Theme Park News Update - November 2020

News in a Minute - 30th Oct 2020

News in a Minute - 25 Sep 2020

• Hong Kong Disneyland has reopened today, but news from the resort is a little mixed. Apparently the company who runs the resort had an option to buy the land which is adjacent to the park, which expired yesterday and the Hong Kong government has declined to extend the option. So at this stage now second park for Hong Kong.

• The Tokyo Disney Resort announced it will open its new Tokyo Disneyland attractions on September 28th. The expansion — which includes the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast trackless dark ride, The Happy Ride with Baymax spinner ride, and the Minnie's Style Studio meet and greet location is the largest on Tokyo Disneyland history.

• Legoland in California has announced another new hard ticket event called Halloween in Miniland, which will run Friday’s through Sundays for October.

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg is hosting its own Halloween event, Busch Gardens Halloween Harvest in October.

• Universal Orlando is expanding its Halloween offering, continuing to offer day guests the ability to tour the two HHN houses they were testing last week, and adding Trick or Treating for younger guests at Islands of Adventure.

• Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando has added a new Robot Dog called Latte to their family of characters.

• A maintenance worker has fallen to his death from about half way up the Orlando Star Flyer. The giant swing ride has closed pending an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

• Walt Disney World’s Water parks will not reopen this year. Disney World posted to its website that it plans to open either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon on March 7, 2021.

• Idaho's Silverwood Theme Park announced its new-for-2021 coaster, Stunt Pilot, RMC Raptor single rail coaster.

• Disney has released concept art of the new entrance for the Polynesian Village resort which will reopen next summer

News in a Minute - 5th Sep 2020

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News in a Minute - 29th August 2020

 

News in a Minute - 14th August 2020

 This week's news:

• Epcot has brought back it’s iconic entrance foundation sculpture. The new sculpture is modelled on the original from 1982.
• Officials with the culture and tourism management commission of Beijing's Tongzhou District have said that Universal Studios Beijing will open for trial operations in the spring of 2021.
• WDW is cutting park hours for their fall schedule, in The expectation that it will be even quieter than normal in coming months.
• WDW is also discounting day tickets for Florida residents with a new ticket called the Disney Magic Flex pass.
• Busch Gardens Tampa has confirmed its hard-ticket Halloween scare event, Howl-O-Scream. The event will be modified with no houses, and a focus on open air scare zones and live performances.
• Genting Singapore, who own Universal Studios Singapore, have stated that their Super Nintendo World and Minion Park developments are on hold.
• The Actors’ Equity Association said that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Walt Disney World Resort after Disney agreed to provide Covid-19 testing for cast members at the resort. This should mean the return of several live performances to WDW
• A new theme park related show is coming to Disney + in September. Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is produced by National Geographic.

News in a Minute - 31st July 2020

This week's news:
• Universal Orlando has cancelled this year’s Halloween Horror nights. They have opened a tribute store to the event in the park this week, but it’s just a tribute.
• Disneyland have cancelled their Halloween party , the oggie boogie bash, as well.
• Other California theme parks are getting creative with their inability to open, with Legoland California opening part of their mini land and knotts berry farm extending their food festivals.
• Germany's Europa Park today opened its new Pirates in Batavia ride, replacing the former version that was destroyed in a 2018 fire
• In financial reporting this week both Six Flags and Universal reported dismal numbers for the second quarter of 2020, with the chains down 96% and 94% compared to the same quarter last year.
• Universal has stated that due to this the Development of Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park remains paused
• The Walt Disney World Resort is delaying the reopening of a few of its on-site hotels. Including Art of Animation, beach club and the boardwalk.
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg is returning August 5th with a Hard-Ticket Event called Coasters and Craft Brews

