FANTASY ISLAND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT SITE IS COMING TO SRI LANKA

BY GABRIELLE

A state-of-the-art family entertainment venue known as Fantasy Island is coming to Sri Lanka. The entertainment park will be located in the Colombo suburb of Battaramulla.

Sri Lanka’s state-owned Board of Investment (BOI) has signed an agreement with foreign investors to develop the pioneering attractions site.

The Melchers Group is to build the Fantasy Island project at a cost of $4 million. The venue will feature a 40-metre Ferris wheel, a huge waterplay area with waterslides and other attractions, and an indoor snow facility.

Alexander Melchers, the Melchers Group managing director in South East Asia and founding investor of Fantasy Island, commented:

“Sri Lanka has made great progress to build hotels and infrastructure. Now, the Fantasy Island is the beginning of the next development phase of the tourism industry.

“We will provide a purpose-built, state-of-the-art family entertainment attraction to cater for international and local tourists and residents. I am very confident in the business outlook in Sri Lanka. We represent German, Singaporean, and Swiss investors who believe in the long-term potential of Sri Lanka,” Melchers added.

Michael Perera, chairman of the Sri Lankan office of the Melchers Group, CMC Engineering Export, said:

“In phase 1, the investment of more thn $4 million will bring inclusive attractions for the entire family which are truly unique to Sri Lanka.

“Fantasy Island will create over 60 employment and career development opportunities for the community.”

Fantasy Island is due to be completed in 2020.

NEW AMERICANA-THEMED WORLD TORNADO SPRINGS COMING TO PAULTONS PARK

BY GABRIELLE

A new, multi-million-pound themed world known as Tornado Springs is coming to Paultons Park in Hampshire.

The world is based on a 1950s’ American Midwest desert resort town theme and is due to open in May 2020.

The new four-acre land will feature a series of new rides and attractions, including the only rollercoaster of its kind in the UK, a free-spinning ride with 20-metre heights, known as the Storm Chaser.

The themed park will also be home to a Gyro Swing spinning pendulum ride, the Cyclonator. The ride is centred on an invention to scythe crops that’s powered by the wind as has been made by the characters of Tornado Springs.

Another highlight is Al’s Auto Academy, a garage-themed driving school ride with Windmill Tower drop rides, electric cars, a Buffalo Falls water raft ride and Trekking Tractors.

James Mancey, operations director of Paultons Park, commented on the new land:

“We are extremely excited to bring Tornado Springs to the public next May. The new themed world represents the single largest and most ambitious investment in the future of Paultons Park since we opened in 1983. The Tornado Springs concept is unique to Paultons Park and will significantly extend our capacity to entertain and delight children of all ages.

“We felt that the theming of Tornado Springs was a natural fit with the traditional family values with which Paultons Park is synonymous.

“We’ve coupled the vibrant appeal and charm of the 1950’s era with best-in-class rides and attractions to create a truly unique world which, in association with our existing fantastic themed lands, will stand head and shoulders above any other family attraction in the UK,” Mancey added.

PORTAVENTURA WORLD BRINGS NEW ADDITIONS TO SUMMER 2019 PROGRAMMEALICE IN WINTERLAND COMES TO LIGHTWATER VALLEY THIS CHRISTMAS

BY GABRIELLE

The enchanting Alice in Winterland is coming to Lightwater Valley this Christmas, inviting guests to embark on a magical journey with festive lights, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, Alice and much, much more.

The family theme park in Ripon, Yorkshire will be lit up with hundreds of giant illuminated lanterns, as visitors encounter stories and characters from Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Families can enjoy watching the Mad Hatter preparing for his tea party, discovering the giant chess board, becoming acquainted with a four-metre high Alice lantern and coming face to face with the legendary Alice in Wonderland Queen.

A glowing garden with huge mushrooms, brightly lit tulips, flamingos and other curious objects, will play centre stage at the Alice in Winterland season.

It is believed that the town of Ripon played an influential role in Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s story. Carroll’s father was the canon of Ripon Cathedral where he carved figures of Alice and the Mad Hatter. The figures have been found on a number of the choir stalls.

Asides meandering round illuminated scenes from the much-loved books, guests can have fun on a traditional fairground, including a carousel and the Skyrider.

There will also be an Indoor Play Area and Young Fun Rides for younger guests.

Food and drink will be available, alongside tasty, festive drinks to warm visitors up as they experience the light experience.

Alice in Winterland at Lightwater Valley will run from 22 November until 30 December 2019.