Hot news from around the parks
We've got new opening reviews from Universal Orlando and 2024 announcements from Silver Dollar City, Kings Island, Europa-Park, and more.
Let's get this out of the way. It's hot in Florida. This is not news to anyone who lives there, sure, but as a frequent visitor, the absence of Orlando's traditional summer afternoon thunderstorms is making visiting the parks this time of year tougher than it has been in past summers, when a storm would blow through and cool the air a bit for a more pleasant evening.
This week's financial report from Disney noted falling attendance at the Walt Disney World Resort, which is consistent with Disney's competitors in the Florida market, who also have reported lower attendance at those parks this summer. Yes, some leaders in the state have gone out of their way to make visitors feel unwelcome in the Sunshine State, but Mother Nature is doing plenty to make many visitors feel uncomfortable, too.
Which is a shame, because the Orlando parks have been introducing some really nice attractions this year, including the new Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida, which I visited and reviewed during its media event last week. Summer hasn't been the high season at the Orlando parks for some time now, with the milder spring and holiday seasons becoming more popular. But adverse weather promises to become a bigger challenger for the themed entertainment industry as climate change intensifies. That is going to force consumers, and developers of theme parks and their attractions, to make some new choices in the years ahead. Stay tuned as we cover the affects of those decisions.
But for now, on to those reviews...
Ride review: Universal Orlando's Villain-Con Minion Blast: Universal has designed Villain-Con Minion Blast for the long-haul, creating an experience that rewards loyal and frequent players, even if feels overwhelming at first. [With video]
Let's tour Universal Studios Florida's new Minion Land: Universal Studios Florida's new Minion Land makes a strong statement right at the park's entrance as to what Universal sees as its dominant family IP these days. Includes my Minion Cafe review.
Universal starts Halloween season with 'Taste of Terror': In addition to the Minion fun, Universal previewed its new Halloween Horror Nights foodie event for us.
Up the east coast, Sally Dark Rides has opened its third new attraction of the year.
Can fans help lift the curse at this haunted hotel? Following the debuts of Uncharted: The Enigma of Penitence at PortAventura and Treasure Hunt: The Ride on Cannery Row, Whispering Pines Haunted Hotel has opened at Maine's Funtown Splashtown USA.
New attraction reveals
Silver Dollar City fires up for a big expansion: Silver Dollar City next year will unveil a new, $30 million version of its classic Fire in the Hole indoor roller coaster, built by Rocky Mountain Construction.
Dorney Park to get a Dive Coaster, with Iron Menace
Kings Island throws a Boomerang into Camp Snoopy plans
Europa-Park turns to Bugatti Rimac for its 'Tesla' coaster: Europa-Park's new Nikola Tesla-themed roller coaster will have an electric car company attached to it. But it's not Tesla.
Evil Dead Rise, Exterminatorz compete Hollywood's Horror Nights: Let's wrap the week's new attraction reveals with the final pieces of the line-up for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights on the west coast.
Financial results
Florida drops as other theme parks surge at Disney: Revenue and income continued to surge at The Walt Disney Company's theme park segment last quarter, with the company reporting double-digit percentage increases. But Florida did not share in that good news, with massive write-offs for the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser as well as declining attendance.
Attendance rebounds at Six Flags: Attendance at Six Flags theme parks increased 6% year-over-year for the three months ending July 2, the company reported, attributing the boost to lower pass prices.
Also in the news
LA County officials push for higher pay at Universal, Six Flags: Workers at Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain soon could get pay raises, starting at $25 an hour, under an LA County proposal.
Seven injured during incident at Germany's biggest park: An accident at Europa-Park has injured seven people, sending three to the hospital for observation.
Top 10 Walt Disney World rides to ride at night: Here are 10 attractions that you might consider waiting until after nightfall to experience, because they're even better in the dark.
More good stuff
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Robert Niles