A wild week for theme parks
Two accidents at European theme parks lead this week's news, which includes new financials from Disney and a union organizing effort at Disneyland.
This week brought theme park fans around the world the shocking news and images from Sweden, where a fire erupted at a new water park that was supposed to open in just a few months. That story leads our theme park news round-up this week.
Fire destroys Liseberg's new water park: The 3.5-acre Oceana Water World was set to open this summer. Unfortunately, the incident in Sweden was not the only major theme park accident this week….
Falling tree injures roller coaster riders: The accident happened on Tomahawk, a CCI family wooden coaster in Spain's PortAventura park. Five people were hospitalized, with two suffering what local authorities called serious injuries.
Disney profits, and workers want their share
Disney reports record revenue, income from its theme parks: Disney's theme park segment last week reported an 8% increase in operating income on a 7% increase in revenue for the three months ending December 30, 2023, setting records for the company.
Where will Disney spend its billions on new attractions? So how much money, exactly, will Disney spent on new attractions at each of its properties over the next decade? Let's do some math.
Disneyland character, parade performers asked to join union: Actors' Equity Association, the labor union that represents Broadway performers and other stage actors across the United States, has launched a new organizing campaign at Disneyland.
Disney reveals opening season for Tiana's Bayou Adventure: Disney has announced that the replacement for the former Splash Mountain will open this summer at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. In addition, Walt Disney Imagineering's Charita Carter shared a first look at one of the new Tiana animatronics that will be featured inside the ride.
Happy birthday to Disney California Adventure
Six reasons why you should visit Hong Kong Disneyland in 2024
Universal's latest moves
Universal opens in Minecraft, as Disney goes with Fortnite: Just days after Disney announced a deal with the creator of Fortnite, Universal's theme parks have teamed up with Minecraft.
Veggies are the star at Universal's new Nintendo cafe: After a first taste of the new Power Up Cafe last week, I returned to Universal Studios Hollywood to try the rest of this Nintendo-themed quick-service restaurant's menu.
More theme park news
Legoland to open first gondola ride in New York: Time for another round-up of attraction announcements and progress from around the world of theme parks. Let's start with Legoland in New York, then head down to Florida before checking in with Busch Gardens, Europa-Park, and Kennywood.
Catapult Falls gets its opening date: The 'world's first launched flume coaster' will open officially to SeaWorld San Antonio guests on Saturday, March 2, the park has announced.
Theme park fans to get a new 'Wizard of Oz' land this year: Warner Bros. Movie World in Australia has announced the names for the two family roller coasters that will debut in its new Wizard of Oz land later this year.
Vekoma unveils new coaster design with multiple paths: Vekoma is sharing new details today about a unique new track design for the roller coaster industry. Jungle Rush will anchor the new Rivertown land at Australia's Dreamworld when it opens later this year.
Here's how to watch the Great Theme Park Solar Eclipse: Cedar Point is now selling tickets to its 'Total Eclipse of the Point' event on April 8. On that day, a total solar eclipse will pass across North America, with several theme parks in its path.
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Best wishes,
Robert Niles