"The phenomenal popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has allowed our Imagineers and cast members to bring the classic Tom Sawyer Island pirate experience alive in new, entertaining and fun ways like only Disney can do," said Ed Grier, President of Disneyland Resort. "Through Disney's signature brand of storytelling, guests will be immersed in a pirate experience like no other and find new ways to explore an island that's been taken over by some of the most popular characters from the Pirates franchise, including Captain Jack Sparrow himself."

The Year of a Million Dreams has been all about immersing our guests in the excitement of Disneyland, and this in-park videogame content is a groundbreaking way for them to participate in the "Pirates of the Caribbean' adventure," said Grier.

In Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End for Nintendo DS, players take on the roles of Captain Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner in a journey based on the events, environments and characters seen on the silver screen in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Developed by Amaze Entertainment and published by Disney Interactive Studios, the game is rated E 10+ for Everyone ten and older by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and will be available at retailers nationwide as well as for purchase in the parks.

At Disneyland, half the fun will be discovering hotspot locations in New Orleans Square (hint: as every pirate knows, X marks the spot) for downloads that unlock new content such as unlimited health and savvy as well as fun extras and additional costumes. This special content is only available in the parks through Labor Day weekend and is accessible with a Nintendo DS.

Both Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and the Nintendo DS in-park play opportunities are additions to the line-up of the new immersive experiences debuting in 2007 as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration at Disney Parks.

Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island makes its debut day and date with the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End, the third film in the popular Disney movie franchise. Building upon the hands-on play and exploration that have made the island a Disneyland favorite for children and adults alike since it opened more than 50 years ago, Pirates Lair takes its inspiration from Tom and Huck's pirate games chronicled in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, as well as from Disneyland's famed Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the blockbuster motion picture series.

The Pirate's Lair experience embarks when aspiring pirates traverse the Rivers of America in Frontierland on rafts -- with island maps in hand -- and head ashore at Pirate Point where they are greeted by Captain Jack Sparrow's warning of his presence on the isle.

Guests will soon discover that Captain Jack has joined his fellow adventurers from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies in a plan to overtake Tom Sawyer Island. William Turner has set up his blacksmith shop on Pirate Point and Elizabeth Swann has landed, as evidenced by her framed portrait, signed love letters and diary.

Quarrelsome pirates Pintel and Ragetti also have staked their claim. Appearing as special effects in the form of a pop-up head and a spooky skeletal arm, the pair attempts to frighten off would-be treasure-snatchers and other plunderers.

Cavern explorers in Dead Man's Grotto will encounter ghostly apparitions, buried treasure and mysterious voices, as well as discover an ornate chest that holds the heart of the villainous Davy Jones. Brave souls seeking to claim the cherished chest will be shocked to feel the thump of his beating heart and hear the strains of his ghostly voice.

In a watery inlet alongside a ramshackle barrel bridge in Smuggler's Cove, treasure seekers might spot a sunken ship. A closer look discovers a chest that can only be revealed by operating a hoist to lift it from its underwater nest.

Unwitting guests roaming the island may stumble upon a rather intimidating suspended bone cage, similar to the one depicted in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. However, this seemingly unfortunate situation could lend itself as the perfect opportunity to pose for photos as trapped prisoners of the cannibal tribe that menaced Captain Jack.

Down another path, guests may meet up with roving pirates seeking new recruits to take the Pirate Oath, as well as The Bootstrappers, a fun-loving band of rogues who are always looking high and low for sing-a-long participants.

Guests also should keep a keen lookout for pirates at other island landmarks like Tom & Huck's Treehouse and Castle Rock, where -- as legend has it -- marauders have stashed their hoard of loot.

Captain Jack and several sly, cunning pirates take to the swords in Jack Sparrow's Swashbuckling Adventure, an interactive and high-energy live performance. During the show, Captain Jack tricks a fellow pirate into helping him retrieve a map from the Casque of the Unknown that leads to the ultimate buried treasure. A brawl ensues and the pirates engage in swordplay, acrobatics and a cannon battle in their quest for the revered map. The performance runs several times daily on the island.

Tom Sawyer Island opened in June 1956. It claims the distinction of being the only attraction personally designed by Walt Disney.

Along with the arrival of Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, summer 2007 will mark the return of FANTASMIC! This dazzling adventure inside Mickey Mouse's magical imagination is an extravaganza of characters, light and special effects. It will be performed on the Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer Island beginning in June.

"We are thrilled that Maverick will be up and running for the holiday weekend," said John Hildebrandt, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. "Our guests have been very understanding and patient with us as we made these changes and now the reward is theirs- a ride on Maverick!"

The coaster'sdebut was delayed so that four sections of its steel track could be reconfigured and fabricated. The new sections of track were installed earlier this week.

Prior to the ride's opening, the park hosted a ceremony to recognize the winners of the Firelands Chapter of the American Red Cross First Ride Auction. Participants placed bids to be one of the first riders on the $21 million roller coaster.

With its multiple elements and terrain-hugging layout, Maverick is a coaster like no other at Cedar Point. Maverick treats its riders to a thrilling journey over more than 4,400 feet of steel track that will twist its way through rocky canyons, over airtime-filled hills and around quick but smooth changes in direction. The coaster goes through a 105-foot-tall first hill followed by a drop of 100 feet at an incredible 95 degrees, a twisted horseshoe roll which features back-to-back inversions. A second launch then shoots the coaster through a completely dark tunnel where guests reach speeds of up to 70 mph.

Recently, IntaRide, the ride's manufacturer, revised the rider height requirement. During pre-opening testing, IntaRide determined that riders must be at least 52 inches tall to ride.

Expoland usually disassembles roller coasters in January or February to check if any cracks have been caused inside vehicle components by using ultrasonic and magnetic wave devices, according to company officials. This year, however, the annual checkup had been put off until May 15, after the Golden Week holiday period, because of a lack of space needed for disassembling, they said.

A company official told a news conference Saturday the accident was caused by a broken wheel axle. The company's inspection system, including regular checks before the start of daily operations, is expected to be scrutinized by investigators.

Expoland said Sunday it will close the park until Thursday for comprehensive checks on equipment in the park.

In the accident, which took place at around 12:50 p.m. Saturday, the second car of the six-car Fujin Raijin II stand-up roller coaster derailed and hit an emergency-walkway handrail, according to police investigators.

Yoshino Kogawara, a 19-year-old company employee from Higashiomi, Shiga Prefecture, who was in the second car, died and her 20-year-old friend, Sayuri Furukawa, from the town of Toyosato in the same prefecture, was seriously injured. Eighteen other people sustained minor injuries, the police said.

Investigators found that the axle that locks the left unit of five wheels on the second car was broken. Expoland said that when the axle broke, the wheel unit dislodged, allowing the car to tilt toward the left and hit the handrail bar.

The ride, which is designed to carry up to 24 people standing and reaches a top speed of 75 kph, had 18 women and four men aboard when the accident occurred in the latter half of the 1,050-meter run.

Expoland opened in 1972 as part of the Expo Park, which was built at the venue where Japan hosted the World Exposition in Osaka in 1970.

Renegade boasts a twisting first drop, a low-to-the-ground high speed S-turn and a high speed station fly-by. Renegade will stand 104 feet tall and will drop 91 feet. It will reach a top speed of 52mph. The $7.0 million coaster is designed by Great Coasters International, Inc. (GCII) of Sunbury, Pa. Renegade will be Valleyfairs eighth roller coaster and its second all-wooden roller coaster.