News in a Minute - 17th July 2020

This week's Theme Park News:
• The 2019 Theme Park attendance was announced this week, with most parks staying stable, except for Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China and Islands of Adventure who had solid increases.
• universal studios Beijing is on track with construction, which means a likely opening in the first half of 2021, according to China Daily.
• Rumour has it that a Disney cast memo has stated that at Stitch's Great Escape at Magic Kingdom, Primeval Whirl and Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom are permanently closed.
• Cedar point has introduced a new ride reservation system this week. Cedar Point is now using an "Access Pass" system for Millennium Force, Maverick, Steel Vengeance, and - when it reopens - Top Thrill Dragster
• Legoland florida is now requiring the use of masks inside any indoor facility.
• Hong Kong Disneyland has reclosed this week, although it’s expected to be a short closer due to specific outbreak detected.
• Fuji-Q highlands in Japan has asked for guests to refrain from screaming with the super cute Japanese slogan “scream inside your heart”.
• Water coaster Cheetah Chase has opened at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
• Another wAter ride, Mystic River Falls has Soft-Opened at Silver Dollar City
• Knotts berry farm are opening without rides and shows for the Knott's Taste of Calico food festival for the next two weekends
• Dollywood has stopped requiring guests have advanced reservations for the park.

News in a Minute - 4th July 2020

This week's news:
• Tokyo Disney has reopened this week, with one noticeable difference. The Haunted Mansion has lost it’s pre-show. That means no stretching room.
• Japanese newspaper Nikkei is reporting that Universal Studios Japan has decided to postpone the opening of Super Nintendo World indefinitely.
• Disney has suspended the Disney college program for the remainder of the year.
• The Bourne Stuntacular Debuted at Universal Studios Florida this week, and universal shared a sneak peek video of the attraction.
• Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, is delaying the opening of their Single rail coaster Jersey Devil until 2021.
• Kings island released a POV video of their upcoming giga coaster Orion.
• Hersheypark gave opened their new coaster Candymonium yesterday after media previews this week.
• Annual passholders at Walt Disney World snapped up all available spots for the resort's preview days on June 9th and 10th within minutes of them becoming available this week.

News in a Minute - 26th June 2020

This week's News:
• Splash Mountain is officially being rethemed to Princess and the Frog at both Disneyland and WDW. Disney announced the change, which has been in development for a year, early due to Controversy around the incredibly racist movie Song of the South which the original ride is based upon. As it’s still with Imagineering, there is no date for when work will start on this re-imagining.
• Disneyland has indefinitely postponed their reopening plans. The Californian government has said that it won’t decide on any theme park in openings until July 4th. Disney said this didn’t leave sufficient time for their planned July 17 opening.
• Tokyo Disney has announced July 1st as its opening date. Disneyland Paris has announced they will reopen July 15th
• The UK government has stated that their parks are allowed to reopen from July 4th.
• Australia’s first theme park to reopen, Sea World reopened today!
• WDWs new Park Pass Reservation system opened this week, with heavy access and technical glitches.
• Disney has also stated they have "paused” the planned rewrite and refurbishment of Epcot's iconic Spaceship Earth attraction.
• In the Netherlands, Efteling Opens Its New Family Coaster, Max & Moritz.
• The US state of Virginia has cleared the way for it’s theme parks, Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens Williamsburg to reopen, but have capped parks to 1000 people.

News in a Minute - 19th June 2020

• The Bourne Stuntacular Has started technical rehearsals at Universal Orlando.
• Walt Disney World have cancelled the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in its entirety. They have confirmed a modified version of Epcot’s Food and wine festival will still run.
• Hong Kong Disneyland Reopened yesterday
• Australia’s big theme parks are reopening. First Sea World on June 26, Movie World on July 15th and Dreamworld sometime before September. The parks will be opening at half capacity.
• Hersheypark is going to reOpen with their brand new B &M hyper coaster Candymonium on July 3.
• California has had a state wide mandatory mask order, which trumps the local Orange County weakening of restrictions that were effecting Disneyland and it’s surrounding areas.
• The original Wizarding World of Harry Potter land in Universal Orlando is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this week.
• Tivoli in Denmark reopened this week.
• Power Park in Finland has started testing their new Gerstlauer coaster.
• Se World SAN Antonio appears to be planning at least 2 new rides, with one likely to be a Mack Power Splash.

