News:
4th August, 2005
A new ride, G Force, was opened at Drayton Manor on July 26th, by G4. From the website: "A white-knuckle journey through 385 metres of rolls, tight camelbacks, high-backed curves and loops - at speeds of up to 70 kph - at an amazing 4.3G! G-Force is a thrill ride like you’ve never had before!"
1st August, 2005
5 people were hurt when a rollercoaster left its tracks at Ocean Beach amusement park in Rhyl, Wales. One couple needed hospitasl treatment. The rollercoaster was inspected daily and it appeared that the car jumped the track in the station at the end of a ride. It is believed the car, which had been at ground level, was hit by the car behind and knocked off the rails. It was the parks first reported accident in 40 years.
31st July, 2005
There is now a special offers section to the site, which will list the known current offers at UK parks.
29th July, 2005
The California Screamin rollercoaster at The California Adventure, Disneyland California was closed after an accident where one train rear-ended another. 15 people of the 48 on the ride were sent to hospital with minor injuries - 13 adults and 2 children. The accident was described as a minor incident and the park remained open.
16th July, 2005
Lego has sold control of the Legoland parks to investment firm Blackstone Group for 375m Euros. There are four parks located in England, Denmark, Germany and the US. A company named Merlin Entertainments will be set up by Blackstone to run the parks and also attractions it bought from Merlin in May including the Sea Life and Dungeon attractions. With Merlin's 28 attractions in 8 European countries, the group will be the second biggest attractions firm in Europe behind Disney. Lego will have 30% control with the remainder controlled by Blackstone.
The agreement with Blackstone is subject to EU approval by competition authorities.
15th July, 2005
A 16 year old British girl suffered cardiac arrest after riding Tower of Terror at Disney-MGM Studios Florida. After coming off the ride, on 12th July, she was feeling unwell and lost conciousness. Hospital emergency workers revived her and she underwent surgery before being transferred for specialist treatment. The ride was closed while checks were carried out but nothing was found to be wrong.
This comes a month after a 4 year old boy from Pennsylvania died after passing out while riding Mission: Space at EPCOT, also at Disney World in Florida. The fast spinning ride simulates space rocket travel. The boy did meet the minimum height requirement of 44 inches. The incident happened on 13th June - initial test results suggested there there was no existing trauma.
13th July, 2005
There is now a Theme Park Galaxy forum area with boards for UK/worldwide themepark related topics and site news/suggestions. Take a look! (the link will open a new window).
10th June, 2005
After a visit to
Terra Mitica in Benidorm, here are some
pictures and a
review of the park.
25th May, 2005
* Special offers *
Alton Towers - 30th
May-3rd June. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Sound of Music,
people dressed as a nun (in full nun's habit) can get in for free! (first
50 people each day only, habits must be worn all day and must be
ride-friendly). There
will be an Austrian theme with song, dance and other entertainments to
honour the classic.
Another current offer, if you
book online in advance you can get entry for £22 adult, £15 child.
Thorpe Park - Friday 27th May.
To celebrate the launch of Rush, the first 1000 adults to turn up
wearing school uniform get free entry this day only.
Also at Thorpe Park, May Madness: Adult park entry for £17 if you
book
online before 31 May. Tickets must be booked at least 24 hours in
advance.
24th May, 2005
Thorpe Park - Rush.
This new ride, opening 27th May, is a giant swing billed as the worlds
biggest air-powered speed swing. It swings to 120 degrees at up to 40mph
and reaches 4G's.
26th February, 2005
* Special offers *
Here are a couple of special offers:
Alton Towers
- Park entry for £18 if you book before 31 March.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach -
Supersaver £10 weekends until easter.
14th January, 2005
* New for 2005 *
Alton Towers - Staffordshire, UK.
RITA. A launched coaster
from Intamin, coming in 2005. Go from 0-100kph in 2.8 seconds!
Between 25 and 31 March, guests staying at the Alton Towers hotels will be
able to test drive Rita - Queen of Speed in advance and for free.
Book before 28th February.
Thorpe Park - Surrey, UK.
Slammer. Experience the unbelievable sensation of flying up to swat the sky and then diving back down to earth as you are catapulted 360 degrees forward and backward 105 feet in the air. The Slammer is Europe's only giant freefall experience of its kind!
See the news archive - for older news.
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