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International Theme Park Services, Inc. ("ITPS") delivers the news you want regarding the amusement and leisure industry! 
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Monday November 11th, 2019
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1.  Cedar Fair revenue reaches $1.37 billion

As Cedar Point’s season winded down, Cedar Fair, its parent company, experienced record revenue.  The Sandusky-based entertainment company announced net revenue from the beginning of the year through Nov. 3 totaled $1.37 billion.  “I’m very pleased to say that our year-to-date results have us well on our way to making 2019 the best year in Cedar Fair’s history,” said Richard Zimmerman, company CEO and president, in a news release.

2.  Legend Siam Worlds 1st Tradition Theme Park Security Token Offering Curated by Via East West Capital

As the world of startup financing evolves from initial coin offerings (ICOs) to security token offerings (STOs), investment firms are in a race to secure lucrative opportunities for business. With that said, it is, therefore, an impressive achievement for any investment company to curate an STO for such an initiative as Thailand’s first and largest Thai Cultural Theme Park.

3.  DeWine signs law strengthening amusement ride inspections

Regulation of amusement parks, including Sandusky’s own Cedar Point, is overseen by the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Amusement Ride Safety & Fairs.  The bill hopes to improve the communication between the state inspectors, the ride manufacturers, owners and the department by doing the following:

4.  Los Angeles Fire Hits Area Near Universal Studios, Griffith

A brush fire broke out in California’s Hollywood Hills, burning a 34-acre area close to Los Angeles tourist spots such as the Universal Studios and Griffith Park.  “The forward progress of the fire has been stopped,” Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said in a post on the organization’s website. “Ground and air crews will continue to battle the perimeter of the still active wildfire, for which the containment goal remains.”

5.  Woman who lost leg in Alton Towers rollercoaster crash gets multi-million payout

A woman who lost her leg in an Alton Towers rollercoaster crash in 2015 has received a multi-million pound payout for the incident.  Vicky Balch says she has endured a wretched four years after the car she was riding in struck an empty carriage stranded on the track of The Smiler ride. Her payout from the theme park's parent company Merlin was finally confirmed last week.

6.  The Rumor Queue: Mysterious new structure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

A new temporary building has suddenly shown up in the cast member parking lot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. At first it was thought to be a part of the Christmas parade filming, but this structure appears to be made for something else entirely.

7.  New holiday look at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: What we saw on the first day

The holiday season officially kicked in at Walt Disney World on Friday with traditional and new Christmastime fare across the property, including fresh — and some may say enchanting — elements at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Here’s some of what we experienced, including our first awwwwwwwww moment of the season.

8.  Puy du Fou signals further international expansion with China contract

French historical theme park Puy du Fou is continuing its international expansion, with the imminent signing of a contract to build a new attraction in China.  The contract is expected to be signed during French president Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the country from 4 to 6 November. Puy du Fou president Nicolas de Villiers has accompanied Macron on the trip.

9.  Disneyland closes Tarzan’s Treehouse after slat breaks on rope suspension bridge

Disneyland closed Tarzan’s Treehouse on Sunday afternoon after a wooden slat broke on one of the Adventureland attraction’s rope bridges suspended three stories above the ground.  Nobody was injured on Tarzan’s Treehouse, according to Disneyland officials. The attraction is closed for the evening, officials said.

10.  Los Angeles Fire Hits Area Near Universal Studios, Griffith

A brush fire broke out in California’s Hollywood Hills, burning a 34-acre area close to Los Angeles tourist spots such as the Universal Studios and Griffith Park.  “The forward progress of the fire has been stopped,” Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said in a post on the organization’s website. “Ground and air crews will continue to battle the perimeter of the still active wildfire, for which the containment goal remains.”

11.  Losing amusement park Antwerp saved for the time being

The loss-making amusement park Comics Station Antwerp has been saved for the time being. Due to disappointing income and high debts, bankruptcy was lurking. Now that the court has approved a reorganization plan, the amusement park in Antwerp Central train station can remain open at least in the coming period.