Theme Park News in a Minute - 12th June 2020

Here is the news:
• Disneyland theme park is reopening on it’s 65th anniversary, July 17th. The resort is using a staged approach to reopening with the Downtown Disney opening on July 9th and two of the 3 reiterated hotels opening July 23rd
• Universal Hollywood and Knotts Berry farm both opened their external shopping districts this week
• Lotte World in South Korea closed for a day of disinfecting after a visitor tested positive for Coronavirus
• Universal Studios Japan re opened this week, which has given us some great new images of the upcoming Super Nintendo World.
• Shanghai Disneyland has started vertical construction of its upcoming Zootopia-themed land this week
• The two owning companies for Australia’s biggest theme parks have teamed up to submit Reopening plans to the Queensland government. Current restrictions allow them to reopen, but limit them to only 100 in the park which would not be financially viable.
• Cedar Fair have announced opening dates for some of their parks: Kansas City’s Worlds of Fun will reopen to its pass holders on June 22. Kings Island will reopen on July 2, followed by Cedar Point one week later - on July 9.
• Movie land park in Italy is set to reopen today.
• Sea world Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have reopened yesterday.
• Holiday World in the US has added a new policy where guests can get a pass to return on an additional day if weather causes the closer of an attraction for more than 2 hours.

News in a Minute - 5th June 2020

• Black Lives Matter.
• Universal Studios Orlando's theme parks have re-opened this week.
• Other Reopenings this week include Europa Park and Efteling
• Efteling have also announced their new Max & Moritz will debut on June 20.
• Parks that have announce their opening this week inclue Universal Studios Japan Busch Gardens Tampa, Hersheypark, Kentucky Kingdom, Silver Dollar City, Sea World San Diego and Legoland California.
• The NBA is going to implement a long speculated plan to finish it's season at the Walt Disney World resort.
• Univesal Studios Beijing has revealed the lineup for their CityWalk Shopping and entertainment district.
• Sea World and Busch Gardens have announced details of their advanced reservation system
• King's Island is suing the state of ohio for the right to re-open

News in a Minute - 29th May 2020

This week's news:
• Walt Disney World is reopening it’s theme parks. Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom will reopen on Saturday, July 11, while Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios will reopen on Wednesday July 15, with soft opening events for select audiences before theN.
• Sea World Orlando has put forward its reopening plan as well, with a plan to reopen on June 11th.
• There was an amazing photo taken this week of the state of Super Nintendo World Japan! Looks amazing!!
• Six Flags today announced that the first of its parks Frontier City park in Oklahoma City will reopen on June 5. It’ll be first to utilise the new chain wide safety protocols including IR Temperature checks and contactless bag searches.
• Cedar Fair announced an update of its parks' mobile apps to support new admission procedures. This includes the ability to reserve entry times and complete the health survey required to enter the parks.
• Former Fox World Park At resorts world Genting in Malaysia has been Delayed to Late 2021.
• The Themed Entertainment Association today canceled its rescheduled 26th annual Thea Awards ceremony and TEA Summit for 2020 and announced that its Thea Case Studies sessions from the summit would move online.
• Legoland Florida has gotten approval from the state of Florida for its reopening plan, so the resort will resume welcoming guests on June 1

News in a Minute - 22 May 2020

Here is this week's news!
- Disney Springs has partially re-opened in Florida, with mixed success. A lot of talk this week about how signage for queue has been done, as Disney appear to be using a "Don't Stand Here" approach, as opposed to universal using a "Stand here" approach.
- Universal Orlando has put forward a plan to their county, to re-open their theme parks to the public on June 5th. The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force has requested plans from all major theme park chains in the region. They uniamously approved the plan, which includes a testing periods on June 1st for cast members, and June 3rd and 4th for invited guests and annual pass holders.
- In Europe, Efteling has re-opened, with firm rules around distancing, but no requirement for wearing masks.
- This years IAAPA Expo Asia has been announced as a virtual event , which will run on July 28th to the 30th.
- Current WDW President Josh D'Amaro has been named as Bob Chapek's replacement as the hea d of the park, experiences and products division of the Walt Disney company.
- Village Roadshow, who owns and operates Movie World and Sea World in Australia, has entered into exclusive takeover talks with a private Equity company BGH Capital. Interestingly though, there specific terms in the offer relating to raising the price if the theme parks run by the chain are able to re-open before the deal is finalized.
- Europa Park gave a video of the making of their new Piraten in Batavia ride.

News in a Minute - 15th May 2020

More good news this week!!

