My personal two ideas for why the park is declining the way it is (besides the obvious financial burdens, of course) are the location and the constant down-time of their best ride.  While I haven’t been there personally, I’ve done quite a bit of research on this interesting little park.  For one, the only way to get to the park is in a rural mountain area, and the only way to get to the rides themselves is via a 20 minute ski lift ride to the 4,600 ft Buck Mountain.  While this isn’t as much of a problem for me (I, as many others I’m sure, would enjoy a peaceful 20 minute ride up a scenic mountain side), it does discourage the general public who are used to just walking into a park and getting straight to the attractions.

Secondly, there are the problems with the Cliff Hanger, the park’s star attraction.  Ghost Town itself speaks of the ride as “The World’s Most Unusual Coaster.”  It has a solid and unique layout with great views and exciting elements.  However, the ride has been open on and off quite a bit.  First it was minor tweaking, then Safety Code violations, then cracks in one of the seats, the list goes on and on.  If this coaster was more reliable, you can bet that their attendance would be much larger.

It’s too bad that this park may be going away.  While it’s very small and the thrills are not up to par with many other parks, it has the unique factor as its biggest plus.  Definitely out of the ordinary with the ski lift being the only way to enter the park, and possessing one of the most unique layouts to any coaster.  Not to mention the incredible scenic images brought about by being 4,600 ft above sea level while riding roller coasters and drop towers!  It’s always good to see something different from the ordinary, especially in the theme park world.  Ghost Town delivers that and I hope that they will get the chance to continue doing so.

But those are just my two cents.  What do you think of this recent news about Ghost Town in the Sky?  Have you ever been there?  Know any other news about the park?  Please leave a comment below.

The Texas Giant over at Six Flags Over Texas will be the first wood coaster to get the “Super Hybrid” classification. Check out Rocky Mountain Construction’s web site for more information and a virtual look of how this system will integrate into existing wood structures.

• Topiary will stay and will be incorporated into a mini-land section
• Most leftover rides will be re-themed to fit the Legoland brand.
• A 4-D theater along with the driving school attraction found at Legoland CA will be added.
• One of the two coasters that are left will stay.
• Ski show will most likely stay as well.

This park will be geared to a younger crowd, but should prove to be a nice change of pace for people looking to do something fun outside of Orlando. What’s your take on the Legoland redevelopment plans?

The first live-action, interactive game of its kind comes to Six Flags Great America

Gurnee, Ill. (Feb. 25, 2010) – Pixies, Powers and a Princess!  New in 2010, Six Flags Great America announces MagiQuest, a live-action interactive game developed to bring families together and move children from the couch to physical play.  Players immerse into an 8,000 square foot fantasyland powered by a “magical” wand.  The wireless remote technology unlocks more than 80 special effects allowing the player to navigate the levels of the game.  Each player, called a Magi, gathers coins, powers and befriends pixies in their quest to defeat the Dragon and save the Princess.

Co-inventor Denise Weston, a mother and trained psychologist, sought to create a game that would stimulate the mind of children and promote teamwork, strategic thinking and family bonding in a fun yet educational platform.

“MagiQuest is a perfect way to combine physical play and computer play while kids or the entire family work together to solve problems and make great memories,” said Denise Weston, co-founder and Director of Imagination at MagiQuest. “The beauty of MagiQuest is that kids are engaged, challenged, learning and most importantly having fun.”

MagiQuest opens this spring in the County Fair area at Six Flags Great America. Also new in 2010, the Little Dipper, a historic wooden roller coaster formerly of Kiddieland Amusement and Glow in the Park Parade, a new nighttime illuminated parade with Cirque Du Soleil-style music and more than 60 performers.

“We are thrilled to be adding MagiQuest to our lineup of new additions to the park for the 2010 season,” said Six Flags Great America Park President Hank Salemi. “We are the first theme park to launch an interactive educational family attraction of this type and are confident our guests will enjoy this new attraction the whole family can experience together.”

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.

February 18, 2010 – Agawam, MA – New England’s largest water park, Hurricane Harbor, proves once again why it’s the ideal family destination, today announcing a new attraction for 2010 – Mr. Six’s Splash Island.  Based on Six Flags’ popular rater of fun, Mr. Six’s Splash Island will open to the public on May 28 with 16,000 square feet of drenching thrills and relaxation for the entire family.