Maverick will have a 100-foot first drop and launch riders through a tunnel at speeds of 70 mph. It will be Cedar Point's 17th roller coaster.

"Nobody's more disappointed than we are," said Cedar Point spokesman Bryan Edwards. "We put a lot of time, money and effort to have this ride ready for opening day and we can't now."

The park is replacing three sections of track where the coaster goes through a 360-degree roll. Tests showed that there was too much stress on the trains, the park said.

Cedar Point is owned by Cedar Fair LP, based in Sandusky, Ohio.

The Daily News said that Rowling had talks with Disney but walked away because they wanted total control of the project. "Potterland" could be built in as little as 18 months once the deal is finalized. Details are starting to emerge as bookshops gear up for the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

"We've partnered with the most iconic hard rock band of all time to create a truly unique and exciting experience that will serve as one of our signature attractions," said Steven Goodwin, CEO of Hard Rock Park.

Led Zeppelin - The Ride will ascend over 150 feet into the sky and feature a high fidelity on-board audio system that soars to Led Zeppelin's hit single "Whole Lotta Love," creating an unprecedented sensory experience for riders.

Hard Rock Park worked closely with band members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones on all aspects of Led Zeppelin - The Ride, including the ride's name, logo, and overall look and feel of the vehicles. The band selected "Whole Lotta Love" as the theme song for the attraction.

"Our relationship with Led Zeppelin is just one strong example of the support and authenticity Hard Rock Park is receiving from the rock community," added Goodwin.

Industry leading roller coaster designers Bolliger & Mabillard of Switzerland were hired by Hard Rock Park to design and manufacture the ride.

The roller coaster's layout starts with a straight drop into a vertical loop, followed by a double inversion cobra roll, zero-G roll, vertical loop and a corkscrew. Three helixes are also mixed into the second half of the ride.

Guest looking for a preview of Led Zeppelin - The Ride can do so by visiting the Hard Rock Park Backstage Tour in Myrtle Beach, SC. Beginning April 18, the Backstage Tour will feature a model of the Bolliger & Mabillard manufactured ride and brief computer graphic simulator with binaural sounds that creates a life-like sensory experience for visitors.

Admission to the Backstage Tour is free for all visitors.

The world's first rock 'n' roll theme park is currently under construction and slated to open in May 2008. Hard Rock Park built on 140-acres will feature more than 40 attractions for "rockers" of all ages.

Set in a massive hay barn, the ride takes the old-fashioned fun of a barn swing and gives it giant-sized, high-tech thrill power. The new $6 million attraction bursts riders through the barn and launches them more than seven stories in the air. Riders eventually reach a point where they're nearly upside down.

The Giant Swing's two colossal arms seat riders back-to-back in two rows, so you get to experience the ride going backward as well as forward. Built by Utah based S&S Power, this ride uses compressed air to launch the swings, sending riders 75 feet high in opposite directions and through the barn roof before powering them back toward the ground and past each other at speeds up to 45 mph. When the swing reaches a height of 75 feet it is arcing almost 230 degrees so riders are nearly upside down.

According to Silver Dollar City, the tremendous acceleration produces back-to-back G-force kicks and sensations of weightlessness for a full-throttle, high-flying thrill ride.

Consumers Digest praises Holiday World & Splashin' Safari's "enchanting holidays theme, an attraction-packed water park and some of the country's best wooden coasters." The article also mentions the park's ground-breaking free soft drinks program, free sunscreen, free parking, and no extra charge for Splashin' Safari water park.

"This designation validates all these crazy programs we've launched over the yearsc " says Holiday World & Splashin' Safari's president, Will Koch. "Other parks told us we were crazy to give away soft drinks, but we've felt all along it was the right thing to do for our Guests."

The Voyage roller coaster at Holiday World was also named one of the Top Five "Can't Miss Attractions" in North America. Consumers Digest predicts that The Voyage, a record-breaking wooden coaster that opened in 2006, is "destined to become a classic."

Holiday World features even more wooden coasters and opens this year for the season on May 5.

"Disney won't say what the latest plan is for Anaheim, but sources familiar with the planning process said Disney wants to mimic its Florida blueprint in Anaheim: add time-share units, bring its popular cruise line to the West Coast and zero in on high-end consumers with boutique hotels. New attractions for its lackluster California Adventure are in the works, and Disney is giving fresh consideration to its long-promised third theme park." said the Los Angeles Times in an article.

Anaheim city council is resisting some its plan but Disney has already purchased 460 acres in Anaheim, including prime land that is currently cultivated as strawberry fields down Harbor Boulevard from Disneyland.

The Al Ahli Group, under the leadership of Chairman Nasser Ali Khammas and CEO Mohamed Khammas, is poised to bring the region's first and only global theme park destination directly to the heart of the Emirates. AAG and Marvel are also in initial stages of discussions about additional projects throughout the greater Pan Arabia region.

The Project will open in 2011 with a direct investment of over $1 billion USD. The creative team, which consists of some of the most spectacular creative minds from around the globe, will be based in Hollywood, Orlando and Dubai throughout the four year development process. New technology and unparalleled visitor experiences will be the hallmark of the theme park, will attempt to create a new standard for theme parks around the world.

David Maisel, Chairman of Marvel Studios and a member of the Office of the Chief Executive, Marvel Entertainment, said, "We are launching a long term relationship with the Al Ahli Group to bring the Marvel Universe to Dubai with this exciting new theme park development. Al Ahli Group has both an impressive team of theme park, entertainment and hospitality executives and the financial strength to leverage that expertise into a world-class destination resort experience unparalleled in the region. We are very pleased to be a part of this exciting initiative and look forward to a successful partnership with Mohamed Khammas and the Al Ahli Group."

Mohamed Khammas, CEO of Al Ahli Group commented, "Al Ali Group's partnership with Marvel Entertainment serves a long pursued quest of creating the ultimate entertainment destination for families and children of the region and the world, a destination where they can live their childhood fantasies and create new memories for the entire family to cherish and remember. Family destinations have not evolved in Pan Arabia and thus it's time that we cater to that demand and make the investment required for global tourism."

"Marvel is a brand that is recognized globally via its ever expanding list of Super Hero characters. Now, it won't be much longer until the children in Pan Arabia and the world can experience new and exciting rides with Marvel's Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four and many other Super Heroes right here in the UAE."

The Ohio Department of Agriculture required the park to make modifications after an accident on July 9th, 2006 sent 27 people to the hospital. Paramount Kings Island officials say that the 118-foot-tall loop has been removed, but other parts of the coaster are still under construction. The park decided to remove the loop so it could use lighter trains.

A new coaster, Firehawk. will debut Memorial Day weekend. This innovative flying coaster propels riders 115 feet in the air and through five inversions at speeds of more than 50 mph all while facing the ground, experiencing the feeling of human flight.

Two years ago, Busch Gardens Africa introduced ShieKra and now on June 16, the adventure park will reintroduce SheiKra with a new twist: "floorless" cars that allow riders an unobstructed view of the 70 mph rush.

When SheiKra opened in May 2005, as the first dive coaster in the US and only the third in the world, SheiKra raised the bar with first-of-a-kind elements like a true 90-degree drop, an Immelmann loop and a second vertical dive into an underground tunnel. Now, technology has raised that bar even higher and greater thrill.

Mechanically, SheiKra's track will remain unchanged, with its combination of drops, inversions and a water feature finale. Psychologically, though, the effect of the floorless cars will be intense: SheiKra's cars will continue to seat eight passengers across, three rows deep, but riders will no longer be able to brace themselves for Floridas No. 1 thrill ride against the floor of the car.