Here it is:
• Shanghai Disneyland successfully opened this week to many face masks and much social distancing.
• Universal Orlando’s Citywalk also opened selected restaurant and shops yesterday.
• Holiday World have announced that they will have all rides with virtual queues when the park reopens on June 14
• Knott's Berry Farm and Cedar Point have Postponed their Anniversary Celebrations until next year.
• Some of Europe’s biggest theme parks have announced their reopening with Europa Park opening on May 29th and Efteling opening in May 20th
• It’s rumoured the wdw might open reservations for their hotels in the coming weeks, with July 1st being the suggested date.
• Six Flags has introduced its new system for visitors to make reservations to visit the company's amusement parks. They said that pass holders will get first option to book and that people will able to add themselves to a wait list for booked out days. No announcement yet on when parks will reopen

News in a Minute - 8th May 2020 - THE RETURN

The long await... maybe... return of Theme Park News in a minute!

This week's news:
• Shanghai Disneyland is set to re-open on Monday May 11th! The first Disney park to survive the Coronavirus. The park closed in January along side Hong Kong Disneyland. They've been requested to allow no more than 30% of their normal capacity, but Disney has stated the initial days will be even lower. All guests and cast members will be required to wear masks, excluding Face characters, however they will only be accessible "from a distance".
• Disney Springs at Walt Disney World is going to start a phased re-opening starting May 20th. Select retail and dining locations will be opened, and there will be new safety measures in place for capacity as well as the use of face coverings.
• Universal Orlando's CityWalk may also be in the process of re-opening with reports of staff being told there are potential re-openings as early as next week.
• Hersheypark has had it's first test run of it's new coaster Candymonium this week. The new B&M Hypercoster is the anchor for their new entrance plaza, planned to open this year.
• The Cedar Fair park reported their first quarter earnings, which showed that Knott's Berry Farm had a 19 percent increase in attendance, prior to the coronovirus closures.
• It's been stated that when Six Flags theme parks re-open from this current shutdown, they will require guests to make advanced reservations to visit the park, so that they can limit visitation numbers.
• A rumoured new 100 million dollar theme park in Iowa  called Lost Island theme park has continued construction during this pandemic, with site owners day it wouldn't be wise to stop things now for the planned 2022 project.

Don't forget that you can also have Theme Park News straight to your earholes. Search for Theme Park News in a Minute on all good Podcasting platforms... or just click here:
https://anchor.fm/themeparknut/episodes/2020-Week-19---THE-RETURN-edpc9u

Australian Theme Parks closed due to Coronavirus

The major Australian Theme Parks (Dreamworld, Movie World and Sea World) have all announced tonight that they are closing due to the Coronavirus. Honestly, it's about time. I hope that the parks are able to sustain being closed financially until this threat of the virus passes.



Having said that, please enjoy a video filmed 4 weeks ago when we revisited Dreamworld for the first time in 4 years. I have a lot of very fond memories of Dreamworld, and it will always have a special place in my heart.



This visit was for a birthday party for one of my daughter's friends, so it's a basically a montage of me chasing my 3 year old around. Enjoy!

News in a Minute - 28th Feb 2020

• Disney has a new CEO, with Bob Chapek filling the role vacated by Bob Iger. No word yet on whether a 3rd Bob will fills Bob's role, now that Bob is replacing Bob.

• The Tokyo Disney resort is closing because of Coronavirus fears. It's announced it will be closed from February 29 through March 15.

• It was reported that there has been an incident on Magic Kingdom's Jungle Cruise, where a ride boat sank. It sank about a foot, as the water in this ride isn't actually very deep.

• Legoland California has a new General Manager, with Australian Kurt Stocks taking the role. Kurt was previously the General Manager of Legoland Malaysia.

• Disney's Hollywood Studios is going to start hosting Mickey Mouse cartoons in the reimagined Mickey Shorts Theater, from March 4th.

• Walt Disney World have added a new variation of the Dining Plan, with the Disney Dining Plan Plus, which has two table or quick service meals a day.

• The Magic Happens parade has opened at Disneyland Resort.'/.

• DisneyWorld have announce the dates for their Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween part, running on 36 date from August 13th.

• Attendance and revenue up at SeaWorld Theme Parks for 2019, up 0.2 percent.

• Universal Orlando released images of their new Dockside Inn and Suites, which open next month.

• Sea World San Diego gave a media preview of their upcoming B&M floorless dive coaster, Emperor.

• King's Island have released footage of their first test run of Orion, their new B&M Gigacoaster.

