In the News: PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth Announces its Status as a Certified Autism Center™

North Richland Hills, Texas (12/10/2024) — Texas’ first PEPPA PIG Theme Park has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to earn accreditation as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) in time for its grand opening on March 1, 2025. 

To accredit PEPPA PIG Theme Park, IBCCES will provide and require the following:  

Staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training

An onsite review conducted by IBCCES to develop detailed sensory guides 

Increased accessibility and support for visitors The accreditation will provide the proper tools to promote awareness and show families the options available to plan their ultimate day of adventure.  

“Merlin Entertainments is uncompromising about safety, security and welfare, setting the highest standards for all our guests and team members,” says PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth General Manager Jeremy Aguillar. “We’re proud this certification allows our attraction to be accessible to many more little ones and their families with specific sensory needs.”

The park also offers accessible rides, entertainment venues and play areas that will appeal to guests and team members with accessibility needs:

Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride includes wheelchair-accessible baskets, so guests can roll onto the ride without needing to leave their chairs. 

The ground at Muddy Puddles Splash Pad is specially graded for wheelchair use and water play elements are curated so guests of all heights can enjoy.

Peppa’s Pedal Bike Tour includes sensory rich details and is designed to meet all ADA guidelines and standards. 

“So many families are looking for accessible and welcoming options, and we're thrilled to work with PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth to provide another option for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors to play and have fun,” shares IBCCES board chairman Myron Pincomb.

View full press release here. 

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Rock N Rodeo Off-Ride POV, Crack Axle Canyon, Six Flags New England

Rapid Fire Theme Park History: Six Flags New England

In the News: Major Investment Heading for Six Flags Great Adventure

JACKSON, N.J. — November 14, 2024 — In a recent news release, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), the largest amusement park operator in North America, announced a more than $1 billion investment its theme parks over the next two years. Six Flags Great Adventure will launch THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity in 2025. In a groundbreaking announcement, Six Flags Great Adventure also revealed that a multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster will debut at the Jackson theme park in 2026. 

“With our dedication to creating unforgettable experiences, the park’s multi-year expansion plans will bring major investments, including record-breaking thrill rides, revitalized family experiences, elevated dining, expanded events, and continuous enhancements across the property,” said Brian Bacica, park president. 

“In 2025, we’re thrilled to debut THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity, North America’s first super boomerang coaster. And in 2026, we’ll unveil an all-new, multi-record-breaking launch coaster, a must-ride attraction sure to capture fans’ imaginations,” Bacica said. 

To make way for this landmark addition, the park has retired the Kingda Ka and GREEN LANTERN™ coasters, and construction will begin soon. This exciting new ride underscores Six Flags’ commitment to continually elevating the park experience and making every visit an unforgettable adventure for all.

Sunsetting the Former ‘King of Coasters’

Kingda Ka, ranked as the world’s tallest and fastest coaster, has delivered more than 12 million rides since 2005. The ride’s retirement, besides removing The Twister and Parachutes, makes way for a new signature attraction – a multi-record-breaking launch coaster – to debut in 2026. 

The park will also remove The Sky Way for future development, continuing the park’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience. 

“We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests’ passion. These changes are important to our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences. We look forward to sharing more details next summer,” Bacica added.

Too see full press release click here. 

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In the News: Roger Williams Park Zoo Hosts Holiday Lights Spectacular

Providence, Rhode Island (October 29, 2024): New England’s favorite winter tradition, the Holiday Lights Spectacular, is coming to Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Walk through a winter wonderland where over 3.5 million twinkling lights light up the Zoo. Discover dazzling displays featuring festive decorations and enchanting illuminations. From reindeer that shimmer to snowmen who sparkle, it’s like stepping into a holiday fairy tale brought to life. Don’t miss out on this magical experience.

Join us and ring in the season nightly from November 29 through January 4, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. Bundle up, grab an adult beverage or hot chocolate, roast some s’mores, and stroll through 40 acres of illuminated pathways. It’s the perfect holiday experience to share with friends and family.

For full press release, click here. 

Flashback Off Ride POV at Six Flags New England

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Cat woman Whip: Off Coaster POV At Six Flags New England 6/13/2024

In the News: Record-breaking Siren's Curse tilt coaster to lure Cedar Point® thrill seekers in 2025

SANDUSKY, Ohio (Sept. 19, 2024) – Cedar Point, The Roller Coaster Capital of the World®, will add fathoms of thrills to its world-renowned and record-breaking collection of scream machines with the 2025 debut of Siren’s Curse – the tallest, fastest and longest “tilt” roller coaster in North America.

Siren’s Curse hearkens to the legend and lore of mysterious creatures living beneath the surface of Lake Erie, often spoken of – but never spotted. The sirens of the lake who lured sailors to their underwater demise with their sweet, seductive songs will finally rise to land and attempt to entrap guests in a sinister two-minute fate of non-stop roller coaster innovation.

Riders will hear the echo of the siren’s chilling melodies as they ascend an old 160-foot-tall Lake Erie shipping crane tower, the sounds growing more sinister as riders reach the top. Their fate will hang in the balance as they encounter the roller coaster’s signature moment: a dead stop on a “broken off” section of track. The creaking platform holding the train of riders will slowly tilt the entire train into a 90-degree vertical position, forcing riders to peer straight down, hoping their train will connect to the twisted track below.