With the front rail gone, passengers in the first row, especially, will be completely exposed as they come over the crest of SheiKra's signature 200-foot, 90-degree plunge. Guest's last day to experience SheiKra in its current form will be Memorial Day, May 28. The following day, America's first dive coaster will close for approximately three weeks for the floorless conversion construction.

The coaster's existing seats and shoulder harnesses will be fitted into new chassis that support only the chairs above and the wheels below. Between each row of seats will be nothing but open air.

The bulk of the changes occur at the loading platform, where retractable floors and handrails will be installed. As each floorless car comes into the station, the floors will raise into position, filling the gaps between the rows so that passengers may board. A pivoting handrail will swing into place in front of the car to assist those boarding the first row.

"Through the years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has set the standard for thrill rides, and Im confident guests will agree that the park has raised the bar yet again with floorless SheiKra," said Dan Brown, executive vice president and general manager, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. "SheiKra's enhancement, along with its unprecedented ride features,really reinforce Busch Gardens standing as Florida's foremost adventure destination."

"From the very beginning, we've combined new innovations with favorite stories to create magical new worlds, declared Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, when he unveiled plans for the attraction. In Fiinding Nemo Submarine Voyage, our guests will experience Nemo's world in a way that has never been done before."

As a member of the sub crew, guests will embark on an expedition to the site of an erupting undersea volcano. Soon after departure, they will be delighted to discover their favorite fish friends getting into the swim of things right alongside their submarine! Nemo and company are able to go along for the ride thanks to a stunning new animation technology developed exclusively by Walt Disney Imagineering. The Finding Nemo characters will appear exactly as they do in the film, but in a real, three-dimensional underwater setting.

Along with the improved unique underwater technology, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will feature fully sculpted Audio-Animatronics characters, including scuba divers and the scavenging seagulls from Finding Nemo.

"We are literally bringing the undersea world of Finding Nemo off the screen and into the submarine lagoon of Tomorrowland!" says Tom Fitzgerald, executive vice president and senior creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, creative arm for all Disney parks and resorts. "We are going to immerse our guests into an adventure that will leave them in disbelief- they will want to experience this new attraction over and over to find out. How did they do that?"

The Finding Nemo submarine vehicles are being enhanced in a number of ways, including the addition of two extra seats and portal windows in anticipation of expanded guest interest. In a first-of-its-kind development, the submarines are being converted from the diesel power of the 1950s to a new, environmentally friendly fully electric power. With new on-board audio, guests will get to hear the sounds and voices of the underwater characters as they move alongside the submarine.

These sounds are synchronized to travel along with the figures under water using a four-channel stereophonic sound system. Guests will get to eavesdrop on the exploits of Dory (Blue Tang fish), Marlin (Clown fish), Crush (Turtle), Bruce (Great White Shark) and the members of the tank gang, and most importantly, take part in an ever changing adventure of trying to find Nemo throughout the voyage.

Along the way guests will travel through colorful undersea environments created using yet another original Imagineering-developed technology. The underwater scenes will be more eye-popping than ever before thanks to custom colors created from recycled glass, providing deeper, richer hues that last longer under water. After surviving a sub-shaking volcanic eruption, the subs will dive alongside a breathtakingly beautiful coral reef where Marlin, Nemo and all their friends gather to celebrate finding Nemo at last!

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is one of the new immersive experiences at Disneyland during the Year of a Million Dreams celebration, which began on October 1 at Disney Parks in the United States. For 15 months, the Resort will celebrate dreams coming true, making literally millions of dreams, large and small, come true for eligible guests.

Many money-can't-buy experiences from exclusive Dream FASTPASSES for popular Disney attractions to around-the-world vacations or a stay in the special Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel will be awarded at random. There are other "Dreams Come True" opportunities for guests to meet and play with Disney Princesses at Disney Princess Fantasy Faire, duel with Darth Vader at Jedi Training Academy or join in the fun of the High School Musical Pep Rally. "The Year of a Million Dreams" continues throughout 2007.

Flashback, a steel coaster featuring multiple steep roll-over dives, has carried over 8.9 million guests since it opened in April 1992.

Psyclone, a wooden coaster replica of the famous Coney Island Cyclone in New York, has carried over 17.1 million guests since its inception in March 1991.

"They're both being taken off the park map this year, and it's for future park expansion. We're always looking to add areas of the park that appeal to a wide audience," said Sue Carpenter, a spokeswoman for Six Flags Magic Mountain.

After it's dismantled, Flashback may be re-assembled somewhere else at Magic Mountain, but it won't be operating this year, Carpenter said. Psyclone will be smashed and scrapped within four weeks, she said.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore Six Flags Discovery Kingdom when the park opens March 24, 2007, and beginning on opening day guests will find the park classified into three areas, "Land," "Sea" and "Sky." Each area will offer something special for every guest, as the new Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is designed to foster both physical and emotional discovery in a dynamic, family-friendly environment. The park's attractions, including stunning shows, strolling performers and animal interactions, will all be updated to reflect the park's new name and identity.

"The name Six Flags Discovery Kingdom now reflects every aspect of what makes the park so unique, "said Six Flags President and CEO Mark Shapiro. "Throughout its history, Marine World offered guests a truly distinctive theme park environment, and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will build and improve on that great tradition. Only at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom can guests ride world-class coasters, feed giraffes, interact with dolphins and watch a killer whale glide through the water, all in one location. A trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will be an unforgettable experience that will create a lifetime of memories for our guests."

Developers are expected to file a formal proposal to the Lee's Summit Tax Increment Financing Commission next month. "We've tested the waters and feel comfortable, but there's obviously a process to go through," said Dan Lowe, a Red principal.

If built, the park would be the second Legoland in the U.S. joining the Carlsbad, California park.

Riders of California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventure will also twist and turn to a new soundtrack. With a specially customized version of Red Hot Chili Peppers's 1999 hit "Around the World," guests will rock through the attraction's 6,000 feet of track. The four-minute ride is the world's longest steel looping roller coaster and takes guests from zero to 55 miles per hour in just four seconds. Rockin' Space Mountain and Rockin' California Screamin' are just some of the highlights of the "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration that began at Disneyland Resort in Southern California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on October 1, 2006. For 15 months, Disney Parks are celebrating dreams coming true through the Disney Dreams Giveaway.

It took two cranes to lift the 74 thousand pound piece into place and two construction workers to tighten the bolts.

The ceremonial evergreen was placed on the highest point as construction workers installed the tallest piece of the steel coaster. Track pieces number eight and nine (out of 91) sit about 200 feet above the ground. It took two cranes to lift the 74-thousand pound piece into place and a pair of construction workers to tighten the bolts.

"Installing the highest piece of track is a significant achievement, and it's everything we've envisioned," said Larry Giles, the vice president of design and engineering for Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA. "It's a milestone. From blueprint to reality."

Construction workers also placed an evergreen tree at the coaster's highpoint to highlight the event. "Topping off" is a construction site tradition meant to celebrate the highest or least piece of construction. "The evergreen is part of an age old tradition, and it's a sense of pride for us," said Giles.

When Griffon opens this spring it will be the world's first floorless dive coaster. Beginning at 205-feet, the coaster starts with a 90-degree drop. Traveling at a top speed of 75 mph, riders will experience two Immelman loops, a second drop and a splash down in water.

Kings Dominion is located 20 miles north of Richmond, VA and 75 miles south of Washington, DC.

