KINGS ISLAND, Ohio – If you think riding Drop Tower at Kings Island is a thrill (and it is – riders enjoy a breathtaking view of the region as they ascend toward the sky, then take a 26-story freefall at 64 mph), wait until next year!

Kings Island will continue to change the landscape for thrill seekers in 2011 with WindSeeker, a 301-foot-tall tower that will spin riders 30 stories above the park. Seated in two-person swings that will allow their feet to dangle, riders will slowly begin rotating in a circular motion as the swings ascend the tower. At the top, the swings will reach speeds up to 30 mph, flaring out 45 degrees from the tower. WindSeeker will accommodate 64 riders (32 swings) per ride cycle.

“The addition of WindSeeker reflects our commitment to providing our guests with world-class thrills, fun and fantastic family entertainment,” Kings Island vice-president and general manager Greg Scheid said. “Soaring 300 feet above Kings Island will provide an exciting ride experience for our guests.”

WindSeeker will be located in the Coney Mall section of the park near the Vortex ride exit. Ride renderings and animation video are available at www.visitkingsisland.com.

The $5 million ride is manufactured by Mondial, a 23-year-old Dutch-based company. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to ride and will be secured with individual over-the-head lap bars with interlocking seat belts.

WindSeeker will make its debut when Kings Island opens for the 2011 season in the spring.

Kings Island is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Kings Island, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.

Viper at Six Flags Great America

Viper Named Top 10 Best Coaster
Classic Wooden Coaster at Six Flags Great America Named One of the Best Coasters by USA Today

DESCRIPTION: A cyclone-style wooden coaster
LOCATION: Southwest Territory at Six Flags Great America
BUILT: Opened in 1995
SPEED: 50mph
LENGTH: 3458 feet
HEIGHT: 100 feet tall
RIDE TIME: 2 minutes, 35 seconds

Gurnee, IL. (August 9, 2010) – USA Today names Six Flag Great America’s Viper one of the top 10 coasters. The wooden coaster features a 10-story lift hill and an 80-foot first drop. The coaster was built in 1995 and was inspired by the classic Cyclone at Coney Island, NY.

Paul Ruben, the North American editor of Park World, a trade magazine for the amusement industry says “Everything that’s good about the Cyclone is even better on the Viper. It masterfully employs the picket-fence effect — rushing past stationary objects to add to the illusion of speed.”

Six Flags Great America is located between Chicago and Milwaukee and offers fun for the entire family with 14 heart-pounding roller coasters, a free 15-acre water park, spectacular shows and four children’s themed areas. New in 2010 – the Glow in the Park Parade, a nighttime illuminated parade with over 60 performers and Little Dipper, a historic wooden roller coaster formerly of Kiddieland Amusement Park

There are currently four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world.  For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLANDFloridaResort.com.
The MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years.   Europe’s number one, and the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 62 attractions and 6 hotels in 12 countries, across 3 continents.   The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 38.5 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 14,000 employees.   Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE – the world’s No 1 aquarium brand, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures, Heide Park, Underwater Adventures, and Earth Explorer

“Play & Dine All Day” is an online exclusive available now through September 6, 2010.

It’s a great way to play all day at the new Sesame Street Safari of Fun or spend the day riding the world’s best roller coasters, including SheiKra and Montu. And when the hunger hits, it’s all you care to eat and drink, all day long.

“Play & Dine All Day” eTickets are on sale now at www.BuschGardensTampaBay.com. eTickets also lets guests print their tickets at home and go straight to the turnstiles.

With the all-new Twilight Ticket, guests can experience SeaWorld’s thrilling rides, up-close animal encounters and awesome shows at night for only $39.95, adult or child. It’s an after-3 p.m. admission and Orlando’s hottest deal for one-of-a-kind, evening theme park adventures.

And this holiday weekend, it’s a great way to celebrate with family and friends during the day and rock out at SeaWorld at night. The park has a special fireworks display on the 4th of July.

