Daily Spin 7.31.09

Can anyone else believe that it's already the last day of July? Where is the summer slipping away to? Enough of that, though, let's see what's happening in the industry.

Yesterday the New York City Counsel approved a plan (and not by a little, it was 44 to 2) by Mayor Bloomberg to redevelop Coney Island. Amid towering condos and hotels, and lots of housing, shopping malls, and more, there will be a 12 acre amusement area crammed in along the boardwalk. Is it me or isn't the reason anyone even cares about Coney Island because of it's rich history of being America's amusement park? Many people stand to make a ton of money off the redevelopment - but not off ride tickets, we're talking real estate here. How sad.

Halloween Horror Nights fans already received some goodies to stare at with the release of drawings of a couple of the scareactors that will be at Hollywood's event this year. Let's just say that just looking at them sorta freaks me out - especially the one with a beak!

Cedar Fair continues to take issue with the development of a new 49ers stadium in California's Great America's parking lot. In a recent article the park has said that if their concerns are not addressed they fear they will have to take "a more formal defense of our legal rights," and I can't imagine the stadium developers want litigation to hold up their plans. This one has been going on like a daily soap opera for some time now, and it end doesn't look too to be too near, either.

Universal Orlando's parent company has filed for several trademarks which look to reveal the names of all the attractions in the currently under construction in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Islands of Adventure theme park. The big mysterious dark ride will be called "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey." Dueling Dragons will now be "Dragon Challenge." To read more of the new names, check out this link.

Perhaps there's more substance to the plans for a Paramount Pictures theme park at the former site of the Expoland Theme Park in Osaka, Japan. A new report details that the company behind the development plans to start to try to buy the land for the closed park soon, and that they hope to open the new park in 2012. Personally, I'm still not sure what to make of all this!
Good news from Legoland California, they're being reported as another one of the few American amusement and theme parks that are having a great year. Due in large part to their recent park expansions, and especially their recently opened Sea Life Aquarium, they've had their best Spring on record. In fact, the park's owner, Merlin Entertainment Group, is reporting a 28% growth in visitors at all 57 of its attractions this year.

It's already time to think about 2010 season passes, Sesame Place is happy to announce that if you purchase a 2010 pass now you'll get in the park for the rest of 2009 on it! More details available at the park's website.

Nik Wallenda's Cedar Fair cross country performance tour continues this Sunday with a walk taking place between the two towers for Dorney Park's Possessed roller coaster. If the weather cooperates NewsPlusNotes should have great content up from the event!