Next year, the price of a regular one-day admission ticket (valid for guests ages 3-61 who are 48 inches and taller) will be $44.95, a reduction of $5 off a regular one-day admission ticket in 2006 ($49.95).

In addition, the park has introduced the new Junior/Senior ticket (valid for guests ages 3-61 who are under 48 inches tall or ages 62 and older) for only $24.95. This new pricing structure offers drastic savings for families in 2007. A child ticket in 2006 cost $34.99 while senior citizen pricing was $39.99. The new Junior/Senior ticket offers substantial savings of up to $20 per ticket. Children age two and under will continue to receive free park admission.

The park is also re-introducing the Starlight admission ticket. Starlight admission will be offered for just $29.95 to enter the park after 4 pm. This new ticket will allow guests to visit for a lower price and enjoy the evening hours at Kings Dominion.

Reduced ticket prices are not all that is new at Kings Dominion. The park's waterpark, WaterWorks, is receiving its first major expansion since 1999. Located inside the theme park, WaterWorks is adding three major new attractions that offer something for everyone.

"New water attractions, new price, new year," said Richard Zimmerman, vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion. "We know our guests are looking for ways to stretch their entertainment dollar and next year, Kings Dominion will be an even better value. With our expanded waterpark, and our unparalleled collection of roller coasters, rides and attractions, no other park in the Mid-Atlantic can offer so much fun and excitement."

Beginning with Tidal Wave Bay, Kings Dominion is adding a second wave pool to the waterpark. Filled with hundreds of thousands of gallons of water, Tidal Wave Bay will offer hours of swimming adventure.

The new Tornado attraction combines high thrills with spinning and churning wet spills. Extending 65 feet into the air, the Tornado provides riders with a unique water experience that everyone will want to ride again and again. Finally, the addition of the Zoom Flume, will give families the opportunity to enjoy a rafting adventure together. Four riders at a time can climb aboard the raft ane zoom down the curving and tilting raging water path.

Summer fun has always been about thrill rides and cooling off at the waterpark. The addition of these great attractions to WaterWorks will bring something new and memorable for our guests, Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman also noted that 2007 will be the first full season that Kings Dominion is part of the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company of theme parks. Cedar Fair , based in Sandusky, Ohio, purchased the five Paramount parks last July. The company now owns and operates 12 amusement parks and four waterparks in North America.

WaterWorks features a number of exciting water attractions that appeal to all ages. The interactive water features of Surf City Splash House provide lots of laughs along with lots of splash. Big Wave Bay, the park's existing wave pool has 650,000 gallons of water and hours of fun, while Lil Barefoot Beach provides quieter water play for the park's youngest guests.

For waterslide thrills, WaterWorks is home to several unique waterslide experiences, including the four exciting slides of Pipeline Peak: the Night Slider, the Power Plunge, the Turbo Twister, and the Rip Slide. The addition of the Tornado, the Zoom Flume and Tidal Wave Bay round out the collection of water fun in WaterWorks.

Kings Dominion will reopen for its 32nd season on March 31. Construction on the new WaterWorks addition began immediately after the park closed for the 2006 season. WaterWorks, and its new attractions, is scheduled to open in late May 2007.

Kings Dominion is a 400-acre theme park that is home to more than 200 rides, shows and attractions. The park brings the best of Hollywood entertainment to the Mid-Atlantic with one of the largest coaster collections on the East Coast; two children's areas- Nickelodeon Central and KidZville; and WaterWorks, the park's waterpark that is included with admission.

Kings Dominion is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. The Partnership is now one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, Virginia / District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, and Toronto, Ontario. Cedar Fair also owns and operates Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure located in Las Vegas, and operates the Bonfante Gardens in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.

The "Fun Card" is back again by popular demand, offering Florida residents the opportunity to pay for a day and come back all year. Florida residents can enjoy unlimited visits to SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2007 for the price of one single-day admission with no blackout dates.

With the Fun Card, guests accompanying the cardholder also receive $5 off general admission for up to six visiting friends and relatives and gain the ultimate access to an exciting lineup of special performances, guest appearances and signature events at both parks including the Latin beat of Viva La Musica and the high-octane concerts of Bud & BBQ at SeaWorld and Michelob MusicFest at Busch Gardens.

The Fun Card is available to the general public for a limited time through April 30, 2007 online at www.seaworld.com and www.buschgardens.com, at the parks' front gates or by calling (866) FL-FUNCARD. Fun Cards can also be purchased at any AAA Auto Club South and Publix locations beginning mid-December.

In February 2005, Anheuser-Busch launched "Here's to the Heroes" to acknowledge the service of military men and women and the sacrifices made by their families. The program has provided free admission to Anheuser-Busch adventdsure parks to more than 1.7 million members of U.S. and coalition armed forces and their families so far, and the parks are proud to extend the offer through 2007.

Here's to the Heroes provides a single days free admission to any one SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park, Sesame Place, Adventure Island or Water Country USA for the service member and as many as three direct dependents.

Any active duty, active reserve, ready reserve service member or National Guardsman is entitled to free admission under the program. He or she need only register, either online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance plaza of a participating park, and show a Department of Defense photo ID. Also included in the offer are members of foreign military forces serving in the coalitions in Iraq or Afghanistan or attached to American units in the U.S. for training.

Dick Kinzel, chairman, president and chief executive officer, reported that the 2007 program will be highlighted by Maverick, a $21 million roller coaster at its flagship park, Cedar Point.

The 2007 capital program will also feature an $11 million water park expansion at the newly acquired Kings Dominion amusement park. The new attractions will include the addition of a second wave pool, a Tornado water slide with turning and churning wet spills, and a Zoom Flume. Kings Island, another park that the company acquired this past season, and Knotts Berry Farm, the companys only year-round park, will spend approximately $10 million and $8 million, respectively, on their 2007 capital programs. Kinzel added that both programs will be highlighted by major new thrill rides that will be announced by the parks at a later date.

Valleyfair will spend $7 million for its 2007 operating season and will feature Renegade, a new wooden roller coaster. This 104-foot-tall coaster will entertain guests with a never-before-experienced twisting first drop, a low-to-the-ground high-speed S-turn and a high-speed station fly-by. The remaining capital will be allocated across our other seven parks and will include new rides and attractions as well as new restaurants, ice shows and general park improvements..

Riding Tony Hawk's Big Spin, four people will sit facing each other in the coaster car as it travels up, down, and around the breathtaking curves of the quarter-mile track - all while spinning its riders. The spinning coaster cars allow each ride to take on a totally different experience depending on the weight distribution of the passengers in the car.

Located in the Fiesta Bay Boardwalk section of the park, Tony Hawk's Big Spin will look like giant red-and-black skatepark. The coaster offers a full extreme sports experience, with monitors in the queue lines displaying highlights of the history of action sports, and a large spinning Tony Hawk figure crowning the top of the ride. Plus, Guests can check out Tony Hawks Big Spin gear at the merchandise shop nearby.

Resorts World at Sentosa will include six hotels. It will add 30,000 jobs by 2015, Singapore Trade Minister Lim Hng Kiang said.

Officials said the bid for a design that reflected the tropical resort feel of the island, with extensive use of water, stone and wood materials and landscaping.

Genting's proposal has a 20-acre marine park where visitors can snorkel with 200 species of animals and stop by a whale shark lagoon.

The Universal Studios theme park will take up roughly half of the site.

