reached by the Lushunkou District Government of Dalian City, Liaoning province, China and Evergrande Real Estate Group, for the go ahead for the Evergrande Lushun Cultural Tourism City project.

The new cultural tourism site is to be located in the Lushun Economic and Technological Development Zone. It will be the first cultural tourism project to be invested in by Evergrande Real Estate Group in Liaoning.

The Evergrande Lushun Cultural Tourism City project will be centred on being a leading domestic tourism and leisure destination that’s based on a green, low carbon, water and ecological theme.

The site is to integrate local culture, entertainment, hotels, conferences centers, restaurants, sports and family-friendly attractions. The resort is to cover 1,976 acres has is divided into a cultural tourism area, a commercial zone and residential area.

The project has attracted a total investment of 15 billion yuan. Construction of the Evergrande Lushun Cultural Tourism City project is set to begin in March 2020.

CEDAR FAIR APPOINTS DANIEL HANRAHAN AS BOARD CHAIRMAN

BY GABRIELLE

Cedar Fair, a leader in regional water parks, amusement parks and immersive entertainment, has appointed Daniel Hanrahan as the company’s new board chairman.

Hanrahan has served on Cedar Fair’s board of directors since 2012 and will take up his role as independent board chairman on January 1, 2020.

Daniel Hanrahan has more than 30 year’s experience as a senior executive in the retail, consumer-packaged goods, travel and hospitality sectors, including holding the position of president and CEO for both the Regis Corporation and Celebrity Cruise Lines.

Hanrahan currently serves as director and member of the audit committee for Lindblad Expedition Holdings.

Matthew Ouimet, who has served as Cedar Fair’s executive chairman since January 2018, spoke of the new appointment, commenting: “Dan’s breadth of professional experience and leadership qualities make him well qualified to lead the Cedar Fair board.

“I sincerely enjoy serving on Cedar Fair’s board and look forward to serving in my expanded role as chairman. I particularly appreciate how the management team and board focus their decision making on the best long-term interests of Cedar Fair’s guests, investors and employees, an approach I will continue to support as chairman.”

Richard Zimmerman, president and CEO of Cedar Fair, commented: “Many thanks go to Matt and Debra for their leadership of the board over the past several years. Our management team and unitholders have clearly benefited from their vision, insights and guidance and I’m pleased they will continue to serve as directors.”

WANDA PLAZA IN YANSHI POISED TO OPEN IN 2022

BY GABRIELLE

Wanda Plaza, located in the Shouyang New District, Yanshi, Henan, China, is expected to be completed and open in 2022.

The Yanshi Government and Dalian Wanda Commercial Management Group co. have signed a cooperation framework agreement to build the large-scale commercial landmark project.

The Wanda Plaza will be a huge urban complex that’s home to shopping malls, commercial streets, and high-end residential properties.

The 4-billion-yuan project will be the only large-scale commercial complex project to be built in the Henan province since Wanda Group officially entered the market in 2009.

The Yanshi government expects the opening of the Wanda Plaza to be a significant addition to the city of Yanshi, creating a wealth of employment opportunity and enriching tourism and local leisure and entertainment facilities in the city.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS FOR SHIYAN HAPPY WORLD

BY GABRIELLE

Construction of the large-scale cultural tourism complex resort in China known as Shiyan Happy World, has officially began.

Building of the 4,500-acre site commenced on December 16, 2019. The resort is to integrate natural resources and iconic cultural elements of Qinba, Hanshui and Wudang Taoism.

Investment for the ambitious cultural tourism project was signed by the Chongqing Guorui Holding Group in September 2017 and investment was agreed by the Zhangwan District government. Chongqing Guorui Holding Group is investing 10 billion yuan into the project.

Shiyan Happy World will feature a diverse range of areas, including an ecological shopping park, a water town, performing arts theatre, lighting water show, hot spring hotel, healthcare communities, mountain and sea parks, magic parks, research bases, happy farms, and more.

DRONE PHOTOS SHOW CONSTRUCTION OF NEW EFTELING ATTRACTION MAX & MORITZ

BY GABRIELLE

Holland’s fairy tale theme park Efteling, has unveiled drone photographs of its new attraction, Max & Moritz. The new family-friendly rollercoaster is due to open in spring 2020 and will replace Bob the Bobsleigh. The drone images show the construction of Max & Moritz is well underway.

The foundations, which extend for 700 m³, and the columns for the two tracks, one for Max and one for Moritz, are now in place. In early 2020, the track sections will start to be laid. The drone photos also show the ground around the rollercoaster is taking shape.

Max & Moritz is based on the iconic German illustrated story in rhyme from 1865, which tells the story of two naughty brothers named Max and Moritz. Always up to no good, Max and Moritz drove the inhabitants of their village to despair.

Featuring electrically powered trains, which run in opposite directions, the family ride is known as a “powered coaster.” Max’s blue track follows a different route to the green track of Moritz, while both boast their own unique and exciting features.