12.  Efteling wants to be entirely carbon neutral by 2030

Meanwhile, it enters the consciousness of the people: Climate protection is important to preserve the earth as long as possible! As an amusement park-goer, one thinks of how environmentally friendly such a visit to a large amusement park is and how much electricity is wasted there. But roller coaster driving can also be sustainable. Efteling wants to prove that by having the main objective of making the entire stay as ecological as possible for the park visitor: By 2030, Efteling wants to become completely climate-neutral.

13. Alton Towers fire: X-Sector and Dark Forest area forced to remain shut after display

Alton Towers was forced to keep two sections of the theme park closed after a fire broke out while thousands of families watched a fireworks display.  Firefighters were called to the attraction at around 7.30pm, Stoke On Trent Live reports .  Parts of the theme park, which were closed for the firework display, were forced to remain closed as fire crews dealt with the emergency.

14.  Cedar Point Sports Center announces winter programming

Cedar Point Sports Center, managed by the Sports Facilities Management, recently announced the addition of youth programming to the Sandusky region, according to a news release. The programming includes basketball and volleyball leagues beginning in January 2020 for youngsters in grades K-5. 

15.  potts park redesigns "Tulpentanz" for 2020: 20-year-old ride receives maritime theme

The "tulip dance" in potts park will receive a new look in 2020. As part of the development of a maritime subject area, the round trip business opened in 1998 will be redesigned for next year.

16.  The 10 BIG Updates from Walt Disney World (and Beyond) This Week (November 4-10, 2019)

This week at Walt Disney World, Disney shares ANOTHER preview of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, attendance gets a small bump at the resort, plus a new exhibit opens at the World Showcase and limited-time additions come to Disney Springs and Disney's Animal Kingdom.  Outside Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando gets a new CEO after some bad attendance news, plus Universal confirmed a shorter Halloween Horror Nights in 2020.

17.  The 20 New Rides, Shows and Restaurants Coming to Walt Disney World by 2021 (Winter 2019 Edition)

As we head into the busy holiday season, the temperatures are cooling down around Walt Disney World. However, the final weeks of 2019 are going to be red-hot for guests visiting the resort, as we will see the opening of two new restaurants and one of the most-anticipated rides ever in just a few weeks! 

18.  Disneyland rolls out a new lineup of holiday popcorn buckets and souvenir sippers

It’s time to get your jingle on and Disneyland has just what you need to jingle all the way around the Anaheim theme park with a jingling Christmas ornament souvenir sipper and a new lineup of holiday popcorn buckets.  A new collection of seasonal popcorn buckets and souvenir sippers are now available at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure as the theme parks officially kicks off the holiday season today, Nov. 8.

1.  KidZania Set to Open First US Location in Evolving Texas Mall

The opening of the United States' first KidZania, a miniaturized city for kids to get exposed to various professions that operates in 21 countries, marks a bet that it can help an evolving Texas mall become a popular destination for out-of-town visitors.

2.  Tilt Studios to close at the end of year

Tilt Studios is an indoor family entertainment center with arcade games, mini golf, and laser tag as some of its feature activities. Joe Bell of the Cafaro Corporation confirmed the closing.

3.  Topgolf Brings Swing Suite to Military Bases; Supports Other Veteran Initiatives

Topgolf Entertainment Group, a global sports and entertainment community, is proud to continue its support of the U.S. Military community with new service member and veteran initiatives including Topgolf Swing Suite installations at two of the largest military bases in the country, charitable contributions to veteran organizations, and discounts for veterans, active-duty military, police, fire and EMS personnel.

4.  London sightseeing company Golden Tours put up for sale at £100m

Inter faith campaigner and philanthropist Nick Palan has put his London sightseeing business Golden Tours on the market, appointing advisers for a £100m sale.

5.  Indiana State Museum to host exhibit exploring opioid crisis

“Fix: Heartbreak and Hope Inside our Opioid Crisis” will showcase displays on the biology behind addiction, the history of health crises in America, and personal stories from addicts and families. More than 1,700 people in Indiana died from drug overdoses in 2017, a 75% increase from 2011. The majority of those deaths were linked to opioid abuse, the Indiana Business Journal reported.