Statistics

Type of coaster: Launched Steel Terrain Height: 105 feet First drop: 100 feet First drop angle: 95 degrees Top speed: 70 mph Track length: 4450 feet Ride time: 2:30 minutes

Statistics

Height: 104 feet First drop: 91 feet Top speed: 52 mph Track length: 3113 feet Ride time: 2:00 minutes

Statistics:

Height: 205 feet First drop: 205 feet Top speed: 71 mph Track length: 3,108 feet Ride time: 3 minutes

According to Six Flags, El Toro ranks as the second tallest and fastest wooden coaster in the U.S. with the second longest drop. El Toro will be the third tallest and fastest in the world. This coaster breaks the world record for steepest wooden coaster drop at 76 degrees. El Toros unique construction features a hybrid design that marries the fast-charging drops of a classic out-and-back track with the highly-banked turns of a twister. El Toro also delivers nine airtime opportunities, giving riders the sensation of weightlessness.

Some El Toro Facts:

Maximum Speed: 70 mph

Lift height: 188 feet

First drop angle: 76 degrees

First drop length: 176 feet

Ride time: 1 minute, 42 seconds

Load/Unload time: 1 minute, 10 seconds

Length of Track: 4,400 feet

No. of trains: 2

Cars per train: 6

Passengers per train: 36

Hill heights: Second hill: 112 feet Third hill: 100 feet Fourth hill: 82 feet

Airtime hills: 7

Airtime S turns: 2

Ride Capacity: 1,500 per hour

Of 14 coasters, El Toro is Six Flags Great Adventure's second wooden coaster

Rolling Thunder, the park's first wooden coaster, was built in the winter of 1978 and opened to the public in the spring of 1979

Rolling Thunder cruises at 56 mph, El Toro flies at 70 mph

Rolling Thunder's first drop is 85 feet, El Toro's is more than twice as tall at 176 feet

Rolling Thunder's first drop is 45 degrees, and El Toro's is a teeth-chattering 76 degrees

El Toros lift hill parts:

40,000 lbs. of bolts, nuts, washers, dowels Approx. 9,000 wood pieces stretching 17.2 miles

El Toro's track parts:

180 sections of track comprised of 180 left and 180 right rails upon which the coaster train rides

Average length of each track section - approx. 25 feet

Average weight of one rail - 1,150 lbs.

Approx. weight of El Toro's entire track - 400,000 lbs.

El Toro's entire coaster parts collection:

155,000 lbs. of bolts, nuts, washers, dowels

34,000 wood pieces stretching 70.3 miles which is the same distance from Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson Township, Ocean County, NJ) to New York City.

The autopsy of Michael Russell was done one day after he passed out while riding Disney-MGM's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. He was pronounced dead at a hospital in Orlando, Florida.

"No evidence of injury was found but congenital heart abnormalities were detected, which will be further evaluated. The cause of death will be left pending until results of the additional studies are obtained," Dr. Jan Garavaglia, Orange County's chief medical examiner said in a statement.

"Walt Disney World engineers and ride system experts completed a thorough inspection of the attraction overnight and found it to be operating properly," Disney said in a statement. "A representative from the state Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection observed the ride inspection and testing."

The boy's father, Byron Russell, noticed that Michael became limp while they rode the coaster along with his mother and 7-year-old brother. When the minute-long ride finished, Russell pulled Michael off and performed CPR until paramedics arrived, according to Barbara Miller, Orange County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.

"The Voyage", which is part of Holiday World's new Thanksgiving-themed section joins "The Raven" and "The Legend" as some of the top wooden coasters in America.

The most dramatic drops on The Voyage measure 154 feet, 107 feet, and 100 feet. The lift hill measures 163 feet. This first drop has a 66-degree angle of descent, the steepest drop on any wooden coaster in the USA. The Voyage has a phenomenal air-time of 24.2 total seconds. The top speed of the three-train coaster is 67.4 miles per hour; The Voyage also includes a record five underground tunnels and three sections of 90-degree banked track.

"We're taking the traditional out-and-back layout to the extreme, with the steepest drop on any wooden coaster in the nation," said Will Koch, the parks' president, "The Voyage is 1.2 miles long, placing it among the planet's top three longest and fastest wooden coaster."

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari are located at the junction of Highways 162 and 245 in Santa Claus, Indiana, USA.

THE VOYAGE Facts

DESCRIPTION: The Voyage, which opened May, 2006, is Holiday World's third wooden roller coaster. Located in the new Thanksgiving section, it is 1.2 miles long and provides a record 24.2 seconds of "air time." This steel-structure wooden coaster takes a twist on the standard out-and-back layout, adding a terrain-coaster adventure in the "back" half of the ride.

FEATURES: The Voyage includes a record five underground tunnels (some are double, creating eight "underground moments"), a series of dramatic drops (including a 66-degree angle of descent on the first drop), three 90-degree banked turns, and multiple track crossovers. The Voyage includes extreme air-time, extreme banking, and extreme speed.

TRACK LENGTH: 6,442 feet (1.2 miles), third longest wooden coaster in the world.

RIDE HEIGHT: The maximum height difference on The Voyage is 173 feet.

DROPS/ANGLES: The most dramatic drops on The Voyage measure 154 feet (66-degree angle of descent, the steepest drop on a U.S. wooden coaster), 107 feet (51-degree angle), and 100 feet (50.5-degree angle). The lift hill measures 163 feet.

EXTREME AIR-TIME: The Voyage provides the most air-time of any wooden coaster: 24.2 seconds (anything less than +.25 vertical G's, average front/middle/back seats).

EXTREME BANKING: The Voyage includes three 90-degree banked turns.

SPEED: The Voyage's maximum speed is 67.4 mph. Average speed is 41.9 mph.

RIDE TIME: 2 minutes, 45 seconds (station to station).

TUNNELS: A record five underground tunnels, including eight "underground moments" and a "triple down" feature in one of the return-run tunnels.

TRAINS: Three 28-passenger PTC trains (seven cars per train, four riders per car).

LUMBER: Southern Yellow Pine; estimated board feet: 320,000.

STEEL: 750 tons, estimated.

CAPACITY/HEIGHT LIMIT: 1,200 Guests per hour. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall.

INVESTMENT: $6.5 million, the largest ride project in Holiday World's 60-year history.

RIDE DESIGNER: The Gravity Group, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Designed by Germany's Huss Manufacturing, the 2.5-minute ride experience features dual rotation both from the tower and the ride vehicle. Situated in the middle of a 5,100-square-foot pond, the Timber Tower takes passengers high into the air above Thunderhead Gap where the ride vehicle rotates nine times per minute as it makes its way to the top of the tower. Once there, the tower begins a side-to-side swinging motion, allowing the ride vehicle to topple multiple times in various directions at a 60-degree angle, appearing to splash riders into the water below. With a 40-passenger capacity, the Timber Tower will accommodate 565 riders per hour.

"We are thrilled to bring the Timber Tower, the first ride of its type in the country, to our Dollywood guests in 2006," said Barbara Joines, Dollywood Vice President and General Manager. "This project adds yet another area where families can enjoy lots of fun times together."

The Timber Tower is the latest addition to Dollywood's Thunderhead Gap, home to the "Thunderhead" wooden roller coaster which opened in 2004. The Timber Tower marks the latest multi-million dollar expansion project in recent years. For the park's 2005 20th anniversary season, Dollywood completed a $5 million renovation in the Country Fair area, bringing 10 new family rides. The $7 million "Thunderhead" was initiated in 2004.

Located on 28,000 acres of land near Orlando and one of the most frequented vacation destinations in the world, Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971 with the Magic Kingdom theme park, hotels, campgrounds, golf courses and shopping villages.