SeaWorld AfterDark showcases the park in a whole new light, with a nighttime rock n’ roll extravaganza, a high-energy Shamu show, a hilarious sea lion show, coasters under the stars and a mystifying fireworks finale.

That’s in addition to being able to experience all that’s awesome day and night, like Manta, up-close animal encounters and spectacular shows. SeaWorld AfterDark continues through August 15.

Twilight Tickets can be purchased at SeaWorld.com now through Labor Day.

SeaWorld is the place to be after dark this summer:

MANTA — Find out what it’s like to spin, glide, skim and fly with the largest of rays when riding Manta – by moonlight, an even more extraordinary sensation. A seamless blend of up-close animal encounters with a head-first, face-down flying roller coaster thrill ride, Manta is an adventure only SeaWorld could create.

SHAMU ROCKS – It’s a spectacular rock ’n roll killer whale show that wows audiences of all ages. This show is a high-energy concert as big as Shamu, combining awe-inspiring killer whales with a stunning light show and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.

SUMMER’S HOTTEST TICKET: SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S NEW AFTER-3 P.M. ADMISSION / page 2

SEA LIONS TONITE — SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite SeaWorld shows and attractions.

REFLECTIONS: FIREWORKS AND FOUNTAIN SHOW FINALE — SeaWorld comes to life in a spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. Through the thrilling and inspirational music of the park’s most popular shows, families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.

Prices plus tax & per person. Not available with other discount offers. Some restrictions apply. Valid through September 6, 2010.

“As the country recovers from rough economic times, travel trends indicate families are looking for summer getaways that are not too far, too expensive or too time-consuming. That’s where Wild Adventures fits in. Wild Adventures is a nearby affordable family theme, water and animal park vacation destination. A season pass lets you come back all summer long or general park admission gets you two days for the price of one,” said Bob Montgomery, WA general manager.

“And the best part is, WA lets families pick their level of adventure, from mild to wild. They can fill their days with the largest collection of family rides in the area including eight coasters, cool off on the new multi-million dollar Wahee Cyclone in Splash Island and then enjoy a family concert in the evening. New shows and events, like Kidzpalooza, and animal interactions round out the memorable summer escape,” he added.

Wild Adventures’ summer event, Kidzpalooza, June 12–August 15, features new entertainment for kids of all ages. The Anastasini Circus, joins the park’s show lineup June 12 with jaw dropping acrobatics, jugglers and more under a big top tent. Families can also marvel at the mesmerizing Tigers of India, and tap their feet to Country Rocks Live!, both showing during Kidzpalooza. Tigers of India is an award-winning show featuring eight majestic, multi-colored tigers. The live act highlights the incredible bond of man and tiger while showcasing the animals’ natural behavior. A variety of gifted singers bring music to life with country hits from yesterday and today during Country Rocks Live!

In June, popular hypnotist Tammy Barton also takes families on a journey of the mind. Starting in July, the antics of the Dana Kunze High Dive Show entertain with a mix of high diving tricks and comedy and man’s best friend takes center stage with Doggies of the Wild West. Marshall Rowdy Yo along with his sidekick, Calamity Jo, amaze and amuse audiences with a cast of “Pooches from the Prairie.”

During 4th of July weekend, WA welcomes a special guest appearance by Kaptain Robbie Knievel who will be attempting a daring leap over WA’s iconic lake. To date, Robbie has successfully completed over 250 professional jumps, including 20 world records, highlighted by the Caesars Palace Fountain jump in 1989, the building-to-building jump in 1999 and the Grand Canyon in 2000.

Featuring the region’s largest outdoor amphitheater, WA promises families a variety of musical experiences this summer, including performances in May, June and July. The park line-up includes family concert performances in the rock, pop, country, Christian and gospel genres. Already scheduled to perform are:

May 22 Rodney Atkins
May 29 David Crowder Band
June 5 Backstreet Boys
June 12 Steven Curtis Chapman
June 19 Tye Tribbett & Kirk Franklin
June 26 Kool & The Gang
July 10 World Class Rockers
July 17 Josh Turner
July 24 Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly
Sept. 25 Third Day
Oct. 2 Vince Neil

All concerts are free with general park admission or a 2010 Season Pass. Reserved seats are available for an additional $10.