For the entire press release, click here. 

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Six Flags New England in photographs from my visit August 25, 2024

 

Six Flags New England, Main Street and Arcade Area, August 2024

 

The Attractions at Six Flags New England

Six Flags New England, located in Agawam, Massachusetts, has a rich history that traces back to its origins as Riverside Park in the late 19th century. Over the decades, the park has undergone significant transformations, evolving from a modest amusement venue into a premier destination boasting diverse attractions. This essay chronicles the development of the park's rides from its early days through 2024, highlighting key additions and changes that have shaped its current landscape. (Superman The Ride).

Early Beginnings: Riverside Park Era

Riverside Park's inception dates back to the late 1800s. It served as a picnic grove before gradually incorporating amusement rides. One of the earliest notable additions was the Thunderbolt roller coaster, which opened in 1941. Designed by Harry C. Baker and Harry G. Traver, Thunderbolt remains operational today, a testament to the park's enduring legacy (Thunderbolt (Six Flags New England)).

Transition to Six Flags: Expansion and Modernization

In 1996, the park was acquired by Premier Parks, which later became Six Flags. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era, characterized by significant investments and the introduction of high-thrill attractions: (Flashback (Six Flags New England))

• Superman The Ride (2000): Originally named Superman – Ride of Steel, this Intamin-manufactured hypercoaster features a 208-foot lift hill and reaches speeds up to 77 mph. It has undergone several rebrandings, including a period as Bizarro from 2009 to 2015, before reverting to its original theme. (Superman The Ride)
  
  

• Flashback (2000): A Vekoma Boomerang coaster that propels riders through a series of inversions both forward and backward. Before its installation at Six Flags New England, it operated as The Vampire at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. (Flashback (Six Flags New England))
  
  

Pandemonium (2005): A spinning coaster that offers a unique ride experience as cars rotate independently while navigating the track.

Revamps and New Additions: 2010s Onward

The 2010s saw continued innovation and the introduction of cutting-edge attractions:

• Wicked Cyclone (2015): A transformation of the former wooden Cyclone coaster into a steel-track hybrid by Rocky Mountain Construction. The revamped ride features three inversions and a top speed of 55 mph. (Wicked Cyclone)
  
  

• Harley Quinn Spinsanity (2018): A Zamperla Giant Discovery pendulum ride that swings riders up to 147 feet in the air at speeds nearing 70 mph. (Six Flags New England)
  
  

Cyborg: Hyper Drive (2019): An indoor spinning ride themed around the DC Comics character Cyborg, offering a sensory-rich experience with synchronized lights and music. (Six Flags New England)

Recent Developments: 2020s

Despite challenges posed by global events, the park continued to expand its offerings:

• Supergirl Sky Flyer (2021): A Zamperla Endeavour ride that lifts and spins riders to a 90-degree angle, simulating flight. (Six Flags New England)
  
  

• Dino Off Road Adventure (2023): A family-friendly ride featuring animatronic dinosaurs, providing an educational and entertaining journey through prehistoric landscapes. (Six Flags New England)
  
  

Quantum Accelerator (Announced for 2025): An upcoming thrill ride set to debut in 2025, promising to deliver an electrifying experience for guests. (Six Flags Rides & Attractions | New England in Springfield, MA)

Current Ride Landscape (as of 2024)

Today, Six Flags New England boasts a diverse array of attractions catering to all age groups:

• Roller Coasters: Including Superman The Ride, Wicked Cyclone, Batman: The Dark Knight, Thunderbolt, Flashback, Pandemonium, and Gotham City Gauntlet: Escape from Arkham Asylum.
  
  

• Thrill Rides: Such as Harley Quinn Spinsanity, Cyborg: Hyper Drive, Supergirl Sky Flyer, and Scream. (Six Flags New England)
  
  

• Family and Kids' Rides: Including Dino Off Road Adventure, Tea Cups, Scrambler, and various attractions in the Kidzopolis area. (Six Flags New England)
  
  

Water Attractions: The adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park offers a range of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers for guests seeking aquatic adventures.

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In the News: Conquer the Skies when Rapterra Launches into Kings Dominion

DOSWELL, VA—Kings Dominion, central Virginia’s beloved amusement park, is thrilled to announce the arrival of Rapterra as part of the park’s 50th anniversary season in 2025. Standing at 145 feet tall and 3,086 ft long, this incredible new attraction is the world's tallest and longest launched wing coaster. It promises an unforgettable experience filled with heights, speed, and exhilarating maneuvers for all park-goers.  

Rapterra, inspired by the mighty Jungle Hawk, offers riders the sensation of flight. The adventure begins with a powerful launch, accelerating passengers to 65 miles per hour in just four seconds before ascending to its zenith over the Jungle X-Pedition midway. The ride then plummets into a dive loop, and navigates a series of thrilling aerial maneuvers, including an S-turn, a wing slide, a flat spin, an airtime hill, and a 360-degree raptor roll. The 89-second ride totals three inversions before a smooth return to the station. 