News in a Minute - 21st Feb 2020

This week's News:

• Universal Studios Hollywood has confirmed the closure of its Walking Dead attraction on March 4th.they also released the theme for its first Halloween Horror Nights maze of 2020 as the Walking Dead.

• Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella castle getting a slight touch up later this year, with concept art for a new slightly darker colour scheme released this week.

• Universal launched a new "Let Yourself Woah" campaign staring "Saturday Night Live" cast member Kenan Thompson.

• Cedar Fair reported record attendance at its theme parks in 2019 up over last year by 5 percent.

• Screamscape have reported that Universal is working on a secret project that will be connected to Epic Universe in Orlando. Think along the lines of Star Wars Galactic Star Cruiser... but for Harry Potter.

• The Apex Parks group has closed 4 of their properties including 2 amusement parks Indiana Beach and Fantasy Island

• Turkey’s Wonderland Eurasia (formerly called Ankapark) is now closed for good after failing to attract enough business

• The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! at Universal Hollywood will open to the public on March 27.

News in a Minute - 14th Feb 2020

This week's news:

• Disney is coming for even more of your money, with price increases for day tickets at Disneyland resort and annual passes at Walt Disney World.

• Six Flags has announced that all 26 of their parks and attractions have been designated "Certified Autism Centers" by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

• Universal is giving away 8 trips to Japan in a promotional stunt for Super Nintendo World at Grand central station in New York on February 19th.

• Universal Hollywood have dropped a hint on the opening of their new Secret Life of Pets Ride, saying it will be open for their Peacock Live after hours event on March 28th.

• They also announced more details for their Top chef event this week and

• It’s been reported that the next maintenance closure of their Jurassic World Ride will see the inclusion of the Indominous Rex.

• Dreamworld Australia is retiring the Rocky Hollow Log Ride.

• Disneyland had a backstage media preview of the Magic Happens parade.

• New restaurant called Asian Street Treats has opened at Disneyland resorts downtown Disney.

News in a Minute - 14th Feb 2020

This week's news:

• Disney is coming for even more of your money, with price increases for day tickets at Disneyland resort and annual passes at Walt Disney World.

• Six Flags has announced that all 26 of their parks and attractions have been designated "Certified Autism Centers" by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

• Universal is giving away 8 trips to Japan in a promotional stunt for Super Nintendo World at Grand central station in New York on February 19th.

• Universal Hollywood have dropped a hint on the opening of their new Secret Life of Pets Ride, saying it will be open for their Peacock Live after hours event on March 28th.

• They also announced more details for their Top chef event this week and

• It’s been reported that the next maintenance closure of their Jurassic World Ride will see the inclusion of the Indominous Rex.

• Dreamworld Australia is retiring the Rocky Hollow Log Ride.

• Disneyland had a backstage media preview of the Magic Happens parade.

• New restaurant called Asian Street Treats has opened at Disneyland resorts downtown Disney.

News in a Minute - 7th Feb 2020

• Something fishy is coming to Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood, with the previously exclusive Fishy Green Ale arriving from Orlando.

• WDW has added a new paid PhotoPass option, where you can book a photographer for a private session. Sessions are booked at 20 minute increments at a cost of $50.

• Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios has been turn over to the park operations team to start training, a month our from its official opening date. They also installed a new marquee for the ride this week, and they have opened up FastPasses for March 4th onwards.

• Tokyo Disney had a bad news week, where it was announced revenue was down, ticket prices are going up and the Tokyo DisneySea expansion, original planned for 2022, has been pushed back a year until 2023. This won't effect the expansion of Tokyo Disneyland, which is still on track to open April 15th.

• The American Disney parks have had a good quarter with attendance up 2 percent, it was revealed in Disney's Earnings Report. The report also mentioned that Disney expects the two Chinese parks to be closed for 2 months with an estimated net loss $280 million in operating income.

• Reportedly Warner Bros Entertainment is teaming up with Seibu Holdings to build a Harry Potter themed attraction in Tokyo by Spring 2023, on the side of the Toshimaen amusement park. Plans have not been finalized, but the rumours are is that it's going to be similar to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London.

• Soarin' Over California is coming back to Disney California Adventure, for another limited run.

• The track has been completed and the first train run on California's first floorless dive coaster - Emperor at SeaWorld San Diego.