Families can vacation anytime with season passes on-sale at www.WildAdventures.com. Best prices are now available. Regular passes are $69.99 and Gold Passes including free parking are $89.99. Prices increase by $10 on June 14. General park admission includes the second day FREE. Adults tickets are $45.99, kids (ages 3-9) and seniors (55 and older) are $40.99. Prices do not include tax.

Wild Adventures is a 170-acre theme park, water park, and animal park all in one place for less located in Valdosta, Georgia. The park features one of the largest ride collections in the South, more than 500 wild animals, Splash Island Water Park, the region’s largest water park, shows, festivals and all-star concerts. The park is owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), a company specializing in family entertainment. For nearly half a century, HFE has owned, operated or partnered in 21 properties across nine states, including Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City; operating partner with Dolly Parton in Tennessee’s Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country; operating partner in Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park and owners of Ride the Ducks amphibious tours in six cities.

The Great Escape invites guests to take a trip down memory lane

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y., (April 14, 2010) – The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom announced today exciting new additions for the upcoming 2010 season. Beginning Saturday, May 8, guests will experience a piece of history with the newly restored Cinderella’s Castle and the all new Storytown Train.

“We are very fortunate to have wonderful traditions here at The Great Escape,” said Don McCoy, President of The Great Escape Properties.  “For 57 years, families have created lifelong memories with us and these two nostalgic offerings will strike a familiar chord as guests recall their childhood visits.”

The  updated Storytown Train will feature a journey through the early years of Storytown, USA and The Great Escape.  Popular elements from the nursery rhyme themed park have been renovated and given new homes along the train’s tracks.  The pieces will also represent the first years of Ghost Town and the popular Jungleland exotic wetland.  Exciting additions to the train include Humpty Dumpty, PoPo the Purple Cow along with Hickory Dickory Dock and more.

Cinderella’s Castle has served as a centerpiece in Carousel Plaza since 1979.  This year, young princesses will experience even more magic as the entire castle has been rebuilt from the ground up.  Created straight from the fairytale, the new structure and surrounding landscape will be the perfect backdrop to the Pumpkin Coach and, of course, Cinderella herself.

Guests can make plans now to experience the new Storytown Train, Cinderella’s Castle and all of the excitement of the 2010 season by purchasing a Season Pass to The Great Escape.  Season Passes are currently available for purchase for $69.99, the lowest price of the season online at sixflags.com.

For more information about The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, call 518-792-3500 or log on to sixflags.com.

WHAT: Six Flags Great America opens for the 2010 season offering BOGO admission with

a Goodwill donation

WHEN:                  Opening Weekend, April 24 and 25

TIME: Operating Hours (Sat: 10am-8pm, Sun: 10am-7pm) Best Visual (April 24 from 10am-12pm) Switch ceremony to turn on park for the 2010 season on Saturday, April 24 at 10am

WHERE: Six Flags Great America / 542 N. Route 21 / Gurnee, IL 60031
Donations taken at Main Entrance

VISUAL: Families donating bags of clothing at Six Flags Great America to Goodwill Industries

Gurnee, Ill. (April 15, 2010) – Six Flags Great America teams up with Goodwill Industries to kick off the 2010 season. Bring a bag of gently-used clothing to Six Flags Great America opening weekend, April 24 and 25, and receive a buy one admission ticket, get one free.  Plus get BOGO deals around the park on select treats and games, including the all-new MagiQuest.  Donations will be sold in Goodwill Stores where the revenues fund training, employment and supportive services for people with disabilities or disadvantages.