Below the Max & Moritz trains will be a rolling Alpine landscape, with a hilly meadow, Serbian spruces and, in the summer, wild plants and hundreds of mountain roses will bloom beneath the rollercoaster.

NEW YEAR FIREWORKS ARE COMING TO BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY

BY GABRIELLE

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is gearing up for a memorable end to 2019, with a line-up of festivities taking place on New Year’s Eve.

A raft of festive, wintery fun is in the pipeline on December 31, with DJs and bands playing to crowds in the Festive Field, firework displays at midnight and the theme park’s much-loved rides and attractions being open throughout the evening.

2020 is set to be a big year for the theme park, with new attractions, shows and events, and the opening of the highly-anticipated Iron Gwazi, hailed as the tallest hybrid rollercoaster in North America and the steepest and fastest hybrid coaster in the world.

The Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 2020 calendar includes a Three Kings Day celebration on January 6, where visitors can enjoy the final day of Christmas Town and visit the Three Wise Men for memorable storytelling with singing.

From January 7 to March 15, 2020, the longest-running concert series will be returning to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with live performances from old favourites and new acts.

Sesame Street fans will also be in for a treat as from February 1 to 16, 2020, Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends will be held at the park, with meet-and-greet character sessions, treasure hunts, dance parties and much more.

CONCEPT 1900 INSTALLS CHRISTMAS CAROUSELS AROUND THE WORLD

BY GABRIELLE

Concept 1900, a leading manufacturer of carousels, has created and installed festive carousels for destinations around the world.

In a Christmas market in Liseberg, Sweden, the French-based company installed an eye-catching festive carousel. Boasting a white and golden design, the carousel fits perfectly with the winter wonderland of the Christmas market.

Similarly, in France, the seasonal rides are taking centre stage in markets in Mulhouse, Lyon, Metz, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and other cities. In Colmar, Concept 1900 has erected a unique, reindeer-style carousel. With 12 mechanical arms, the ride moves sleigh and reindeer carriages up and down.

Likewise in the Polish city of Zory, a Concept 1900 carousel has been installed in the city’s main square, boasting a unique Jules Verne design and adorned in bright, festive colours.

In Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, a blue themed carousel, comprising of sleigh and reindeer characters has been installed in the city’s Christmas market.

In Zurich, Switzerland, a large, double-storey carousel with Jules Verne-style characters and art deco decorations, provides a focal point for shoppers to stop and have fun.

The company also has its iconic Christmas carousels installed in Russia and is expanding into China, bringing festive cheer around the world.

$125 MILLION APPROVED BY ORANGE COUNTY FOR ROAD EXTENSION TO EPIC UNIVERSE

BY GABRIELLE

Orange County in Florida has approved $125 in funding to build an extension of Kirkman Road that leads to Epic Universe, the fourth gate at Universal Orlando.

The Orange County Commission voted to approve the motion for the extension. The funds will come out of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The road extension is expected to cost $315 million. Universal is to contribute the remaining $160 million to the project.

The road project is to involve the creation of six lanes of traffic, leading from Carrier Road to Universal Boulevard.

Epic Universe is due to open in 2023. Universal Orlando’s new theme park will feature an entertainment centre, shops, hotels, restaurants and a series of themed zones, which have yet to be revealed.

Universal has said the lands will allow visitors to experience “beloved stories. It is also believed that Epic Universe will feature attractions and rides based on the much-loved stories of The Secret Life of Pets, How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo World and the and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

INTERNATIONAL THEME PARK SERVICES UNVEILS NEW PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

BY GABRIELLE

International Theme Park Services (ITPS) has announced its new president and chief operating officer (COO). Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of ITPS made the announcement that Pamela Westerman is the new president and COO.

During the announcement speech, Speigel noted how Ms. Westerman has been a part of the ITPS team’s success for many years. Speigel commented: “Pam is an amazing individual with remarkable leadership and organizational skills. She has a vast knowledge of the leisure industry, having led the ITPS team on projects across every continent. She is known throughout the industry and respected around the world.”

In response to the announcement Ms. Westerman said: “I am honored to take on this role at ITPS. My industry tenure and my 30+ years at ITPS have well prepared me for this position. I will do my utmost to continue to assure that ITPS leads the way with unmatched, full-service leisure consultation domestically and globally.”

As president and COO, Pamela Westerman will oversee the day-to-day operations of the different departments at ITPS, all of which are vital in enabling the organisation to provide high-quality service to its clients.

Speigel will remain CEO at ITPS, providing strategic direction, setting company visions and goals, as well as overseeing performance.

Noting the timing of the appointment, Speigel said: “The timing is perfect for this organisational re-structure and the Board of Directors has unanimously approved this change. ITPS celebrates its upcoming 37th anniversary in 2020. We continue to be called upon by companies and organisations around the world for consultation and services. Our industry remains in a major state of growth. Pam Westerman is well suited to continue leading ITPS for many years to come.”