Weekly Rewind 8.6.11

The new B&M Inverted ride being built at France's Parc Asterix is moving along at a rapid pace -  almost have the ride's track is now in place.  I have to say it looks like one of B&M's better designs in quite some time.

Legoland Florida has announced a new Senior Pass for guests age 60+, which is only $60 for a whole year of fun.  The park also recently had another media tour, showing off their progress.

Bill Nye The Science Guy was on hand for the launch of the Atlas Rocket at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and attendance at the center for the day was double the usual. 

Busch Gardens has launched a new iPhone application that helps guide guests through both of the company's theme parks.  An Android version will be released soon.

Storybook Land, NJ, has opened a custom themed Frog Hopper from S&S called Beanstalk Bounce, and is themed to Jack and the Beanstalk. Another new ride, an SBF Drop N'Twist tower will open this year, too.

Excellent news from Silverwood Theme Park - they are on track to have another record breaking season if their current attendance trends hold up.  Things could finish in the 650k range this season.

Atlantic City's famous Steel Pier has been sold to the group that's operated it for two decades for $4.25 million.  Best of all, there's already talk of a new coaster for next year.

Cedar Fair has announced solid operating results for the second quarter of 2011, as well as the month of July.  The chain's Western parks, especially, are being noted for great results.

A nice treat for teachers - Six Flags America is offering educators from Maryland, Virginia, and DC free admission to the park this month.  Read more here for additional details.

California's Castle Park has opened a new waterplay area named Buccaneer Cove.  The 20,000 sq. foot play area features tons of interactive features along with a giant tipping bucket.

Here is a link to some recent and high quality shots of the expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland.  Things are coming together - the coaster in Grizzly Gulch look especially promising!

A lot of footings and one rather large trench, that's what I'm seeing from these new photos of Europa Park's construction of a new GCI wooden coaster.  Lookin' good!