All articles tagged with #amusement parks
Clementon Park and Splash World in New Jersey — a 119-year-old amusement landmark — will close after the 2026 season and be listed for sale. Owner IB Parks & Entertainment hasn’t disclosed a price or a specific reason, hoping a buyer will carry on the park’s legacy after a history of closures and reopenings, including rides like Hellcat and Dragon Coaster.
A 49-year-old rider on the Batman Gotham City Escape coaster at Parque Warner Madrid sustained an open fracture in one leg and a closed fracture in the other, was airlifted to a nearby hospital, and the ride was halted and closed for review as authorities investigate; witnesses described panic among nearby guests.
After Dolly Parton’s death, Hershey Park posted a price comparison claiming summer tickets were $49.99—cheaper than Dollywood’s $94.99—and the now-deleted reply drew swift backlash for insensitivity; the post had gone viral with millions of views, and the park apologized, saying the context was misconstrued and the message was removed to avoid controversy. Dollywood later said it would remain open on Wednesday per Parton’s wishes.
Disney revealed a major Tomorrowland overhaul at the D23 Expo, promising reimagined land with new attractions and more open space ahead of Disneyland’s 75th anniversary, while offering no firm timeline; fans flooded Disney Parks’ social posts urging the return of the long-closed PeopleMover, whose elevated tracks still loom over Tomorrowland; the discussion comes as Disney also previews a new Avatar experience at California Adventure as part of the broader project.
Toluca Lake residents complain of nonstop screams from Universal Studios Hollywood's Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift during its soft-launch, prompting a plan to install two more sound barriers. Universal says testing complies with noise rules and will continue adjusting measures, with a community meeting planned as neighbors push for relief.
Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey unveiled Bakunawa, a 382-foot-tall, 100 mph roller coaster with three launches and the world’s first upside-down launch, featuring floorless spinning trains; set to open in 2027 as the centerpiece of a Boardwalk renovation, it’s expected to break six world records, including fastest inversion and longest stall inversion.
A 54-year-old man with a pre-existing heart condition suffered cardiac arrest on Disney World’s It’s a Small World boat ride in Orlando on April 2 and died after being transported to a local hospital. The death was disclosed in the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services’ quarterly park-injury report, marking the ride’s second fatality since its 1971 opening (the first occurred in 2014). Disney World did not immediately comment.
A summer travel feature highlights five anticipated roller coasters debuting this season across major parks, including the 309-foot Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas, plus other high-speed, beyond-vertical experiences at Universal Studios and Legoland, alongside family‑friendly options for broader appeal.
Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA—free admission since 1926—took Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice top spot for America’s amusement parks, praised for affordability and a laid-back vibe, ahead of Disney and Universal; the top five are Knoebels, Dollywood, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Universal Islands of Adventure, with a top-10 that includes Epcot, LEGOLAND California, Universal Studios Florida, Disneyland Park, and Silver Dollar City.
A cable on a Steel Max bungee-style ride at Seville’s Feria de Abril snapped, sending a capsule about 300 feet into the air before it crashed into the ride’s structure and injuring four people, including two children; two other adults suffered minor injuries as authorities investigated the incident.
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. has agreed to sell seven of its amusement parks to real estate investor EPR Properties for $331 million as part of a portfolio simplification to reduce debt and reinvest in higher-growth parks like Carowinds; closing is expected by the end of Q1 or early Q2, with EPR partnering to run the US and Canadian parks. The move comes after a difficult 2025 with a $1.6 billion net loss and will allow continued investment in remaining parks while Carowinds continues to update facilities and experiences, including the Carolina Harbor Waterpark reopening May 23.
Six Flags America in Maryland, a beloved 51-year-old theme park, closed permanently after its 2025 season, with fans expressing nostalgia and hope for some rides to be relocated. The closure was part of the company's strategic shift, and the park's last day drew large crowds despite the sadness of the final farewell.
Travis Kelce, a lifelong Six Flags fan and Kansas City Chiefs star, has invested in the struggling amusement park company alongside JANA Partners, aiming to help revitalize the brand amid financial and operational challenges following a merger and declining attendance. The investment signals hope for industry recovery through potential management changes, technological upgrades, and possible park sales, with Kelce's involvement bringing positive attention and a nostalgic connection to the parks.
Jana Partners has invested in Six Flags Entertainment and partnered with NFL star Travis Kelce to help revitalize the struggling amusement park operator through strategic activism, branding, operational improvements, and potential sale options, aiming to boost shareholder value and modernize the company's image.
NFL star Travis Kelce is entering the amusement park industry by partnering with Jana Partners to acquire a 9% stake in Six Flags, aiming to enhance the guest experience and add to his entrepreneurial ventures, which include a podcast and a music festival.