Archive For 2014

James Roy "Jimmy" Gillian has died

By | April 21, 2014

SOMERS POINT, N.J. — James Roy Gillian, “Jimmy”, 57, of Somers Point, NJ passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at his home. He was born August 28, 1956 in Somers Point to Jean (nee Young) and Roy Gillian. Jimmy was a graduate of Ocean City High School class of 1974. He was the former owner […]

Read more »

Kings Island unleashes Banshee, world’s longest inverted coaster

By | April 17, 2014

MASON, Ohio — Kings Island introduced Banshee, the world’s longest inverted coaster, during a media preview today. Banshee screams onto the scene as the park’s 15th roller coaster. With a price tag of $24 million, it is the largest investment in Kings Island’s history. “The ride has been designed with the thrill-seeker in mind. It’s […]

Read more »

Sweden's Kolmården building Europe's fastest wooden coaster

By | April 9, 2014

Norrköping, Sweden — This summer, work will begin on Wildfire, a contender for the world’s best wooden roller coaster. Thanks to new technology Wildfire is pushing the limits of what was previously possible. Once it is officially opened in the spring of 2016, it will be Scandinavia’s fastest and tallest roller coaster and the fastest […]

Read more »

Former Bluff Falls Waterpark under new ownership

By | April 4, 2014

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — United Parks announced today the purchase of former Bluff Falls Water Park. The water park will reopen in 2014 under new management and the name Hydro Adventures. Besides the name change, United Parks will be making many other improvements throughout the year, including the addition of a major new water slide […]

Read more »

IAAPA seeks director, safety and accessibility

By | April 2, 2014

ALEXANDIRA, Va. — The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is seeking a Director, Safety and Accessibility. The Director, Safety and Accessibility reports to the Senior Vice President, Safety and Advocacy and oversees the association’s safety programs, represents the association before global standards-setting bodies, and serves as a member resource on safety, security, […]

Read more »

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks to permanently close and remove Opa indoor roller coaster

By | April 2, 2014

Statement from the Laskaris family, Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks owners: WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — Our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Theisen and his family during this difficult time. Mt. Olympus has cooperated fully with State Department of Safety and Professional Services investigators in an effort to determine the root cause of […]

Read more »

AIR selected as IAAPA's new preferred FEC insurance provider

By | March 28, 2014

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attraction, (IAAPA), in conjunction with the IAAPA Family Entertainment Center (FEC) Committee, selected Amusement Insurance Resources (AIR), a division of the insurance brokerage firm Britton Gallagher, as its new preferred FEC insurance program provider. The IAAPA-endorsed insurance program, AIR Elite, is managed by AIR and exclusively available to […]

Read more »

SeaWorld's 50th celebration is a sea of surprises

By | March 24, 2014

Eighteen-month celebration kicks off on March 21, 2014, at all three SeaWorld parks ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment launched on March 21, 2014, a multi-park celebration to commemorate a key event in the company’s history. The original SeaWorld Park opened its gates for the first time in March 1964 on Mission Bay in […]

Read more »

This Spring fun Is blossoming at Knott's Berry Bloom

By | March 23, 2014

BUENA PARK, Calif. — The second annual Knott’s Berry Bloom returns this spring season with larger-than-life displays of beautiful spring colors, interactive family-friendly activities, expanded gourmet food and wine tasting opportunities, and more! This spring, the historic theme park will host the inaugural Ghost Town Boysenberry Festival where guests can wine, dine, and buy boysenberry […]

Read more »

Nation's largest mall is getting even bigger

By | March 22, 2014

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Mall of America, the nation’s largest retail and entertainment destination, Mortenson, a U.S.-based construction and development services company, Hotel Development LLC, an enterprise of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and the City of Bloomington, Minn. celebrated the beginning of a $325 million expansion project during a groundbreaking event on March 18. The […]

Read more »