Lots of Goodbyes
A corporate CEO, a blow-up dragon, and an entire theme park all made their exits this week.
Hello, theme park fans and industry insiders,
I hope that the past week has brought good news to you and yours. It's definitely brought a lot of news for those of us who like to stay on top of what is happening in this business. Let's get into it.
Bollywood Parks Dubai Closes Permanently: Dubai Parks and Resorts is down to two parks now. I loved this park when it debuted, but the addition of several flats from the canceled Six Flags Dubai project did not help Bollywood Parks live up to its potential. It's a gut punch for the teams who worked on this to know that their work will not be seen again. But we have a few videos of the park so it at least an impression of the experience will endure online.
Jeff Shell Out as CEO at NBCUniversal: Mark Woodbury's boss at NBCUniversal is out after an investigation into an inappropriate relationship. The departure should not affect the parks, but it is big news for a company that's been looking to close the gap to Disney.
Fire Shuts Down Popular Disneyland Spectacular: Speaking of going up in flames, it was last call for "Murphy," the oft-troubled inflatable Maleficent dragon in Disneyland's Fantasmic, which caught fire during a performance last weekend.
Chaperone Policies Return to Cedar Fair Parks: The chain is bringing back to several of its parks rules requiring visitors under age 15 be accompanied by adults 21 or older to enter or stay in the park in the evenings.
Six Flags Sets a New Record - With Solar Energy: Six Flags' Los Angeles park announces its partners to cover Magic Mountain's parking lot with what will be the largest private solar installation in the state.
Former Six Flags Exec Takes Over at Palace Entertainment: Bonnie Sherman Weber moves in as COO as John Reilly moves up to Managing Director.
Here's the Sticky Truth About Disney in North Carolina: A group of lawmakers in the Tar Heel state are trolling Florida by introducing a bill to lure Walt Disney World to their state. It's not happening, but there is potential for themed entertainment industry expansion in a growing North Carolina, if anyone wants to play.
In more conventional news for this time of year, the SeaWorld parks announced a couple of updates on the impending openings of its new coasters in Orlando and Williamsburg.
Let's also round up the remaining Disney Parks news from this past week.
And to wrap up the week's news, Russell Meyer treats us to a great report detailing his family's recent visit to Legoland in the United Kingdom.
Spring Break in England: A Trip to Legoland Windsor
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Thank you for reading! Best wishes - as always - for the week ahead,
Robert Niles, Editor
I’m a little conflicted about the conversion of the Ft Wilderness cabins to DVC properties. I am a DVC member and would love to be in that environment, but will this take away from others? The Ft Wilderness area is a great place for families and trailer travelers. Will this cause a divide?