SEIBUEN AMUSEMENT PARK IN SAITAMA, JAPAN TO UNDERGO 1960S’ REVAMP

 BY GABRIELLE

The Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is to undergo a major revamp, centred on a 1960s’ townscape.

The transformation of the park is due to be completed in 2021. The Seiby Railway co. has announced it will spend approximately 10 billion yen ($93 million). The theme park will continue operating during the renovation work.

The project will be assisted by Tsuyoshi Marioka, the company which helped modernise Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.

Seibuen Park opened in 1950. The theme park covers an area of approximately 200,000 sq. mt. In the height of its popularity, the amusement site attracted 1.94 million visitors in the business year ending 1989. In the year ending March 2019, this figure had dropped to just 490,000.

With many of the facilities falling into disrepair, the theme park seems to be long overdue a makeover. As Takashi Goto, president of Seibu Holdings Inc., the parent company of Seibu Railway, said: “We want to ensure an increase in the level of satisfaction among visitors.”

SIX FLAGS DELAYS OPENING OF 2020 SEASON

 BY GABRIELLE

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New York, alongside its Hurricane Harbour waterpark, have delayed opening for the 2020 season.

Six Flags plans to open Great Adventure on May 21, 2020, almost seven weeks later than the original opening date of April 4.  The Hurricane Harbor waterpark is also due to open in mid-May or soon afterwards.

In a press statement, Six Flags said: While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at the property, the safety of our guests, team members, and animals is always our highest priority. We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation, and follow the most current guidance from federal, state, and local officials.”

A number of other theme parks have closed across the United States due to the coronavirus outbreak, including Disneyland, Universal Studios Florida Theme Park, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios Hollywood, and many more.

CALIFORNIA DISNEYLAND RESORT STREAMS MAGIC HAPPENS PARADE ONLINE

BY GABRIELLE

As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic forces people to stay at home, Disneyland Resort in California is showing Magic Happens parade videos over the internet.

With the aim of sprinkling a little “virtual pixie dust” on living rooms and home offices of Disney fans while the theme park is closed, these professionally produced 8-minute videos showcase the Magic Happens parade.

Views can enjoy watching floats with Disney characters from the most iconic stories, including Cinderella, Frozen, Coco, Moana, Sleeping Beauty, Sword in the Stone and the Princess and Frog. The floats are led by Mickey Mouse.

The Magic Happens parade had been performing along Main Street U.S.A for just two weeks when Disneyland closed on March 14 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The videos of the Magic Happens parade were inspired by the #HomemadeDisney attraction made by Disney enthusiasts as they stay at home during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.

In a blog about the new virtual viewing, Disney Parks wrote: ““We know Disney fans are searching for ways to bring magic and joy into their everyday lives and we’ve loved seeing some of you recreate your favorite Disney Parks experiences in your very own living rooms.

“In fact, you’ve inspired us to share #DisneyMagicMoments for you and your family, to enjoy at home.”