Opening April 24 – MagiQuest is a live-action interactive game developed to bring families together and move children from the couch to physical play.  Players immerse into a 10,000 square foot fantasyland powered by a “magical” wand. The wireless remote technology unlocks more than 80 special effects allowing players to navigate through the levels of the game in their quest to defeat the Dragon and save the Princess.

Six Flags Great America is located between Chicago and Milwaukee and offers fun for the entire family with 14 heart pounding roller coasters, a free 15-acre water park, spectacular shows and three children’s themed areas. Also new in 2010, the Little Dipper, a historic wooden roller coaster formerly of Kiddieland Amusement Park and Glow in the Park Parade, a new nighttime illuminated parade with Cirque Du Soleil-style music and more than 60 performers.

“EDNÖR – L’attaque” – a first at La Ronde – ushers in a new era

Montréal, Thursday, April 15, 2010 – The launch of “EDNÖR – L’attaque” is a grand premiere for La Ronde and signals, according to management, the start of a new era as “amusement parks” continue their transformation into “theme parks.”

“EDNÖR – L’attaque” is the first ever totally themed rollercoaster and features a pre-ride show that will take passengers on a tour of a simulated interpretation centre dedicated to the study of sea monsters, including the now-famous resident of Lac des Dauphins, EDNÖR.

Located in the Village at La Ronde, the centre is a key part of the experience and leads to the boarding area. The centre is designed to inform passengers, who are about to experience an attack by the sea monster at La Ronde, about these strange creatures, starting with EDNÖR, of course, but also Nessie, Champ, Memphré and Ponik, to name but a few. At the centre, passengers will also experience the most recent events, including the monster’s attack on workmen Dany Gauthier and Steve Saint-Louis, which occurred on the evening of March 30.

In another first, La Ronde will take advantage of the sea monster’s presence in Lac des Dauphins to include its appearances as “special effects” as part of the ride. For example, during the ride, passengers will come very close to a powerful spurt of water from EDNÖR, a phenomenon previously described by the workmen involved in the March 30 incident.

On May 15 and 16, starting at 11:00 AM, only 2010 La Ronde season passport-holders will have access to the new ride, “EDNÖR – L’attaque.” The rollercoaster will be open to the general public as of May 22, also at 11:00 AM. Season passports are already available online atwww.laronde.com for $74. They come with a booklet containing discount coupons valued at over $200.

About Six Flags: La Ronde is the property of Six Flags, Inc., a publicly-traded corporation (SIXFQ) headquartered in New York City and the world’s largest regional theme park company with 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

WHAT: The Little Dipper, a vintage wooden coaster formerly of Kiddieland Amusement Park

VISUALS: Construction on the historic 60-year-old coaster being rebuilt at Six Flags Great America

WHERE: Six Flags Great America
542 N. Route 21
Gurnee, IL 60031
Employee Entrance

Gurnee, Ill. (April 13, 2010) – Six Flags Great America Keeps Chicago History Alive!  Construction begins on the Little Dipper, a 60-year-old wooden coaster Six Flags Great America purchased from Kiddieland Amusement Park last November. The vintage coaster has been a family tradition in Chicago for over 50 years, operating at Kiddieland from 1950 until September 2009 when the amusement park closed.  The family-friendly coaster will retain its original name and open Memorial Day weekend as the 14^{th coaster at Six Flags Great America.}

The Little Dipper was designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1950.  The coaster’s figure eight track features a three story tall lift   hill and runs  700 feet in length.  It has been honored by the American Coaster Enthusiasts with the ACE Coaster Classic award. “We wanted to preserve this important pieceof Chicago history for families to experience for many more years to come.” Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America’s park president.

Six Flags Great America is located between Chicago and Milwaukee and offers fun for the entire family with heart-pounding roller coasters including Raging Bull, a free 15-acre water park, spectacular shows and three children’s themed areas.  New in 2010 – the Glow in the Park Parade, a nighttime illuminated parade with Cirque Du Soleil-style music and over 60 performers and MagiQuest, a new 10,000 square foot interactive gaming experience.