Mr. Six’s Splash Island will boast a 30,000 gallon shaded wave pool designed specifically for the little ones, a 150-foot interactive lazy river with dumping coconuts, rain curtains and squirting effects to keep kiddos cool in the hot New England sun.  The fun continues with water bubblers and fountains throughout the area.  Mom and dad can relax in style with ten new luxury cabanas set poolside and offering lounge chairs, personal lockers, refrigerators, a flat screen TV and a personal wait staff.  Also new for the 2010 season Johnny Rockets the place where everyone can enjoy all-American favorites – hamburgers, shakes and fries served with a smile located next to Mr. Six’s Splash Island!

“Mr. Six has become an iconic character at Six Flags and we are excited to have the first Mr. Six’s Splash Island,” said Larry Litton, Six Flags New England’s park president.  “Hurricane Harbor is a huge draw in the New England region and with the addition of Mr. Six’s Splash Island we are solidifying our commitment to providing a wide array of fun, affordable family entertainment.”

Mr. Six’s Splash Island will join a host of thrilling attractions in Hurricane Harbor including the Typhoon water coaster, Tornado, over 25 unique water slides and two 500,000 gallon wave pools.  Bigger, better and wetter than ever before, Hurricane Harbor is ready to keep New Englanders cool all summer long.

More Flags.  More Fun.  More Affordable.  2010 Six Flags New England Season Passes are on sale now for the lowest price in years, only $54.99.  A Season Pass offers unlimited visits to Six Flags New England and Hurricane Harbor, free tickets for friends, more than $300 in savings on in-park food and fun and free access to exclusive Season Pass events.

Hurricane Harbor opens for the 2010 season on Friday, May 28.  For more information on Hurricane Harbor and on the operating schedule, go to sixflags.com/newengland.

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

Exclusive passholder preview reveals new rides, entertainment and park landscape

 
Valdosta, GA – Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park (WA) opens for the 2010 season Saturday, March 6 at 10 a.m.  The area’s number one tourist attraction offers season passholders an exclusive sneak peek to the park’s new offerings, including a trio of family rides and new live entertainment, on Friday, March 5 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Season passholders will also be among the first to ride the park’s flagship wooden roller coaster, The Cheetah, which just completed a million dollar renovation.  In addition, the park will reveal its new look, having planted more than 400 trees and added new spots to “beat the heat” in the last several months.
 
“Wild Adventures has a tradition of providing families all the excitement of a big theme park at a family affordable scale.  It offers all in one for less — a theme park, water park and animal park rolled into one.  This year, with 20 concerts, and nearly a dozen limited engagement shows, guests will find something new to see and do every month,” said Bob Montgomery, vice president and general manager.  “Plus, to help keep guests feeling refreshed, the park has removed more than 350 tons of concrete to make way for more shade trees and a new, interactive water fountain.”
 
Three new rides join park favorite
 
The new season promises more thrills with three new family rides.  Guests will twist and turn on Whirling Wildcats, a spinning scrambler that propels thrill seekers of all ages in a circular motion.  They will test their fear of heights on Viking Voyage, a five story family roller coaster that takes guests on a 40 mph ride with surprising dips and turns.  Finally, they will find themselves in the driver’s seat on Falcon Flyers, a flying scooter ride, overlooking WA’s famed central lake. 
 
After an extensive renovation, WA’s popular wooden roller coaster, The Cheetah, will also feel like a new ride to park guests.  A million dollar refurbishment was designed to provide a smoother ride without sacrificing the wild excitement wooden coaster lovers have come to expect. 
 
Fresh entertainment debuts monthly
 
WA surprises guests all year long with exclusive, limited engagement shows including a special guest appearance by Kaptain Robbie Knievel on July 3, who will be attempting a leap over WA’s iconic lake. 
 
The park opens with world famous magician Aaron Radatz, who mesmerizes guests with his Vegas-style magic show.  In April, WA maintains its tradition of offering breathtaking animal performances with the premiere of Tigers of India. The award winning show features seven majestic tigers.  The live act highlights the incredible bond of man and tiger while showcasing the animals’ natural behavior. 
 
