Weekly Rewind 7.2.11

Happy July 4th weekend everyone!  I hope some parks are in your plans!

Six Flags Magic Mountain has officially opened The Green Lantern: First Flight, and with the ride's opening the park now has more roller coasters than any other park on Earth.  The ride features a 107 ft. vertical lift and 825 feet of rider-flipping track.

Belmont Park operations will be taken over by a bank this week, when the former leaseholder will be removed from running the property.  The park operator and the city have had a bitter dispute over rent amounts which led to the split.  Hopefully a new operator can quickly be found to continue the park's positive momentum.

Mark Kane, a well loved former Six Flags Great Adventure president, has landed at Kemah Boardwalk, located in Texas.  Mr. Kane will oversee the entire operation, which includes rides, restaurants, a hotel and more.  Congrats!

Want to take a virtual tour of the new Cars Land, coming to Disney California Adventure?  Disney has made it easy for you by releasing this cool virtual walk-through!

Legoland Florida has announced their full operating schedule for 2011, which includes two closed days a week and 5 pm closings other days.  Some people think it's a bad idea - I think with that location a cautious operation schedule is nothing but smart.

Check out this awesome video and photo update taken from the air that was posted by Attractions Magazine of the Magic Kingdom's expansion.  Things are looking good, the park has made a lot of progress.

Looking for fireworks this weekend?  Six Flags Great America is holding 4th Fest, the park's massive celebration that will feature live music, tons of food, special events and of course fireworks!  Learn more at the park's website.

If you wanted to bid on being one of the final riders of Six Flags America's Skull Mountain water ride, here's the way to make that happen.  Happy bidding!

Funtime has created a new ride called the Black Mamba.  The ride is similar to other propeller rides out there, but with one stomach turning twist.  See what I mean.

Holiday World was recently visited by Bert the Conqueror, where he filmed one of his episodes and attempted to conquer the Voyage and Wildebeest (I think he was successful!).  The show premiered this past week, but you can still catch a repeat.

Coaster101 is holding their 4th annual photo contest, and accepting submissions in three categories:  original, edited, and humor.  Learn more here.

The past few years we've seen the start of Summer also mean the start of parks teasing their Halloween attractions - the events are just that big these days.  Universal Orlando has started with a gambling themed promo... complete with severed hand.