In Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld finds its heart again
Miral's Yas Island opens its third indoor theme park, and we've got a full review. Plus, big news from Disney and more coaster openings.
In Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld finds its heart again: So this is what a SeaWorld theme park should be. Nearly 50 years after four UCLA graduates decided to open an oceanarium in San Diego after their plans for an underwater restaurant with a marine show fell through, Miral's Yas Island has commissioned a theme park that fulfills the promise of SeaWorld's name.
Along with my review, I have posted a walk-through tour of the park, along with the grand opening ceremony and full show videos of the park’s sea lion and dolphin presentations. Look for more video on the page later this week, too.
Meet the man behind the biggest new attraction of the year: During the media preview for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, I was invited to a one-on-one interview with the CEO of Miral, the company behind Yas Island and its award-winning theme parks.
First look at the new state of animal care at SeaWorld: Let’s get an insider’s look at the new rescue and rehabilitation center that Miral has built inside SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
The empire strikes back
Walt Disney World to close Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser: So is business accounting part of the light side or the dark side of the Force? Whatever it represents, math doomed the resort’s ambitious, high-priced, multi-player, live-action, role-playing, cruise-like Star Wars experience.
Disney Parks cancels plans to move jobs to Florida: Walt Disney Imagineering ain’t going anywhere after all. Disney’s theme park design team will remain headquartered in Glendale, California, as the company abandons plans for a billion-dollar corporate campus at Orlando’s Lake Nona.
Disneyland pitches a big payday for Anaheim: Back in California, Disney is looking to spend big money to build at the Disneyland Resort. And its citing an economic report that forecasts big returns to Anaheim and the state if Disney gets its way/
No Fantasmic! this summer at Disneyland: The show won’t be returning soon after the fire that destroyed Murphy the Dragon last month.
New attraction news
Busch Gardens' DarKoaster launches onto the coaster scene: Built within the home of the former Curse of DarKastle dark ride, Busch Gardens’ new DarKoaster has just enough speed and intensity to satisfy guests without freaking them out. Read Russell Meyer’s review and watch our videos.
Hersheypark sets opening date for Wildcat's Revenge coaster: Get ready for this new RMC on June 2.
Track work completed for next year's 'Tesla' coaster: Europa Park hits another construction milestone as it prepares for an expanded Croatia land in 2024.
First look at Universal Orlando's new Minion Land: I guess there really always is money in the banana stand?
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Robert Niles, Editor