May brings the opening of Country Rocks Live! to WA.  With a variety of gifted singers, this new show brings music to life with country hits from yesterday and today. 
 
The summer heats up with high energy performances guests cannot find anywhere else.  The Anastasinis are eighth generation performers who join the park’s show lineup in June with unbelievable juggling, high wire, and acrobatic performances under a big top tent.  Also in June, popular hypnotist Tammy Barton takes guests 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.  Man’s best friend takes center stage in July 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.”
 
Concert line-up offers variety of musical styles
 
Featuring the region’s largest outdoor amphitheater, WA promises families a variety of musical experiences from spring through fall.   The park line-up includes 20 concert performances in the rock, pop, country, Christian and gospel genres.  Already scheduled to perform are:
 
March 13              Lynyrd Skynyrd                                                               
March 20             George Thorogood & Los Lonely Boys
April 10                Jeremy Camp
April 17                 REO Speedwagon & Styx
April 24                Josh Turner
May 8                    Wynonna
May 15                  Chicago
May 29                  David Crowder Band
June 12                 Steven Curtis Chapman
June 19                 Tye Tribbett & Kirk Franklin
June 26                 Rodney Atkins
Sept. 25                Third Day
Oct. 2                    Vince Neil
TBA                       Backstreet Boys
 
More concerts will be announced soon to complete the 2010 concert season.  All concerts are free with general park admission or a 2010 Season Pass.  Reserved seats are available for an additional $10.
 
New spots to refresh and recharge
 
In March, WA marks the debut of a new, greener landscape plus spots for guests to cool off.  The goal is to create shadier spots for the warmer spring and summer months.  To create the parkwide changes, more than 4oo new trees have been planted along new pathways, creating an overall guest-friendlier environment.  A new interactive, jumping water fountain will delight kids and parents alike with 22 jets that spray in all directions.
 
“Last season, WA unveiled our multi-million dollar Splash Island Water Park renovation including the opening of the popular Wahee Cyclone.  This year, we wanted to add even more spots to help families cool off in the warmer temperatures,” said Montgomery.
 
In addition, WA offers new sweet and savory food options to tempt taste buds.  Guests can cool off with real fruit smoothies, and frozen treats at Fresh N’ Fruity or they can journey to Voyager’s Treats for a freshly-made, sweet puff.  Guests can also watch their food as it cooks at BBQ Smokehouse, with smoked delights such as turkey legs, sausage, and roasted corn.
 
Season passholder sneak peek
 
Passholders can check out WA’s new rides and shows before everyone else on Friday, March 5 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Season passes are on-sale now at www.WildAdventures.com.  Regular passes are $59.99 and Gold Passes including free parking are $79.99.  General admission tickets for the official park opening on Saturday, March 6 are also on-sale.  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.

Another major coaster project now in the works!

LOGAN, Utah – (February 15, 2010) – Long recognized as the company that designed the 4th Dimension coaster, arguably the most technologically advanced coaster on the planet, S&S Worldwide, Inc. is pleased to announce plans for yet another 4th Dimension coaster. Known as “X2” at Six Flags California and as “Eejanaika” at Fujikyu Highlands in Japan, the next 4th Dimension coaster will amaze and thrill the people of China when it opens there in 2011.

Unlike traditional coasters where trains only parallel the track, the 4th Dimension sends riders screaming around its 3,600-foot maze of steel track aboard massive wing-shaped trains. The seats extend off of the track to the sides of the vehicle, allowing the passengers to be independently rotated head over heels and forward and backward.
The 4th Dimension’s large vehicles seat 24 passengers, two abreast in twelve individual cars, six positioned on each side of the train, with a state-of-the-art restraint system that adjusts to each rider’s size and safely secures the individual for the duration of the ride. The ride’s 360-degree rotating seats move the passengers independently, creating head-first, face-down drops, and unique “don’t know what to expect next” excitement.

The passengers actually face backward as the train leaves the station, rounds a turn, and begins its 250-foot (76-meter) ascent to the crest of the lift hill. The passengers get an impressive sweeping view of the surrounding area and are not afforded the comfort of seeing what’s to come. Before plunging off the near vertical first drop, the seats suddenly flip forward, placing the riders in a totally unique and thrilling position facing the ground. The steep first drop is insane, reaching a breathtaking speed of nearly 80 mph (129 kph). As the passengers soar through the exciting elements of the ride experience, including raven turns, dives, and half-twists, the smooth rotation
of the seats creates a surprise with every turn or drop, some beautiful air time, and an intensity that never lets off.