Walt Disney World Resort has its own emergency operations center, 24-hour warning capabilities and an amateur radio club. Its emergency management staff is highly regarded by the NOAA National Weather Service and other federal, state and local government agencies.

"We appreciate this acknowledgement of our continuous efforts to ensure the year-round safety of our guests and cast members," said Lee A. Cockerell, executive vice president of operations for Walt Disney World. "Our partnerships with local, state and federal emergency management agencies are part of our overall safety strategy that enables us to provide our guests with the highest level of security and comfort possible."

To be recognized as StormReady, a community must:

-Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center.

-Have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings and to alert the public.

-Create a system that monitors local weather conditions.

-Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars.

-Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Walt Disney World Resort is one of 70 StormReady designations in Florida. In a special ceremony at the resort, officials were presented with a formal recognition letter and StormReady signs. The StormReady recognition will be in effect for three years as the resort conducts the renewal process.

Even prior to this, Disney World officials have monitored weather conditions and in the case of frequent summer thunder storms will shut down outside coasters and rides if conditions warrant.

La Fiesta de las Tazas is a spin around super fast then slow ride. ACME Rock-N-Rocket is rocket like and its 50 passengers make several exhilarating 360-degree loops before swinging back earthward to a gentle stop. Rodeo Cowboys and cowgirls alike can test their riding skills on bucking bulls and GOTHAM CITY Spray Ground means water fun for guests of all ages.

Riders can also experience GOLIATH at Six Flags Over Georgia. This record breaking coaster is now the fastest, tallest coaster in the Southeast as it soars over 200 ft. above the park and covers an area 8.5 acres in size. Because of the coaster's massive height and size, GOLIATH will not fit inside the park's grounds and will actually travel outside the park and back.

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company. Founded in 1961, Six Flags is celebrating its 45th Anniversary in 2006.

The ride goes on the elevated track above Seuss Landing.

The ride system was fabricated by Mack Rides, in Germany. It is a self-powered train system. There are three engines that drive each train. Even though the engine is capable of speeds up to 35 miles an hour, it will not go near its highest rate of speed. It has an on-board Programmable Logic Control that's smart enough to know where the train is, within three centimeters of any given spot along the track. The ride will be interactive with Suess Landing music and goings on.

Fourteen people were taken to St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, while four refused medical attention, officials said.

The 14 suffered mostly strains and sprains but no broken bones, and they were all treated and released by 8:30 p.m., hospital spokeswoman Lori Manke said. "They're all doing very, very well," she said.

A park spokesman said the cause of the accident wasn't immediately determined and the coaster remains closed for inspection.

The rear car on one of the roller coaster's ride trains separated from the others about 4:25 p.m. at a point where the trains slow down as they enter the ride station, Valleyfair spokesman Bill Von Bank said.

The Wild Thing reaches speeds of up to 74 mph, but it would have been braking and going much slower at that point, he said.

The rear car of the coaster came to rest tipped on its side on a platform along the track but did not fall to the ground.

Also, USJ Co., the operator of the Universal Studios Japan theme park, aims to list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Mothers market for emerging companies this year.

The Osaka-based operator of the facility, which has been heavily indebted for some time, intends to go ahead with the plan now that it considers it is close to shifting into the black due in part to 25 billion yen worth of third-party share allocations carried out last year, according to the sources.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc., which owns the largest stake in the company, and other investors have been calling on USJ to go public, the sources added.

Universal Studios Japan drew 8 million visitors in 2005, according to Amusement Business/Economics Research Associates data.

The five Paramount Parks consist of Canada's Wonderland near Toronto, Canada; King's Island near Cincinnati, Ohio; King's Dominion near Richmond, Virginia; Carowinds near Charlotte, North Carolina; and Great America located in Santa Clara, California.

"This transaction offers a unique opportunity for us to acquire a world-class asset portfolio,' said Dick Kinzel, Cedar Fair's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "It is not every day that we have the chance to purchase five great family-oriented parks that fit extremely well with our existing parks. This acquisition will provide exciting new growth opportunities and the potential for meaningful incremental free cash flow as we realize $20-$30 million in annual cash flow synergies over the next 3-5 years. It will also add significant geographic diversity to our portfolio of parks and improve our position as one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world."

In 2005, Paramount Parks generated revenues of approximately $423 million while entertaining 12.2 million guests. Cedar Fair reported $569 million in revenues and 12.7 million guest visits. On a combined basis, the two companies generated almost $1 billion in revenues and entertained approximately 25 million guests in 2005.

The transaction is subject to conditions, including regulatory approval and other terms and conditions customary for transactions of this type, and is expected to close during the third quarter. Further details were not disclosed.

Cedar Fair was advised by Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Rothschild, Inc., and Bear Stearns is providing $2.0 billion in committed financing in support of the transaction. Squire, Sanders & Dempsey provided legal counsel to Cedar Fair.

Cedar Fair's seven amusement parks are Cedar Point, located on Lake Erie between Cleveland and Toledo; Knott's Berry Farm near Los Angeles in Buena Park, California; Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom near Allentown, Pennsylvania; Valleyfair near Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Worlds of Fun, located in Kansas City, Missouri; Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom near Cleveland, Ohio; and Michigan's Adventure near Muskegon, Michigan. The Partnership's water parks are located near San Diego and in Palm Springs, California, and adjacent to Cedar Point, Knott's Berry Farm and Worlds of Fun.

Cedar Fair also owns and operates the Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio.

"The X-Coaster will be the latest thrill ride added to Magic Springs' great lineup of attractions that now includes The Gauntlet, our suspended looping coaster, Plummet Summit, the new spillwater ride in 2005, the highly acclaimed Arkansas Twister wooden coaster, Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine drop tower and others," said Dan Aylward, president and chief operating officer of Themeparks, LLC, which operates the park. "This exciting new ride will feature an upside down inversion at 150 feet, the highest in the world. It extends our program of making significant additions to our attractions that keep Magic Springs at the forefront of theme parks in the Central United States."

The X-Coaster will cost almost $4 million installed, Aylward said, and will bring Themeparks' investment in the park to more than $39 million. While the name X-Coaster is used by the manufacturer to describe its ride, Magic Springs will conduct a contest to name its exciting new attraction. Details of the contest will be announced in the next few weeks.The X-Coaster is based on innovative technology developed by the ride's manufacturer, Maurer Rides of Munich, Germany, that makes it possible to experience inverted ride elements without shoulder restraints. This is the second ride of its kind built in the world. The first has been operating outside Munich, Germany.

"The ride features a three-level safety system that will hold the rider in position throughout this high-intensity experience," Horst Ruhe, managing director of Maurer Rides, said. "This ride is definitely not for the faint of heart. Describing the X-Coaster experience," Aylward said, "When the riders leave the loading platform, they are taken for a vertical ascent of 150 feet, at which point the car performs a thrillingly slow quarter-loop backwards, which has the riders hanging upside-down. Then the riders are sent on a 360-degree corkscrew roll, followed by a plummeting vertical drop at more than 65 miles an hour."

He continued, "At this point it appears that the riders will return to the starting station, but instead they rocket past the station, stop on the lift hill, drop backwards through the station at high speed, stop upside down and rocket forward through the station again. " Aylward said. "Then, just when you think you are ready to return to the station, you are picked up on the lift hill and taken over the top for a second time."

"The unique design of this ride guarantees that each row of seats provides a different ride experience, Aylward said. "The slightly elevated back seats in each car give an excellent view and the backwards motion of the train provides additional thrilling experiences."

