SATE Europe, the knowledge-exchange and networking event for attractions industry professionals organized by the Themed Entertainment Asscociation (TEA), takes place from June 16 to 17, 2011 at the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, the (...) read more
As a first step of the park project “MuséoParc Alésia”, an interpretation centre focusing on the battle between Vercingetorix the Gaul and Caesar 2063 years ago will be opened in Alise-Sainte-Reine, Burgundy / France at the end of this June. Later (...) read more
The Mind Museum, opening in the fourth quarter of 2011 at the Philippines’ business district of Bonifacio Global City, focuses on math and science. The 20 million US dollar project is located on a 12,000 square meter site with five galleries and an (...) read more
The IAAPA Europe, the European Office of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, invites industry professionals to come to the first “IAAPA Europe Spring Forum” at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany on May 17 to 18, 2011. This (...) read more
Chessington World of Adventures Resort has been crowned Theme Park of the Year in the Theme Park and Visitor Attractions Awards 2010. This award recognizes the growth in visitor numbers, the good guest feedback as well as the park’s development with (...) read more
The deal for Merlin’s acquisition of six attractions belonging to the Village Roadshow was completed at the beginning of March. Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, the Sydney Tower Observatory and Skywalk as well as Manly Oceanworld, Sydney, (...) read more
At the beginning of March the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) named James “Chip” Cleary President and CEO effective from April 4, 2011. Cleary started his career in 1978 at Adventureland Amusement Park in (...) read more
In mid-February Merlin Entertainments announced plans for the construction of a 12 million dollar Legoland Discovery Center (LDC) in Atlanta, Georgia / USA scheduled to open in 2012. The indoor attraction will open at the shopping destination Phipps (...) read more
Guests of London’s Earl Court Olympia Two can be part of the Doctor Who Experience based on the British science fiction TV series since February. The first series of “Dr. Who” was produced by the BBC in 1963 and is about “the doctor” who travels (...) read more
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Jeju Island attraction in South Korea opened at the end of last year. It’s Ripley’s 32nd odditorium attraction worldwide. The exterior of the building, which is located in the Jungmun Tourist Complex at Seogwipo city, is (...) read more
As announced in our last EAP newsletter, 2011 will see the introduction of a new Shamu show in all SeaWorld parks. “One Ocean” is the name of the show which replaces the old “Believe” show. Thrilling performances and actions of the majestic killer (...) read more
At the end of last year the media reported about the construction of a Christian-themed park in North Kentucky called “The Ark Encounter”. An enormous full-scale Noah’s Ark made of wood will be the park’s main attraction and at the same time the (...) read more
According to the media, the emirate Abu Dhabi has stepped in with 5.2 billion US dollar of support for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s investor Aldar Properties (see our opening report of the new theme park in EAP issue 1/11) through the purchase of (...) read more
There are strange things happening at Merlin’s Thorpe Park in Great Britain … Reportedly, the park’s staff saw with their own eyes that objects were moved by an invisible hand and had disappeared. Employees felt observed by “something” and reported (...) read more
There is a general consensus among media reports about the billion-project “The World” that is literally to sink if nothing happens soon. The excessively hailed idea to sell 300 artificial islands off the coast of Dubai to the super-riches from (...) read more
In the event of the Chinese New Year celebrations that started on February 3rd, 2011, The Bubble Theater at the City of Dreams in Macau presented a new special fortune edition of the Dragon’s Treasure show developed by Orlando-based Falcon’s (...) read more
The amusement ride manufacturer Larson International from Texas announced the purchase of Minnesota-based family-owned Sellner Manufacturing Company at the end of January. Founded in 1923, Sellner produced a number of rides and attractions, having (...) read more
The negotiations concerning the sale of seven leisure parks announced at the end of December by the Compagnie des Alpes Group are finished. Agreements are signed and the new owner, the H.I.G. Capital Consortium (consisting of H.I.G. Capital France (...) read more
The popularity of miniature parks is existent but not exuberant. They are often missing the essential “thrill” to entice children and teenagers as well. According to the “Aachener Zeitung”, the successful Toverland owner Jean Gelissen has created (...) read more
According to Orlando Sentinel, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment plans to launch a new killer-whale show in its three parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio in spring 2011. The new, as-yet-unnamed show will replace the “Believe” show which is in (...) read more