“This amazing coaster takes riders on a journey to an unchartered dimension of extreme that only the 4th Dimension can deliver,” said Kevin Rohwer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for S&S. “We appreciate yet another opportunity to build and install this incredible coaster, and we anticipate that the amusement industry will be very excited about its upcoming installation. Dinosaur Park (Changzhou, China) is already counting down the days until this great attraction will open to the people of China.”

Maryland theme park to be home to North America’s largest permanent destination based on Thomas & Friends™
Six Flags America, the Nation’s Capital of MORE FLAGS and MORE FUN today announces details of Thomas TownSM, a new family entertainment area based on the popular Thomas & Friends™ brand. Thomas Town is the park’s largest expansion in over a decade and will feature eight rides and attractions and a new retail store and a new character. Opening this summer, Six Flags America’s Thomas Town will be the largest Thomas Town in North America.

“Thomas & Friends have entertained and educated more than three generations with messages of teamwork and friendship,” said John Winkler, Six Flags America park president. “Now families who visit the park will have a new, permanent, place — the largest in North America — to enjoy and interact with these wonderful characters. We are delighted to welcome Thomas Town to Six Flags America and offer our guests more ways to experience family-friendly fun together.”

Gary Krakower, senior vice president for consumer products and live events at HIT Entertainment, parent company of Thomas & Friends, said, “We are thrilled to be working with Six Flags theme parks, as they have an outstanding reputation for providing quality family amusements. The wholesome appeal of Thomas & Friends comes to life at Thomas Town and allows children to experience the themes of discovery, perseverance and friendship that are synonymous with the Thomas & Friends brand.”

Encompassing more than three and a half acres of the popular theme park, the cornerstone of
Thomas Town will be a train ride on a Thomas the Tank Engine™ replica that will take guests on a journey through Thomas’ mythical home on the Island of Sodor. Other new rides and attractions in the all-new Thomas Town include:

In addition to these fun rides and attractions, Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway — a new character at Six Flags America — will greet visitors and pose for photos throughout the day. The Knapford Station Shop, the park’s first retail location since 2005, will feature themed merchandise, including the popular Thomas & Friends die cast trains, apparel, and storybooks.

The addition of Thomas Town will nearly double the number of thrilling family attractions at Six Flags America. The park is also home to LOONEY TUNES Movie Town with rides, shows, and attractions; and Crocodile Cal’s Caribbean Beach House and Buccaneer Beach, both located in Hurricane Harbor water park.

With more than 100 awe-inspiring rides, games, shows, and family attractions, Six Flags America is the Mid-Atlantic’s premier destination for family fun. The park boasts seven thrilling roller coasters — headlined by the hyper-coaster SUPERMAN: Ride of Steel, one of the tallest coasters on the East Coast and BATWING, Maryland’s first flying coaster. Hurricane Harbor features slides and splashes for thrill seekers of every age, including the six-story funnel of FUN Tornado and Hurricane Bay, one of the largest wave pools in the United States. Six Flags America theme park opens Saturday, March 27 and is open for Spring Break through Monday, April 5, then weekends in April and May, with daily operation resuming Memorial Day weekend. Hurricane Harbor begins its season on Saturday, May 22.

Six Flags America offers family-friendly value all season long with a 2010 Season Pass. Passholders enjoy unlimited admission to Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor Water Park as well as receive exclusive benefits, including free tickets for friends and more than $300 in savings on in-park food and fun. For a limited time, Season Passes are just $49.99, a $20.00 discount from the regular Season Pass price of $69.99. Visit sixflags.com to purchase Season Passes online and learn more about park hours and special events.

“We are deeply disappointed to be leaving such a great fan base in the greater metropolitan area of Louisville and we are grateful to the thousands of employees at Kentucky Kingdom and the millions of guests for their dedication, support and loyalty over the years,” said Mark Shapiro, Six Flags President and CEO.