The single 12-person two-car train can accommodate about 500 people an hour," Aylward said. The ride, which was built in Germany, was transported to Hot Springs in January and February of 2006.

The first section will be the ShinHwa theme park, which will include attractions based on northeast Asian legends; including a water rapids ride.

The Jeju Free International Development Center in conjunction with the California-based Leisure Entertainment Consultancy (LEC) are working on the park and plan for the park to be a major entertainment destination.

"Numerous parties have already expressed interest in acquiring the operation," CBS said in a statement. The sale of the parks is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2006. Paramount Parks had more than 12 million visitors last year,

Unlike most other park's rides and coasters, Disney's major rides offer immersive experiences with detailed story lines. Splash Mountain, an old favorite, is not only a 60 foot drop flume ride but also has an impressive array of story telling through animatronics and beautifully designed sets. The story is heightened by the suspense of the upcoming plunge.

The new Expedition Everest is somewhat similar but more intense. Located in the Asian section of Disney World's 500-acre Animal Kingdom, Disney has spent an enormous amount of time and expense on the design, engineering and implementation of this ride. "Expedition Everest adds a new dimension to our storytelling in Disney's Animal Kingdom," says Joe Rohde, executive designer at Walt Disney Imagineering and lead designer of the park. "It's a thrilling adventure themed to the tradition of the mysterious yeti." Don't be fooled by the story though; it's still an impressive coaster which will climb 120 feet, drop 80 feet and reach speeds of 50 mph.

This new ride matches the family coaster experience you get with Rock n Roller Coaster, another newer addition to Disney World's MGM Studios. This indoor themed coaster includes the story of Aerosmith preparing to go to a concert. You ride in their "limo" as a roller coaster experience, boasting a high-speed launch that goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and includes a full inversion. In the same area of MGM Studios you can find the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror which is essentially a high velocity drop ride with theming so realistic that you get both thoroughly spooked and thrilled at the same time.

Every park in Disney World now has high speed rides including, of all places, Epcot, where you can currently find Test Track, Mission Space and Soarin. These are all innovative and fast rides.

The final test for all of these rides is park guest satisfaction and attendance. Disney World attendance rose 5 per cent in 2005 after a very strong 2004 year. In a recent visit to Disney World, we met up with some young friends with a teenager and pre-teen who, in one day, rode both the Rock n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror four times each. Now that was satisfaction.

In 2004, all parks experienced a huge increase in attendance, but in 2005, mainly parks that acquired new rides saw increases while parks that didn't make big capital investments experienced attendance dips. Universal's two parks in Orlando, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures, each declined 8 1/2 percent, while Universal Studios Hollywood had an attendance dip of 6 percent. Amusement Business also said the worldwide marketing campaign for the 50th anniversary of Disneyland at Disney's parks may have taken some attendance from the Universal parks.

Disney's four parks in Florida and two parks in California benefited from their "Happiest Celebration on Earth" adding new rides, stage shows and parades. The Florida parks had attendance increases of 5 percent to 6 1/2 percent, while Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim, Calif. respectively saw growth of 8 1/2 percent and 3.6 percent.

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, with 16.1 million visitors, and Disneyland in California, with 14.5 million visitors, were the best-attended parks in the world. The next top 5 spots in North America were Disney's other Florida parks: Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom.

Worldwide, Disney parks in the United States, Japan and France took up the top eight spots in attendance. Six Flags Inc., which invested $135 million in new rides around the nation for the 2005 season, saw a 5.7 percent increase in all their parks. Anheuser Busch parks also had increases at locations that had new thrill rides.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE STUNT SPECTACULAR will be a live, high-action stunt show. It will feature spectacular special effects, including huge, fiery explosions, pyrotechnics, unbelievable sets, acrobatic stunt performances and characters based on the blockbuster Paramount movies and hit televisions series.

The MISSION IMPOSSIBLE STUNT SPECTACULAR has been cast to include Hollywood stunt talent and directors. Guests will be given an inside look at the talent and spectacle that goes into the making of an action movie. The audience will feel that they are part of the show, with many of the stunt sequences being performed in-the-round and even underneath the audience! The immersive sets, motorcycle stunts, elaborate acrobatic fight and chase scenes fill out this show's arsenal of action, mystery and adventure.

With over 200 attractions, 65 rides, Splash Works, live shows and more, Paramount Canada's Wonderland is Canada's largest and most elaborate theme park.

Coney Island Resorts Inc argued that the city did not give them a chance to challenge the demolition order. A jury agreed, but then a judge overturned the verdict. The judge concluded that the city was not at fault that a notification letter went to the wrong address.

The lower court ruling was upheld Monday by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan. The plaintiffs were asking the court to order the city to pay for the reconstruction of the Thunderbolt roller coaster.

The Thunderbolt roller coaster designed by John Miller operated from 1925 to 1982. After ceasing operation it sat for 17 years in a state of decay until it was demolished on November 17, 2000. The neighboring Cyclone roller coaster, a national landmark, is the only roller coaster left today at Coney Island.

The park's owner, Dallas Jones said, "The coaster's first drop was inspired by the classic, but now extinct, Rye Aeroplane, considered to be one of the best wooden coasters ever built."

The coaster is being built by Great Coasters International, Inc. The coaster's track length will be 2,827 feet long with a maximum elevation difference of 96 feet. It will feature a record 30 crossovers (anywhere the track crosses over or under another track) and will make riders feel weightless a total of 12 times. The coaster's top speed will be 70 feet per second, almost 50 miles per hour. The coaster's train will be a 24 passenger "Millennium Flyer" modeled after the classic coasters of the 20's and 30's.

"The "sculpted" ride structure will be one-of-a-kind and will be immediately recognizable in any photograph," says Jones. "This will be the single, largest ride expansion ever in the park's history." "We added the Wild Mouse Spinning Coaster this year which will make a total of four coasters for 2006."

The Park is also in the process of dismantling the Looping Star Coaster and moving it to a new location. A new train has been purchased for the coaster and it will debut after being rebuilt as the "Brief Encounter" coaster.

All four of the park's coasters--Kentucky Rumbler, Wild Mouse, Brief Encounter and Dragon Coaster-- will be up and running on May 6, 2006 when the park open its 2006 season.

Beech Bend is located approximately 2 ½ miles northeast of downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The good news is that Expedition Everest should be as good as Rock n Roller Coaster as a thrill ride coaster with good speed and forces. But as Disney does so well, it will have significant theming with a very detailed story and immersive experience. This will also be a ride which has the line-up area heavily themed and where, for the first time, the fast pass experience is different than the standby line experience.

"Expedition Everest adds a new dimension to our storytelling in Disney's Animal Kingdom," said Joe Rohde, executive designer at Walt Disney Imagineering and lead designer of the park. "It's a thrilling adventure themed to the tradition of the mysterious yeti."

The ride also has a very complex story. Joe Rhode explains, "The premise is that we, the Guests, are Expedition Everest. We've arrived on this particular day in this little Tibetan town in the foothills of the Himalayas. And the little trekking company that we've engaged is going to get us on this train, which they've just refurbished. It used to be the train that served the tea plantations in the Himalayan foothills - they've refurbished it to get us to Everest really, really fast. But to do that, we have to go through the realm of the yeti. And traditional Tibetan thought holds the yeti to be the protector of the hidden and forbidden reaches of the Himalayas. So the yeti is doing his job as defender of the mountains when we encounter him on our train journey, attempting to get to Everest. And it ends up being that we now have to escape from the wrath of the yeti and make our way back to town in this high-speed escape adventure."

