CONSTRUCTION OF XI’AN HAPPY VALLEY IS UNDERWAY

BY GABRIELLE

Construction of Xi’an Happy Valley, a theme park and waterpark in the city of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, is now underway. The project covers an area of approximately 740 mt. sq. and is to have the highest total investment of the Happy Valley sites by Overseas Chinese Town Enterprises (OCT).

Located next to a 1000-year-old historic site, the park will combine the unique history and culture of the of Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties, with innovative technology. The history of the more faraway cultures of East Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Western Europe will also be featured at the Happy Valley Park.  A ‘multi-media interactive night event’ is poised to be a key attraction. The park will be the first ‘esports carnival base’ in China and is also described as the world’s first ‘AR park’.

The family friendly waterpark will feature both indoor play and an outdoor area and is designed for visitors of any age. The waterpark will be open all year round and is set to open for trial in July 2021. The entire project is expected to be fully opened by the end of June 2023.

DUNGEON ATTRACTIONS LAUNCH SCENT COLLECTION FOR LOCKDOWN FUN

BY GABRIELLE

The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Edinburgh Dungeon, and York Dungeon have teamed up with themed smell company AromaPrime to launch a scent range designed for fans who are unable to visit the sites because of lockdown.

The iconic Dungeon sites are popular places for taking visitors back in times, walking through elaborate sets with realistic sounds and stimulating characters. Smell plays a principle role in heightening the atmosphere at the dungeons and bringing bygone eras to life. The pongs created at the dungeons are the creation of AromaPrime, which also produces authentic smells for the likes of Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Madame Tussauds and Sea Life aquariums.

Since some of the UK’s favourite attraction sites have been closed, enthusiasts of sites like Blackpool Tower Dungeon have been ordering scent from AromaPrime, to transport themselves back to fond memories of days out.

For the first time ever, Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Edinburgh Dungeon, and York Dungeon, in collaboration with AromaPrime, are making their own unique pongs. Each scent is centred on scenes from the historical sites, including The Witch Trial, The Anatomy Theatre and Castle Ghosts.

Kathryn Angel, general manager at The Edinburgh Dungeon, commented on the partnership with AromaPrime, saying: “We are really pleased to be working in partnership with AromaPrime, whose atmospheric scents we have used for many years. It’s great we are now able to transform the Dungeon experience and bring it into people’s homes for fun, escapism or even to aid learning.”

DISNEYLAND RESORT IN CALIFORNIA ACCEPT HOTEL BOOKINGS FROM JULY 1

BY GABRIELLE

Reservations to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel can now be made for July 1 onwards.

Reservations for dining and merchandise experiences at the resort cannot be made until the Anaheim parks set a re-opening date.

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure were closed on March 14 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The sites remain closed until further notice.

On May 11, Shanghai Disneyland theme park re-opened following be closed for 107 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EUROPA-PARK CARRIES OUT GRADUAL RE-OPENING WITH STRICT MEASURES TO REDUCE RISK OF INFECTION

BY GABRIELLE

Europa-Park, Germany’s largest theme park, has been preparing intensively for a gradual reopening of its facilities.

Working closely with the authorities and making the health and safety of employees and guests a priority, the theme park is re-opening with strict measures in place to reduce the risk of infection.

The measures include placing a daily limit of visitors through the sale of day-specific online tickets. The observation of mandatory minimum distance will also be a priority of the park, with the introduction of distance markers.

Hygiene measures will also be ramped up, with additional standards and processes, including disinfection stations installed across the park and more regular cleaning.

To assist with social distancing and the management of queues, digital technology is being introduced at Europa-Park. Contactless payments will also be available, and employees will receive health and safety training.

Before entering the park, visitors will be informed about the new health and safety measures implemented at the site.

The gradual reopening of the theme park will see the hotel and restaurant open from May 18 and from May 29, the re-opening of Europa-Park, the hotels and camping facilities.

In a statement, Europa-Park said: “We look forward to also welcoming our international guests as soon as travel from and to our neighbouring countries is possible again.

“We are confident that will also soon be about to start our show and cinema program, as well as opening the water world Rulantica.”

JIUJIANG TO DEVELOP AN INDOOR THEME PARK COMPLEX

BY GABRIELLE


Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China, is to develop its first indoor theme park. The site will cover an area of around 80,000sq. ft. and will have a total investment of 3.5bn yuan (approx. US$0.46bn).

The indoor theme park is to feature iconic fairy tale characters, including those created by the famous Chinese fairy tale author, Zheng Yuanjie. The characters will include the much-loved Pipilu, Luxixi, Schunck and Betta, popular among Chinese people born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

The attraction site will comprise of innovative and interactive technology, alongside more classic mechanical attractions, and immersive multimedia technologies. The indoor theme park complex will feature themed commercial streets, a family resort hotel, and an art theatre.

The complex is expected to be completed within three years.