“This action relates solely to Kentucky Kingdom,” Shapiro continued. “The substantial lease payment has been a significant hurdle for this park in recent years. Our other parks, which reside largely on company-owned land, will be completely unaffected and will open as scheduled for the full 2010 season.”

For information on season passes, employees, and more visit the official announcement page.

Park Opens March 26

Pass Prices Unchanged; Additional Online Savings

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Jan. 28, 2010) – Busch Gardens opens March 26 for its 35^th year and is celebrating with a new ride, a new show and an all new night-time celebration that  will leave families breathless for more. And more is what they will receive. With a host of KIDsiderate options, more than 20 scheduled concert performances and an all new extreme sports event debuting this spring, Busch Gardens has something for everyone in the family this year.

The world’s most beautiful theme park is re-envisioning its Ireland section with a new simulator ride featuring the scenic beauty of Europe and an Abbey Stone Theatre show that pays homage to Ireland’s great storytelling tradition.

“Europe in the Air” swoops guests across gorgeous terrain and past the continent’s most beloved landmarks. Dive low over Stonehenge. Soar past Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Float over the Coliseum in Rome. With amazingly sharp video quality and incredible surround sound, this high-tech simulator ride puts our guests in the midst of all the action.

After landing, stroll over to Abbey Stone Theatre and join the celebration as Busch Gardens debuts its newest live show filled with authentic Irish choreography, storytelling, singing, music and the magic of Irish dance. One of Dublin’s favorite innkeepers invites you to experience day-to-day life in this incredibly unique culture. With a cast of singers, Irish dancers and musicians, guests will be clapping their hands and shouting “Erin Go Bragh.”

Busch Gardens also is now home to a stop on the ASA Action Sports World Tour, an extreme sports extravaganza with all the grinds, aerials and freestyle tricks that extreme sports fans have come to expect. During the last three weekends in May, “Ramp Jam” at Busch Gardens will be hosting the top skateboard, BMX and in-line skating athletes performing extreme stunts and tricks on a half pipe built just for the tour at Festhaus Park.

Coming this June, join Busch Gardens for its first ever park-wide summer festival celebration. “IllumiNights:  A Busch Gardens Encore” is a new, nightly spectacular that encircles family fun and memories with world traditions. Trees will bloom with color and the night sky will burst with dazzling arrays of light each night during the celebration. Different areas of the park will celebrate IllumiNights in its own way, culminating in a park-wide pyrotechnics extravaganza that will have guests returning again and again.

This year also marks the return of Busch Gardens’ popular free concert lineup. From June 6 – Sept. 6, the park will host 20 different concert performers starting with the contemporary Christian festival, Glory at the Gardens, featuring acts like Steven Curtis-Chapman, Switchfoot, Third Day and Kirk Franklin. The concerts continue every weekend until Labor Day, featuring more bands like the B-52s and Grand Funk Railroad.

While Busch Gardens has a lot of new offerings for its 2010 season, the park is continuing its tradition of offering KIDsiderate attractions, including the second year of Sesame Street Forest of Fun with subtle changes to make guests experiences more comfortable while maintaining the sense of wonder for kids of all ages. Guests looking forward to the 12^th season of Howl-O-Scream will have to wait until this fall to see the new scares and frights waiting for them this year. Also, families can look forward to the second year of Christmas Town:  A Busch Gardens Celebration with new delights being developed that will leave them saying, “Now this is Christmas.”

Busch Gardens is offering a new way to save in 2010. All season long, guests can save $5 on each single-day ticket by making the purchase at www.buschgardens.com/va.Busch Gardens also is retaining its 2009 pass prices, so a new 2010 one-year pass still costs just $99.95. Guests renewing their 2009 passes will receive additional cost savings. All passes include access to all of the park’s concerts, Howl-O-Scream, free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, and unlimited visits to the park. A single-day ticket costs $61.95. Residents of Virginia can still purchase the Fun Card which also costs $61.95 but is valid for admission all summer long.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg.

The 10 parks play host to 25 million guests each year and employ 26,000 people nationwide. To learn more, visit www.SeaWorldParksandEntertainment.com or call toll-free (888) 800-5447. Additionally, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment created the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit, private charitable foundation committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, research, education and animal rescue programs worldwide. Learn more at SWBG-ConservationFund.org.