News in a Minute - 31st Jan 2020

This week's News:

• Tokyo Disney have announced a new vacation package where children between 7 and 12 get to work a shift as a Gondalier at DisneySea's Mediterranean Harbor.

• Galaxy's Edge became the first theme park land to win a Grammy this week, with John Williams picking up the Best Instrumental Composition gong for "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Symphonic Suite".

• Shanghai and Hong Kong Disneyland both closed this week over fears around the novel Coronavirus outbreak. It is unclear when the resorts will re-open. Other theme parks have closed around China as well, including Ocean PArk.

• Universal Orlando kick's off their Mardi Gras celebrations this Saturday. It's the 25th year of the event, and this year they have opened a Tribute Store.

• We've seen a sneak peak at The Happy Ride with Baymax, which is opening as part of the Tokyo Disneyland expansion on April 15th. The new attraction is the same ride system as Alien Swirling Saucers at WDW.

• Disneyland has announced a new Star Wars Nite for its Disneyland After Dark series for August 27, the first ngith of Star Wars Celebration.

• They have also teased a flying Spiderman ahead of their Avengers Campus coming to California Adventure.

• Knott's Berry Farm have kicked off their annual Peanuts Celebration this week. The event runs weekends and selected days through til March 1st.

• Sea World San Antonio have released a POV of their upcoming new Coaster, the Texas Stingray.

• Disney is bring a Preview for the Disney Pixar movie Onward to the US Parks in February.

• Rumours are swirling about Walt Disney World considering adding a Paid FastPass option, similar to the MaxPass at Disneyland, in the coming months.

• Another Rumour is that Epcot's Space 220 restaurant will open on March 30th.

News in a Minute - 24th Jan 2020

This week's Theme Park News:

• Disneyland gave a sneak Peek of their Magic Happens parade which features 9 new floats including one themed to the Sword and the Stone. It has not been confirmed whether it will feature the burly guest 'Sam' who allegedly pulled Excalibur from Disneyland's stone earlier this month.

• Disney World has added the Millennium Falcon to FastPass+. It’s open for visits on and after February 19, subject to the normal 30 and 60 limitations.

• Universal Hollywood officially announced that The Secret life of pets - off the leash! Will open in spring.

• Comcast’s CEO has confirmed in an Earnings Call that Epic Universe will be contain Orlando’s version of Super Nintendo World

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has finally announced the Mission Ferrari roller coaster, as well as a new family zone, a walking experience and zip line.

• An official update from Virgin Trains stated that talks with Disney had reached a rather advanced state now”, to put a station on or near the Walt Disney World property.

• Sea World Orlando has media preview of their 2020 quadruple launch coaster Ice Breaker. They also gave a food and concert details of the Seven Seas food festival running from February to May.

• Efteling has completed the track on their upcoming Max and Moritz family coaster

• The imagineers behind Galaxy’s Edge have won a Lumiere award for Best Location Based Entertainment.

News in a Minute - 17 Jan 2020

This week's News:

• Universal Studios Japan have release a hype video for Super Nintendo World, as if we weren’t hyped enough already. The music video featured Galantis and Charlie XCX. We also saw potential 4 people ride vehicles for the Mario Kart ride and got our first look at Power-up wristbands.

• Disneyland’s version of Rise of the Resistance opens today, using the same boarding group system that has been used at Hollywood Studios.

• Epcot has started previews for a couple attractions coming in the next few weeks,Canada Far and Wide and Beauty and the beast singalong with the latter having its opening schedule released. It will Run 11am-7pm with Impressions de France running 7:30pm-9pm.

• Legoland California unveiled an 8.5 foot tall space raptor from the Lego Movie 2, at what will be the entrance of Lego Movie World, which will open in spring.

• The share price of Six Flags had a dramatic dive this week after they filed a report with the US Securities and Exchange Commission declaring that the company has filed a formal notice of default with Chinese development partner, Riverside.

• Chessington World of Adventure has announced that they will open a new Rainforest area in 2020 that will include three kids rides.

• Disney has shown off the huge Gusteaus Sign which will be outside the upcoming Ratatouille dark ride in Epcot’s World Showcase.

• Ocean Park in Hong Kong has announced its spending 10.6 million yuan to open 7 new scenic spots between 2023 and 2027.

News in a Minute - 10th Jan 2020

News in a Minute - 3rd Jan 2020