6.  Lego landmarks for Great Mall up for vote

Local residents can now vote on which local landmarks they want to see rendered in plastic bricks at the Legoland Discovery Center that’s set to open at the Great Mall next spring.

7.  The VR Companies Shaking Up Location-Based Entertainment

It’s been predicted that by 2023, location-based entertainment (LBE) will make up around 11% of the virtual reality (VR) industry. This sector of the industry is going from strength to strength because of the unique, shared entertainment it offers—it’s the next generation of laser tag—a differentiated, exciting experience that brings people together for memorable moments. 

8.  It's all 'fun and games' in Denison, Texas

Some day people around Denison will recall the 'hey-day' of entertainment around this area in the early 2000s; and many of those memories will begin this weekend when "HeyDay" opens to the public.

9.  An entire Go-Kart facility is being auctioned off in Richmond next week

If you’ve ever wanted your very own Go-Kart (or perhaps 60) your prayers have been answered.

10.  Mall Metamorphosis: Success in the midst of retail disruption

If you are anything like me you have many of your formative memories taking place in a mall. For those of us lucky enough to have grown up comfortably in any major American city a good part of our early lives were lived in the purpose-built galleries of consumption we called “the mall” (not to be confused with “the shopping center” or “the store” or “the outlets”).
Waterpark / Aquatics News

1.  Video: tour of Europa-Parks water park Rulantica

Curious about Europa-Parks new water park Rulantica? Less than three weeks before the official opening, curious people can already discover what the swimming paradise looks like. A nine-minute YouTube video shows an extensive walk through the water world of 32,600 square meters.

2.  Southeast Asia's most modern water park is about to open

A highlight of the entire Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park population, Aquatopia Water Park makes an impression from the moment you arrive in the land of the ocean and your tropical friends.  The entrance gate area is a fountain with an ocean symbol. From here, an enchanting tropical world spread out before you welcomes adventurers with unique fruit sculptures. Looming behind the coconut groves is the shape of Phu Quoc's long-standing symbols such as a fishing boat, lighthouse and stylized fish sauce tanks.

3.  Goodbye, CoCo Keys, make way for Hard Rock Rockford

CoCo Keys Water Resort on the former Clock Tower Resort property will be razed next year to make way for the Hard Rock Casino Rockford entertainment complex.  But before 815 Entertainment LLC — the company teaming Seminole Hard Rock International with dozens of investors from Rockford and northern Illinois — takes down the structure, it is offering to donate whatever water park equipment is still usable to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford, the former Magic Waters water park owned by the Rockford Park District and operated by Six Flags Great America.

4.  World’s longest tube water slide at escape theme park in Penang now open

The world’s longest tube water slide at the Escape theme park in Teluk Bahang here is now open to the public.  Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said for years, Escape theme park has been the leading tourist attraction in Penang and the opening of the new attraction of the 1,111 metre-long water slide will further strengthen its position as number one theme park in Malaysia.
Aquarium / Zoo News

1.  Nashville Zoo Lantern Festival “Zoolumination” kicks off Friday

See the Nashville Zoo in a whole new light this winter at Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights. This massive event will be the largest lantern show in the country spanning more than 60 acres and featuring more than 500 custom-designed lanterns, a life-size holiday village, entertainment and specialty food options, along with the ability to see some of the Zoo’s live animals up close in award-winning exhibits.

2.  Sandra the orangutan, freed from a zoo after being granted 'personhood,' settles into her new home

A 33-year-old orangutan who was granted 'legal personhood' in Argentina has been relocated to a new home in Wauchula, Florida.  Patti Ragan, director of the Center for Great Apes where Sandra the orangutan is now living, told CNN she has been "inquisitive, calm, engaged and interested in her new surroundings" since her arrival on Tuesday.

3.  National Zoo launches week of farewell celebrations ahead of giant panda Bei Bei’s departure for China

The Smithsonian's National Zoo has launched a week of celebrations as giant panda Bei Bei prepares to make his departure to China.  As part of the Zoo's cooperative breeding agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, all cubs born in the D.C. zoo will move to China when they are 4 years old.