"This region we were just in has a very powerful living oral tradition of the yeti as the protector of the forest. So we adopted a lot of that attitude to put our ride together," says Joe Rhode. "And many of the details we saw there can be seen all across the Himalayas, so we picked them up from other places. There's some architectural color, some props, and there's a little area in the standby queue where we're going to talk about the actual expedition - what we discovered, where we went, that kind of thing."

The train accelerates at speeds up to 50 mph into a fog of spiral curves taking mountaineers down a 80-foot plummet to escape the powerful yeti.

The ride opens in early 2006 at the "Asia" area of Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. In the shadow of the Everest mountain you can find the Kali River Rapids, one of the better themed water bilge rides. We went on the rapid river ride 6 times(!) in that same day November visit.

"We're excited to bring this thrilling, new attraction to Valleyfair, " states Larry MacKenzie, Valleyfair's vice president and general manager. "It will bring back the kid in all of us."

Xtreme Swing is designed by S & S Worldwide Inc., based in Logan , Utah . S & S also designed Valleyfair's popular ride Power Tower. Construction has already begun on Xtreme Swing, which will debut at Valleyfair in May 2006, which is also the park's 30 th Anniversary year. Guests must be 48 inches or taller to ride.

Valleyfair is located in Shakopee, Minnesota and is owned and operated by Cedar Fair, L.P. In addition to Valleyfair, Cedar Fair owns and operates six other amusement parks, five water parks and one indoor water park resort.

At Universal Studios theme park, a holiday tradition returns as the merriment and pageantry of the Macy's Holiday Parade comes to life. Beginning at dusk each evening, the parade features Macys high-flying balloons and colorful floats, straight from their appearance in New York City's Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as marching bands from across the country.

At Islands of Adventure theme park, guests can meet the grumpy Grinch and his loveable dog Max, frolic with whimsical Whos in Dr. Seuss Whoville, and enjoy the nightly Whoville Whobilation Show during the Grinchmas celebration. Both Macys Holiday Parade and the Grinchmas celebration are included in the price of admission to each park. The celebration continues at Universal Orlando's three world-class, on-site hotels Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort - all of which will glisten with festive decor. Guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with carolers, tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday movie presentations and special holiday menus.

Extended park hours for Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure will be in effect for much of the season, and Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels will join in the fun with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining.

Disneyland will continue to showcase its 50th Anniversary throughout the Christmas season, and will add to the golden lineup with an array of holiday shows, seasonal attractions and lively entertainment.

La Ronde's new steel giant will measure over 53 metres (175 feet) in height, making it 13 metres (43 feet) higher than the Monstre and 21 metres (69 feet) higher than the Vampire! After an initial drop of over 52 metres (171 feet), the intrepid passengers will take a 1,231-metre (4,039- foot) route at speeds reaching 110 km/h (68 mph) for over three minutes! Passengers will have to be at least 1.37 metres (54 inches) tall to ride the giant.

The exhilarating new Goliath will have two 36-passenger trains, each with nine cars with a capacity of four people across. To enhance this amazingly smooth and thrilling experience, the wagons will be open on the sides and the safety device will attach from bottom to top, giving passengers the impression that they are flying far above Sainte-Hélène Island. A significant feature of the unbeatable Goliath is that its expansive twisting track will whisk guests outside the park, to the eastern point of Sainte-Hélène Island, before rushing them back into the park, over a series of quick hills and drops and finally to a smooth ending in the station house, located near Tour de Ville.

"I'm proud to confirm that in 2006, La Ronde will further bolster its position as a world-class theme park with the construction of Canada's tallest and fastest roller coaster ! Indeed, as of spring 2006, La Ronde will answer high-thrill seekers' expectations by offering them the astonishing Goliath, custom designed to provide them with extreme thrills they will never forget," said Len Turtora, La Ronde's Vice-President and General Manager.

Since 2002, 17 new rides including the Goliath, the Vampire, the Splash and the Pays de Ribambelle have been added to Montreal's favourite playground. Furthermore, La Ronde has built two new magnificent entrances, a beautiful 150-person banquet hall, done upgrades to its food and beverage facilities and added exciting new skill games. Also, several improvements and renovations have been made to the infrastructure of the park such as landscaping, design, decor, fencing, seating areas, sanitary installations and other guest comforts across the site. Throughout the years, these changes have definitely added to the pleasure and comfort of La Ronde's guests.

The Goliath was custom-designed for La Ronde by Bolliger & Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland, a company known in the industry for the quality of its thrill-producing rides. Bolliger & Mabillard also designed La Ronde's popular Vampire ride, installed in 2002.

The Goliath will cost $18.7 million, the largest investment for a single ride since the park opened in 1967. Construction has already begun on the giant roller coaster and will continue throughout the winter in order to be ready for thrill-seekers when La Ronde opens. Building this first-ever ride in Canada, will take close to 100 specialized workers, 300 pilings, 150 cement foundations, 106 columns, 1,750 m(3) (61,800 f3) of cement and 850 anchor bolts.

Updates, videos and pictures of this large-scale construction project will be regularly posted on Laronde.com to share the excitement with La Ronde's visitors.

La Ronde is owned and operated by Six Flags, Inc.

The event also includes "Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade," Mickey's Mouse-Ka-Rade costume parties, Halloween storytelling, live entertainment and unique merchandise in the most magical place on Earth.

New this year is a spectacular Halloween-themed fireworks display -- "Happy HalloWishes" -- featuring spooky music from family-friendly Disney attractions and movies including Haunted Mansion and "The Nightmare Before Christmas," as well as the voices of memorable Disney characters such as Madame Leota, Ursula, Jafar, Maleficent and Oogie Boogie.

Removal of White Water Landing will provide room for future expansion, but Cedar Point and parent company Cedar Fair LP were not yet announcing its future plans, said park spokesman Robin Innes. Built in 1982, White Water Landing, in Frontiertown, simulates a ride down an Appalachian River. Riders in log canoes travel through four water conditions, ranging from a quiet lagoon to a 50-foot high waterfall.

At 53.3m (175'), this coaster will become Canada's tallest and fastest roller coaster, taking those accolades from Galaxyland's "Mindbender". Though Goliath will be the tallest coaster in Canada, it should be noted that Dragon Mountain at Marineland (Niagra Falls, Canada) will still have a greater total vertical displacement, at 57m (186').

Goliath will be an out-and-back design, taking riders outside the park to the eastern point of Sainte-Hélène Island, before turning around and returning to the park. The outbound run features a 70° first drop and three large airtime hills, while the return leg has five smaller hills.

Updates, videos and pictures of the ride's construction will be regularly posted on La Ronde's web site.

The ride is the third major wooden roller coaster at a park renowned for their top-rated wood coasters. Holiday World's 1995 addition "The Raven" is placed consistently in the top ten by the Internet Wooden Tracked Roller Coaster Poll, and ten years later still sits at number 6. The park's 2000 addition "The Legend" currently sits just below the Raven at number 8 on the same poll. The Voyage look poised to follow in footsteps of its predecessors as roller coaster enthusiasts everywhere are already getting excited about it. Voyage will be taller, longer, and faster than either Raven of Legend, and will feature five underground tunnels and turns that bank to 90º.

The Voyage is slated to open at Holiday World in mid-2006.

Italian Job Stunt Coaster will bring King's Dominion's coaster count up to thirteen.

According to Kieran Burke, chairman and CEO of Six Flags, the decision to sell was due to set of circumstances unique to Astroworld. The company does not have similar intentions toward any of their other properties.