BOLDMOVE LAUNCHES NEW THRILL RIDE KNOWN AS ‘SMASH & RELOAD’

BY GABRIELLE


BoldMove, Belgium-based providers of independent support to theme parks and leisure centres, has launched its first thrill ride. Known as ‘Smash & Reload’, the ride is hyper compact and high capacity, and is part of the new Rogue Rides range.

Rogue Rides combines innovative technologies with a creative concept and easy but dynamic gameplay, designed to provide guests with an immersive experience. The attractions are fully weather-proof.

Being hyper compact, starting at 225sq.mt., yet with a high capacity of 360 people per hour, Smash & Reload can fit into leisure venues such as family parks and retail centres, as well as theme parks.

Players shoot in one of four interactive media screens, having to reload their devices, in a fast and interactive environment.

The game is designed for all ages, providing family entertainment with a team building element, where up to five teams can battle simultaneously. The attraction features a centralised projection, light and sound system to create an exciting atmosphere.

Benoit Cornet, founder and chief creative officer of BoldMove, commented on the new attraction: “We experience a true wave of enthusiasm from vendors and partners to put their best skills, people and technology into this exciting new attraction. We are so proud to pull this expertise together to build a next generation of dark rides with our customers. We address today’s needs and challenges with compact, yet high-capacity, fun rides packed with action and within reach of every budget.”

CHENGDU SUNAC CULTURAL TOURISM CITY WATER AND SNOW WORLD RECEIVES FULL APPROVAL

BY GABRIELLE


The Chengdu Sunac Cultural Tourism City Water and Snow World in Chengdu, China, has passed its final approval condition and has been given the go ahead to be built.

The Water and Snow World will be a principle feature of Chengdu Sunac Cultural Tourism City. The attraction covers a total construction area of 367,600 sq. mt. and includes parking facilities.

Snow World comprises of seven floors, two of which are underground and five above ground. It is the largest reinforced concrete structure indoor ski resort in China.

The attraction project is which expected to open for trial on June 30, 2020. The shopping mall in Chengdu Sunac Cultural Tourism City is due to open in September 2020.

The site is expected to become one of the most popular commercial districts and tourist destinations in Chengdu.

SEAWORLD CONDUCTS “HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES” SURVEY

BY GABRIELLE


SeaWorld has sent out a survey asking recipients their opinions on procedures related to health and safety when the parks eventually reopen.

The survey was focused on potential safety measures at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld resorts. Participants were asked to give their responses ranging from “this would be a major problem” to “this is absolutely necessary.”

Potential measures include a virtual line waiting system for rides and attractions, every other row and every other seat set ups, and the suspension of parades and night-time shows. Plans are also in motion to introduce a touch-free payment system for merchandise, food, and parking.

Those taking part in the survey were also asked their thoughts on guests being required to wear face masks and site capacity being limited to 25, 50 or 75 per cent. Survey participants were asked whether they would be likely or not likely to visit SeaWorld of Busch Gardens this summer.

Whenever the sites reopen, they will need to comply with health and safety measures set by federal and state governments.

SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND PREPARES TO REOPEN ON MAY 11 WITH LIMITED CAPACITY

 BY GABRIELLE


Shanghai Disneyland Resort is planning to reopen on May 11 with controlled capacity and other renewed safety guidelines.

During the initial reopening phase, the park will have limited attendance with an advanced reservation and entry system.

The resort will also be implementing controlled guest density with numbers managed in queues, rides, restaurants and other facilities. Social distancing will be set out around the park.

Temperature screening, hand sanitisation and disinfection measures will also be in place,, particularly in high-touch points, such as queue railings, handlebars and turnstiles.

Employees and members of cast will undergo training on social distancing, cleaning and contactless guest interaction procedures. Masks and additional protection equipment will be handed out to members of staff and cast.

Bob Chapek, chief executive officer at the Walt Disney Company, commented on the imminent opening of Shanghai Disneyland Resort. “We know how much our guests have been looking forward to returning to Shanghai Disneyland, and our cast is excited to begin welcoming them back,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

“As the park reopens with significantly enhanced health and safety measures, our guests will find Shanghai Disneyland as magical and memorable as ever,” Chapek added.

GULLIVER’S VALLEY TO FEATURE ‘CHUCKLE STREET’ ATTRACTION IN HONOUR OF CHUCKLE BROTHERS

BY GABRIELLE


Gulliver’s Valley theme park, which is set to debut this summer in Yorkshire, is to feature a new indoor attraction dedicated to the much-loved Chuckle Brothers.

‘Chuckle Street’ will pay tribute to the Paul Elliott and his late brother Barry, both of whom  are well known supporters of Rotherham United. The attraction will feature a timeline of the entertainers’ career.

In line with the duo’s famous catchphrase “to me to you”, a ‘Chuckle Bank’ will be located at the end of the street where visitors can make donations of toys and books for local charities and community initiatives.

A ‘Generation Gallery’ will also be a focal point of Chuckle Street, where visitors can submit any photographs they have of themselves with the entertainers.

Gulliver’s Valley is due to open this summer. The theme park will feature 50 rides and attractions, as well as entertainment for children aged three to 13.