“We are excited to unveil Rapterra, the must-do ride of 2025, at Kings Dominion,” said Bridgette Bywater, vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion. “This extraordinary addition promises new thrills for our guests, making it the perfect centerpiece for our 50th anniversary celebration and reaffirming why Kings Dominion is the ultimate destination for unforgettable memories and exhilarating excitement.” 

Manufactured by industry leader Bolliger and Mabillard, Rapterra's winged coaster design positions riders on either side of the track, offering an immersive, floorless experience that simulates flying. The basalt grey support columns and patina green track create loops, twists and rolls, ensuring a thrilling adventure from start to finish. 

Construction of Rapterra is already in progress, with completion expected this fall. The coaster will officially open in 2025, coinciding with Kings Dominion's milestone 50th anniversary celebration. More information on the 50th anniversary celebration will be shared later. 

See the full press release here. 

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In the News: Thorpe Park’s newest rollercoaster HYPERIA launches to the public today

Thorpe Park’s newest ride Hyperia- the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster – launches today, 24th May 2024! With the launch date also coinciding with the park’s 45thanniversary, it’s set to be a Spring bank holiday weekend to remember! 

Neil Poulter, Divisional Director at Thorpe Park says, “Hyperia has been years in the making and we know our fans and followers from all over the world have been waiting with baited breath to take flight on Hyperia! We’re delighted that guests will be able to enjoy the UK’s tallest, fastest and most weightless rollercoaster from 24th May 2024, which will also mark Thorpe Park’s 45th birthday! What better way to mark our milestone birthday than by unveiling our most epic and record-breaking ride to date! We can’t wait to celebrate our most thrilling season here at Thorpe Park with as many guests as possible.” 

 Plus, Hyperia isn’t the only new addition at Thorpe Park this year! With the 2024 season marking the dawn of a new era for Thorpe Park, many exciting new updates have been made across the park including brand new land Big Easy Boulevard where fun for the whole family is guaranteed. 

If a day of thrills isn’t enough and you want to make it a short break, look no further than the Thorpe Shark Cabins. Located onsite and within the park’s gates, you’re only a stone’s throw away from all the theme park action! AND the park recently announced new additions to their thrilling-themed-bedroom line up - three BRAND NEW Hyperia Cabins including unlimited fastrack on a coaster of your choice**** AND a single-use Hyperia Fastrack ticket! With perks galore included in each stay, guests can stay in a standard cabin or immerse themselves in one of five quirky ride-themed room types – choose from Colossus, The Swarm, Stealth, Nemesis or NEW Hyperia! Enjoy a thrilling staycation just steps from our iconic rollercoasters, with 2 day theme park entry included & early morning Fastrack.

To read the entire press release please click here. 

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In the News: Red Panda Paradise: Roger Williams Park Zoo Unveils Cutting-Edge Habitat

Providence, RI (March 2024) Roger Williams Park Zoo announces the opening of a newly built, cutting-edge habitat explicitly designed for its red pandas, Kendji and Zan. This meticulously crafted sanctuary prioritizes optimal animal welfare and comfort while offering enriching experiences for visitors of all ages.

Kendji and Zan’s new home boasts a spacious two-story, climate-controlled indoor space that mimics their natural Himalayan habitat. This ensures their well-being,

regardless of fluctuating Rhode Island temperatures and humidity. Strategically placed viewing windows offer guests clear views of the red pandas’ playful antics, offering a balance between animal comfort and visitor engagement. A remote camera system ensures the red pandas’ safety and well-being even when out of sight.

To view full press relase, click here. 

In the News: Unique Morgan’s Wonderland Unveils Its Largest Expansion To Kick Off 2024 Season

SAN ANTONIO – Unique Morgan’s Wonderland, still the world’s first and only theme park designed with those with special needs in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment, today unveiled $6.5 million in new attractions to launch the park’s 2024 Grand Opening Celebration: New Year, New Rides, New Joy.

“Since the end of October, we’ve been busy adding new attractions and refreshing the park for the enjoyment of our guests from near and far,” said Gordon Hartman, who along with wife Maggie cocreated the nonprofit park, thanks to the inspiration of their daughter with special needs, Morgan. “This constitutes the largest expansion in our history that began in spring 2010. Four major attractions have been added to our core of 25 already-popular elements.”

These major additions are:

• the 4D Magic Cinema theater in Sensory Village, giving guests the sensation of riding a thrilling roller coaster;

• Pirate Island Cruises, a passenger boat ride across the park’s 8-acre catch-and-release fishing lake;

• Rocket’s Sky Flight Adventure, a four-seat zip line that soars above the lake and that’s named after one of the super-hero mascots comprising the park’s Wonder Squad; and

• Jette’s Wonder Bikes, a wheelchair-accessible ride named for another mascot that’s in keeping with the park’s butterfly theme of enabling everyone – especially those with special needs – to soar to new heights of enjoyment.

Upgrades to food outlets and other park facilities complement the new additions, said Richard Pretlow, Morgan’s Wonderland president. He added that guests can enjoy the refreshed park daily during spring break through March 17.

View full press release here. 

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