Planet Snoopy Updates

© Valleyfair

Snoopy's getting ready for his debut at Valleyfair - progress on the park's new Planet Snoopy is looking good.  I really like that Cedar Fair decided to build the aerial monorails in all three new ones - they really brighten up the areas.  It also appears as though all three new Planet Snoopys will receive one of Zamperla's new junior swing rides - aptly named Sally's Swing.

World's of Fun, which has already opened for the year, is not quite as far along with their new area.  In photos taken recently, only a few of the new rides are open.  Still, even with many rides not open the area still has a clean, fresh look.  Check out the photos.

Aerial Antics: Schlitterbahn Kansas City

Opened in summer 2009, Schlitterbahn Kansas City, also known as Schlitterbahn Vacation Village, was the company's first park outside of Texas.  The first year was known as a preview, and 2010 marked the park's full first year.

When completed the water park will be part of a big resort, featuring lodging facilities, and a Riverwalk area with shopping and more.  Here is a shot of what opened so far:

As you can see, the park is being developed in phases, and has already announced a big expansion for this year that will add 7 new attractions (basically doubling the size of the park).  If you want to get a feel for how much space they have to work with, just zoom out a little:

As you can see there's a lot of land they are working on!  I have a feeling if Schlitterbahn (and the economy in general) really go for it this could be one heck of a destination when complete.

Another fun fact: Schlitterbahn did quite a bit of shopping at the Geauga Lake auction - grabbing as many as 15 rides or attractions from the closed park according to reports.  If you poke around a little you can see a lot of those.

Lots of ride parts!  This looks a bit like the Larger Than Life wet/dry slide structure from Geauga exploded and the bits flew all over.  I'm sure there's other attractions mixed in there, too.

I'm not exactly sure what I'm seeing here, but I know it's ride related!  If anyone knows, fill me in!

I think that looks like Pirate's Flight, and again more rides lying in pieces.  There's even more on the park grounds that I didn't feature here.

If you want to go ride hunting, check out Google's aerials.  If you recognize any ride parts, leave a comment!

Carowinds Grabs Guinness World Record

In the first of a series of events to be held this year at Cedar Fair amusement parks, Carowinds broke the world record for the most people dyeing Easter eggs this past weekend.  The park had 317 people involved, and now officially hold the record.

"While the egg-dyeing category is a brand new record category for Guinness World Records, officials set the minimum requirement at 250 participants. Guinness World Records® guidelines stipulate that each participant must be equipped with at least one hard-boiled egg and spoon and enough dye to submerge his or her egg."

They really meant business with those eggs! Then again, a Guinness World Record should have all sorts of official rules and stipulations.  You can read the park's press release here, or check out a gallery of shots.

Sesame Place Delights with Elmo's Cloud Chaser

(courtesy of Bucks Local News)

Sesame Place has done a very good job of keeping its newest family attraction under wraps. Elmo's Cloud Chaser made its grand entrance on April 22nd, and according to this article, the reactions have been wonderful. Elmo, the Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby were all on hand to debut the new ride.

Themed around airplanes, Elmo’s Cloud Chaser incorporates sound effects of plane noises and sound bytes of Elmo talking guests through the experience, much like a pilot might do. This Zamperla swing ride can handle up to 36 riders each cycle, and has a big bright red airplane perched upon the top. From the video above, it seems this special park will be flying high this summer!

Ride The Wooden Warrior

Quassy's new family sized wooden coaster, The Wooden Warrior, designed by the Gravity Group, looks like a great ride! I wish the Easter Bunny would have brought me one of these!  The coaster has some great bunny hops, after all.

Weekly Rewind 4.23.11

Vekoma's new family Boomerang coaster, named Ben 10 Ultimate Mission at Drayton Manor, has now opened to guests. Looks like a zippy little ride - I wonder if more of these will start showing up?

Q Investments has now said that they have no confidence in Cedar Fair being able to choose a successor for Dick Kinzel.  The firm says they heard that the company has considered Mark Shapiro, former Six Flags CEO, for the title - and they hate that.  Would it really be so bad, I wonder?

Disney Parks has shared a video that shows off some of the tricks the ghosts are now capable of in the finale to the Haunted Mansion.  I'd love them them to take my head off! 

Landry's is still moving forward with their plan for an amusement pier in Galveston, Texas.  This article includes some concept art and mentions a double-decker Carousel and Ferris Wheel among other rides.

Kings Island is opening for the year with two gigantic new attractions, but the press would still rather talk about Son of Beast.  Sigh - never mind that 300 foot thrill ride or the enormous forest of dinosaurs!

Six Flags America is now open for the season, with plenty of changes to be seen in the park.  For one, the only one-year-old Thomas Town has been completely rethemed.  Check out a photo report here.

Cedar Point is readying Ocean Motion for its new home in the park, and adding some surprising theming along the way!  Check out the park's blog for details.

It is pretty crazy what people can make out of LEGO bricks.  Orlando Attractions was at the opening of the redesigned LEGO Store at Downtown Disney this past week, and has video and photos of many impressive displays.

The Wooden Warrior at Quassy Amsuement Park is opening today!  The new family sized wooden coaster looks to pack quite a punch. 

The Green Lantern: First Flight at Six Flags Magic Mountain is slowly starting to take shape at the park.  Looks like a maze of supports at this point!

Brazil is coming to Epcot's World Showcase?  It's a rumor, but interesting anyway.  Inside The Magic reported on a story in the Brazil press that makes it sound like it could happen.  Many World Showcase pavilions have been planned, then scrapped in the past, though.

I love amusement park anniversaries, it just another sign of all the history that goes into these parks!  Six Flags St. Louis is celebrating 40 years in 2011.  This story takes a look at the park's past, and also shares a great photo gallery.

Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa is testing at what looks like a speed somewhat close to the final one.  There's some video on YouTube of exactly this.

The Steel Coaster Poll is now open for votes!  Well, it actually has been for a while now.  Ballots are accepted until May 5th - make sure to gets yours in!

Even in the middle of nowhere, a neighbor will still complain about a park possibly expanding.  Silverwood wants to change the zoning on its adjacent property to commercial, to allow for possible future expansion.  I say go Silverwood!