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.

DISNEY’S US THEME PARKS TO OFFER VEGAN DISHES TO GUESTS

 BY GABRIELLE

In a bid to cater for the culinary requirements of all guests, Disney’s theme parks in the United States are going vegan, as the company introduces more than 400 vegan dishes to its menu in two resorts in the US.

Beginning in Florida Walt Disney World from early October, the plant-based meals are available in both table-service and quick-service restaurants.

The vegan menu will be rolled out in Disneyland in California in spring 2020.

When combined, Florida Walt Disney World and Disneyland California have 602 places where visitors can eat.

Disney is referring to the new menu as ‘plant-based’ rather than vegan, in a move to remove any ambiguity around what ingredients are in a vegan meal.

In April 2019, Disneyland introduced a system on its menus of putting a green leaf icon next to its dishes that are free of animal products.

ONE MILLIONTH RIDER BOARDS MILLENNIUM FALCON: SMUGGLERS RUN

BY GABRIELLE

Disneyland’s themed area Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has welcomed its one millionth rider into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Disneyland shared a video of the Ridgeway family from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, celebrating being the millionth riders on the popular Millennium Falcon ride.

The flight simulator attraction uses interactive gameplay and immersive storytelling. Multiple riders sit in the cockpit of the ride and are each assigned a role.

Operating as pilots, flight engineers and gunners, visitors then battle TIE fighters in an attempt to smuggle goods as part of their interactive space mission.

The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run opened on May 31, 2019 with the rest of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge themed area at Disneyland.

Since opening, the flight simulator has proved a hit, attracting an average 20,000 passengers a day.

DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA GETS GO AHEAD FOR MARVEL-THEMED EXPANSION

BY GABRIELLE

Disneyland Resort has been given permission to build a Marvel-themed land expansion at California Adventure Park.

The approved expansion projects include the building of a 2,071 square-foot retail outlet with three attached canopies, a bathroom overhaul, a character meet-and-greet area, a microbrewery and improvements to behind-the-scenes buildings.

The building of the Marvel-themed extension is believed to be valued at over $14 million.

The new themed area is replacing Bug’s Land, which was closed a Disney California in September 2018.

The Marvel section of the adventure park will be based on Spiderman and other characters from the Avengers franchise.

Details about the attractions in the themed area have yet to be announced but it is expected that the first attraction will open in 2020.

Disneyland parks in France and Hong Kong are also developing Marvel attractions, with Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! recently opening in the Hong Kong resort.