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.