Daily Spin 4.15.2009

Tokyo Disneyland has officially opened their new attraction, the awesome looking darkride named Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek. The $100 million, 4 minute dark ride takes passengers on an amusing trip through the world of Monsters Inc and allows them to use their on-board flashlights to find characters and bring the sets around them to life. I know I say this a lot but I want to go!

Declare bankruptcy and get $3 million? Looks like that's what will happen for Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro if the company successfully completes a restructuring in or out of bankruptcy court. The "success bonus" comes as part of a renewed employment contract for the CEO that lasts through 2013. With what he's been doing for the company the past few years though - all the good that is, I say enjoy!

Good news for Conneaut Lake Park fans, it looks like "most" of the park's rides will be open this summer. BUT, sadly, the park's classic wooden coaster the Blue Streak will not be ready until 2010 at the earliest. The park's rides sat closed for the '07 and '08 seasons, so even with the closure of the coaster this is a great step forward! Stop by and visit this summer if you can!

Congratulations are in order for one of everyone's favorite parks, Holiday World. The park was the first in the nation to receive certification in the federally-recognized Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) from the Indiana Department of Labor. A commitment to safety is essential at any park and Holiday Worlds clearly shines at it!

Will Wild West World ever reopen? Nothing is certain at this point, aside from the fact that it will not reopen as hoped for this summer. The failed Kansas theme park was purchased out of bankruptcy and planned a reopening, but most of the rides were sold to pay off debts. The future doesn't look too good considering the economy, though.

SFNEonline has another great Bizarro update for those wanting to see more of the scenery and other items that can be found along the track. I'm rather impressed with the makeover that Six Flags New England is giving the ride!

Worlds of Fun is in its final stages of prepping their new wooden coaster, Prowler, for its opening. The trains were recently placed on the track which means that testing should start very soon. There's photos of that located here. Also, the park is having a first rider seat auction for charity as well - feel free to bid for a good reason through here!

This is pretty neat - Six Flags Over Georgia is holding a contest to name one of the monsters in the park's new Monster Mansion ride. The monster that needs a name is the official photographer for the park, and will be featured in the ride. Winner is to receive a 4 pack of season passes to the park and the new ride opens May 16th.