Daily Spin 8.8.09

© 2009 SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego has announced that its long running "Dolphin Discovery" show will be replaced in 2010 by a brand new show entitled "Blue Horizons". Billed by the park as a "theatrical spectacular", Blue Horizons will bring a Broadway flair to SeaWorld through artistic costuming, an elaborate set, and an original musical score performed by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. The "actors" will consist of bottlenose dolphins, exotic birds, and an array of talented acrobats. SeaWorld Orlando's incarnation of Blue Horizons has been pleasing guests since 2005, and the San Diego version promises to deliver the same unique experience. You can check out the full press release on the park's web site.

The much anticipated opening of the newest Happy Valley amusement park in Shanghai, China just became a bit less anticipated following the park's disastrous VIP preview day. The event, which took place this past Thursday and was open only to specially invited guests, was plagued by technical difficulties and a seemingly wide array of snafus. Fireball experienced seven breakdowns, a short-circuit on the park's freefall ride left passengers stranded in midair, and several guests were struck by a falling sign. In the wake of this chaos, the park has been forced to push back its official opening date from August 8 to August 16. The Shanghai Daily has the full story.

It has long been surmised that Carowinds will be the recipient of a shiny new coaster in 2010, and that said coaster will be a product of Bolliger & Mabillard. Carowinds Connection has effectively put an end to the speculation by producing photos of the very first track pieces, which arrived on site earlier this week. The verdict? Distinctively B&M. The validating entry in RCDB showed up around the same time. Now all that's left to do is wait until the official announcement on August 26!

Carowinds and Kings Dominion have been the focus of much attention over the past couple months, but don't count out flagship park Cedar Point just yet. The park has begun teasing about its own new 2010 attraction via Twitter, Facebook, and the OnPoint! blog. Nothing concrete so far, but it appears that Millennium Island will definitely be involved somehow. It will be exciting to watch this riddle unfold!

According to Amusing the Zillion, a Schwarzkopf Wildcat roller coaster may be joining the ranks of Joe Sitt's Dreamland carnival at Coney Island. Carnival operator Glenn Geren, who has operated rides on Sitt's Coney Island property for the past two summers, has purchased the coaster as well as a handful of other rides in anticipation of setting them up at Dreamland. While these rides could make an appearance as early as Labor Day, Spring 2010 seems to be the more likely target. Never mind the fact that there is currently no assurance that either Joe Sitt or Dreamland will be occupying the property by that point. The entire operation has always been nebulous at best.

Speaking of nebulous, it's no secret that Magic Springs & Crystal Falls has had its own share of operational difficulties this season. The reports of closed rides and overall dissatisfaction have been circulating for quite some time. But to the park's credit, they have been making an earnest attempt to keep fans apprised of all ride statuses via their Facebook page. And the best news? As of this past Thursday, all rides are officially open with the exception of the X Coaster. I sincerely hope that this park has simply been experiencing growing pains due to the change in ownership, and that they will emerge stronger next year!