Weekly Rewind 6.26.10

Cedar Point has announced that as of today, Shoot the Rapids will be open to the public. The ride was delayed due to problems with the boats, but those have been taken care of. It looks like the minimum height for the ride has been raised to 46 inches with a responsible rider, or 48 inches to ride alone - which is probably disappointing for families with smaller kids.

The Disney Park Blog revealed a new video of testing going on for Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure. I love the smile on the front of the cars! Check it out here.

Kings Dominion has changed the restraints on Intimidator 305 to the softer straps that we've seen on a few Intamin rides before. Reports are that the change is being well received, and that there is no head banging to speak of now on those wicked, high speed transitions.

SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa are ready to celebrate the 4th of July in a big way. Busch Gardens will have a fireworks display on the 3rd and 4th after the park's showing of Kinetix, a high energy rock show. SeaWorld will make the celebration a part of their existing AfterDark event, which includes fireworks every night.

I still think that Glow Fest at California Adventure seems weird, but it continually gets positive reviews, like this one from the Funland Blog. I know better than to judge a book by its cover, and I guess that's what I did anyway with this one. It just looks so tacky during the daytime!

Here is a weird press release from Cedar Fair. They've promoted Lee Ann Alexakos but I'm not sure if her titled changed at all, which was Corporate VP of Marketing and Advertising. The release says she'll now report directly to Dick. Obviously they're not replacing Jack Falfas' COO position. But what's the point of a release telling us who a person reports to?!

For those of us who can't make it to the World Expo in Shanghai, the U.S. Pavilion has launched a fun virtual tour of the Pavilion. You can get a good idea of the offerings that are being presented there. Start your own tour here.

The American Coaster Enthusiasts announced during their visit to Conneaut Lake Park that they were doubling the $5,000 they pledged to restore the Blue Streak, making their total gift $10,000. The park still needs much more than that, but it's a big boost. Leonard Adams, known for the building of Twister at Knoebels, has been hired to perform the restoration of the ride.

Holiday World and Splashin' Safari has announced a new President, Dan Koch. The brother to the late Will Koch, Dan will takeover the responsibilities of running the theme and water park. This will give Will's three children time to finish their educations and decide their own future with the involvement of the park.

Well at least we've got the confirmation that Chang is not going to Six Flags Great America. The park's General Manager was quoted as saying those plans have been cancelled, and the coaster will not be coming to the park. Now we just need another park to confirm that it's being added there and the story is complete!