The California State Historic Preservation Commission declared the Giant Dipper at San Diego’s Belmont Park a state historical landmark this month. The roller coaster, which is already considered both a city and a national landmark, is now one of two surviving landmark wooden coasters in the state. (more…)

A ride operator was killed yesterday night when he was struck by a roller coaster train at the Adventureland amusement park on Long Island. Police say the car had been unloaded and was rolling down the track to pick up new riders when it hit 18-year-old Stephen Gary. (more…)

DOSWELL, Va. – CBS Daytime presents the first ever “Guiding Light’s Superstar Saturday” at Paramount’s Kings Dominion. The fan-based event, set to take place on Saturday, September 10, allows fans the chance to mix and mingle with their favorite stars. The star-studded day of excitement features autograph signings at the Eiffel Tower, question and answer sessions in the Paramount Theatre and casting calls at the Paramount Showplace. During the question and answer sessions, hosted by GUIDING LIGHT’S John Driscoll, fans will learn behind-the-scenes information about their favorite characters while the casting calls provide a chance for lucky participants to act out scenes with their favorite leading men. The day will close on a high note when all of the actors take part in karaoke at the Bandstand. (more…)

Although it’s long been the stereotype that accountants are boring, a recent report by the City University of Hong Kong formally declared accountants to be dull. In one of the most unique promotions offered by any theme park, Alton Towers is out to change the bean counters’ image by offering them free admission to the park. (more…)

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn., Dollywood’s Thunderhead took top honors in the Best Wooden Coaster category at the eighth annual Golden Ticket Awards presented Aug. 27 in San Antonio.

Considered the Academy Awards of the amusement industry, the Golden Ticket Awards are presented to the “best of the best” in 22 categories based on the results of an international poll conducted by Amusement Today newspaper. Amusement Today covers international amusement and water park news and trends.

(more…)

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y., – The Great Escape and the Association for the Hearing Impaired are joining forces to present a unique day of activities for individuals and families of those with hearing impairment. On September 11, 2005, The Great Escape will host its first-ever Hearing Impaired Day at The Great Escape. (more…)

Amusement Today announced its annual Golden Ticket Award winners, with Cedar Point claiming the best amusement park spot for the eighth year in a row.

The amusement park industry magazine surveys amusement park fans from around the world and compiles lists of their favorite parks, steel and wood coasters, shows, food and rides.

(more…)

After being approached in January about selling Kissimmee’s Water Mania waterpark, owners Gary and Randy Larson have announced that the sale has been finalized and the park will close on Sept. 5 at the end of the operating season.

The Larsons would not reveal who purchased the park, how much it was sold for, or what the new owners planned on doing with the land. They did not disclose the reason for selling either, except saying that it had nothing to do with slumping business. (more…)

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Guests should prepare to be scared as Busch Gardens unveils its sixth season of Howl-O-Scream, the park’s Halloween-themed festival of fright. The haunting begins earlier this year and continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 through Oct. 30, for seven full weekends of theme park terror.  The Williamsburg adventure park also remains open later on Saturdays during Howl-O-Scream, until 11 p.m., to allow visitors more time to experience the haunted houses, macabre mazes and the newest ride sensation, Curse of DarKastle. (more…)

New York, NY Aug. 25, 2005– Six Flags, Inc. (NYSE: PKS) today announced that the company’s Board of Directors has unanimously determined to seek proposals from third parties regarding a possible sale of the company. The process initiated by the Board is designed to result in the receipt of full and fair value by all Six Flags stockholders for all of their shares. Six Flags intends to pursue a prompt and orderly auction process, and will invite Red Zone LLC, the investment vehicle managed and controlled by Mr. Daniel Snyder, to participate in the process, should Mr. Snyder have a serious interest in pursuing an acquisition of the entire company. (more…)