4.  Emirates Park Zoo is 10

On Sunday November 10, join the furry and wild family at Emirates Park Zoo for a very special day to celebrate 10 years since they opened their doors in 2008.  There will be exciting adventures, exclusive animal encounters and lots of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.  Visitors can expect an array of exciting presentations, quirky parades and plenty of showing off from precocious creatures.

5.  Native macaques escape after typhoon wrecked Chiba zoo

About 100 native macaques are on the loose after a typhoon destroyed their enclosure at Takagoyama Shizen Dobutsuen (nature zoo) here.  The city-run zoo dedicated to native Japanese macaques was severely damaged by Typhoon No. 15 on Sept. 9, and about 100 animals escaped.

6.  At India’s Assam Zoo, decades of experience lead to rhino-breeding success

One August afternoon in 1991, rangers at India’s Kaziranga National Park rescued a startled rhino calf. The young female, believed to be just a few months old, had just survived a tiger attack and was separated from her mother in the melee.  It was a tough start in life for the little calf, named Baghekhaiti by her rescuers, the local Assamese for “eaten or bitten by a tiger.” But she survived her injuries and would go on to give birth to the first greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) calf born in the Indian state of Assam as part of an ambitious captive-breeding programme launched by India’s Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in 2011.

7.  Parents, call the babysitters! For one night only, adults can stroll kid-less through Houston Zoo Lights

Alright parents! It’s time to get the babysitters on speed dial because the Houston Zoo has something special for you – and no kids are allowed!  For the first time in history, the Houston Zoo is hosting a Brew Lights event for the 21-and-up crowd.  What is this you ask?  This is an opportunity for adults to experience the Zoo Lights without kids AND to make things even better – there’s adult beverages.

8.  ‘Extinct-in-the-wild’ rare antelope born at Hampshire zoo

A baby scimitar-horned oryx, assessed as a species extinct in the wild, has been born at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire.  The female calf named Belle was born on October 27 and brings the total count to three born at the centre in 2019.

9.  Cincinnati Zoo reveals new bearcat’s name

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden has announced the name of its new baby bearcat.  A public contest through social media has determined the name of the bearcat — also known as a binturong — will be “Lucille.”  Lucille was welcomed to the zoo on Oct. 18, the zoo announced last month. At the time, she was already 1 month old.

10.  Free Admission For Vets At Shedd Aquarium This Veterans Day

For Veterans Day on Monday, the Shedd Aquarium is offering a special deal.  Any retired veteran or member of the U.S. Armed Forces with an ID will receive free admission at the aquarium.

Related:  Free NC aquarium admission for military and family on Veterans Day

Related:  Hogle Zoo offers free admission for military personnel, families for Veterans Day

Related:  Free admission to the zoo for veterans and active military
Tourism / Other News

1.  IAAPA Expo 2019: everything you need to know before you go

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is preparing once again to welcome the world’s leaders in the attractions business to Orlando, Florida, for IAAPA Expo 2019. This year’s event takes place from 18 – 22 November, at the Orange County Convention Center. It offers a packed schedule of talks and events.

2.  Virgin Galactic’s IPO launches a pivotal phase for space tourism

Richard Branson rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on October 28 as Virgin Galactic became the first commercial spaceflight company to list on the stock market. It was valued at more than $1 billion following its merger with publicly-listed holding firm Social Capital Hedosophia, then experienced a 20% drop in its share price after a week of trading.

3.  Martinique Tourism Is Surging

Tourism to the French Caribbean island of Martinique is surging in 2019, according to newly-released data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

4.  The popularity of the “Joker Stairs” highlights the problem with movie tourism

New York’s newest tourist attraction isn’t a museum, park, or art installation...It’s a stairway.

5.  If Cuba’s on your bucket list, here’s what the most recent changes mean for you

The changes in recent years on visitation to Cuba have created opportunities as well as confusion for Californians. Can you even go to Cuba? If so, can you fly to Cuba? Can you take a cruise to Cuba? The answers — yes, yes and no — may surprise you.
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News Releases can be submitted to Shawn at
shawnhaas@interthemepark.com 

 
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