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Figment!
05-02-2007, 04:16 PM
Bits Beyond the Berms
4/30/07 - 5/6/07



4/30/07


5/1/07
~Kennywood Operators Buy New Hampshire Amusement Park (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1276421&postcount=2)
~Universal Studios Enters Theme Park Deal in Dubai (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1276424&postcount=3)
~Myriad Entertainment & Resorts, Inc. To Purchase Tunica, (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1276432&postcount=5)Mississippi (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1276432&postcount=5) Land (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1276432&postcount=5)

5/2/07
~NBC Universal Set To Brand Dubai Theme Park (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1276426&postcount=4)
~Major Facelift Planned For Gaylord Opryland Hotel (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1276434&postcount=6)

5/3/07
~Sesame Place Ready to Kick-Off 27th Season (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1278408&postcount=7)
~Indoor Water Park Planned for (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1278421&postcount=10)Western Kentucky (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1278421&postcount=10)
~The Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort Announced for Carlsbad, California (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1278432&postcount=12)
~Aventura Resorts Inc To Acquire Moses Lake Waterfront Property (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1278435&postcount=13)


5/4/07
~Al Ahli, Nickelodeon Join Hands for Dubai Park (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1278410&postcount=8)
~Residents To Voice Opinion On Proposed Legoland, Kansas City (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1278415&postcount=9)
~Developer Plans Water Park at St. Louis Mills (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1278427&postcount=11)


5/5/07

5/6/07
~Police Raid Expoland Operator After Coaster Accident (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=1280171&postcount=14)

Figment!
05-02-2007, 04:21 PM
Kennywood Operators Buy N.H. Amusement Park




Pittsburgh Business Times
May 1, 2007

Kennywood Entertainment, which operates Kennywood and Sandcastle amusement parks in the Pittsburgh area, on Tuesday said it purchased Story Land, a New Hampshire amusement park.

Financial terms of the deal between Kennywood and the Morrell Corp. were not disclosed.

Story Land, known for its rides, show and live storybook characters, was founded in 1954. It is located in New Hampshire's White Mountains region in Glen.

Figment!
05-02-2007, 04:23 PM
Universal Studios to Build Theme Park in Dubai


Associated Press
May 1, 2007

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — America's Universal Studios will develop its fourth theme park with a $2.2 billion project in the Middle East boomtown of Dubai, a government-held firm has announced. It will be modeled after Universal's theme parks in Florida, California and Japan, offering Mideast vacationers attractions designed by creative consultant Steven Spielberg and based on the movies such as King Kong and Jurassic Park.


Tatweer, a government-owned developer, said it would partner with the Hollywood-based film studio's resorts arm to develop the facility.

Figment!
05-02-2007, 04:25 PM
NBC Universal Set To Brand Dubai Theme Park




By Carl DiOrio
The Hollywood Reporter
May 2, 2007

LOS ANGELES -- NBC Universal has announced a licensing deal to create a Universal-branded theme park in Dubai set for a grand opening in 2010.

The $2 billion-plus project by Dubai developer Tatweer—dubbed Universal City Dubailand—will feature Universal-themed rides and attractions, as well as 4,000 hotel rooms, 100 restaurants, retail outlets, and office space and residential units, officials said. The project will be located on a 22 million-square-foot parcel in booming Dubai, a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates.

Attractions will include ones based on the films "Jurassic Park" and "King Kong." The park will be divided into four "zones," including Hollywood, Metropolis, Adventure and Cartoon zones, officials said.

"There is no doubt that the new project will contribute to highlighting Dubai as a global tourist destination, providing the tourism sector—one of Dubai's most active sectors—with a strong drive to further diversify the economy," Tatweer executive chairman Saeed Al Muntafiq said.

He added that park visitors are expected to be drawn from "around the world, including the Asian subcontinent, central and east Europe and South Africa."

Universal Parks and Resorts chairman/CEO Thomas Williams, who announced the agreement Monday, said the park's location is strategically prime.

"The vision of the leadership of Dubai, the investor-supportive environment and the convenient geographic location of Dubailand, combined with other strategic and iconic offerings, all contribute in making Dubai our location of choice for our first branded theme park in the region," Williams said.

A Universal spokesman declined to discuss terms of the deal, but said there is no downside exposure for Uni. Most such arrangements provide the licensor income as a percentage of ticket revenue.

"I see nothing but upside for Universal," said David Davis, managing director of the investment firm FMV Opinions. "In emerging markets, it's always better to do licensing deals, because it's all upside and no downside."

Universal operates theme parks in California and Florida. It has licensing agreements with parks in Japan and Spain, as well as a park in development in Singapore.

Figment!
05-02-2007, 04:31 PM
Myriad Entertainment & Resorts, Inc. Enters into Agreement to Purchase Tunica Land
Works with Local and State Authorities to Secure Key Entitlements and Approvals Required to Develop Resort


Myriad Entertainment & Resorts, Inc Press Release
May 1, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Myriad Entertainment & Resorts, Inc., a Delaware corporation, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with members of the Jack Day Perry, Sr. family to purchase more than 500 acres of land in Tunica, Mississippi, the location of the Company's planned $1.62 billion world-class destination resort featuring gaming, conventions, retail and attractions, and leisure real estate. Myriad has agreed to purchase the property for cash, shares of the Company's restricted common stock and a percentage of the gaming revenue derived from gaming activities conducted on the Company's gaming site. The closing is scheduled for August 1, 2007.

"Our decision to partner with Myriad and enter into this agreement reflects our growing confidence in the Company's vision and its ability to bring this world-class resort to life," said Jack Day Perry, Sr. on behalf of the Perry family. "We are very excited to be a part of a development project that could bring significant capital investment and jobs to the Tunica area and could serve as a catalyst for further growth throughout Tunica County and the State of Mississippi. We are pleased that the project is moving forward and look forward to the opening of the resort."

The parcel is located on Perry Road and Indian Mound Road in the Northwest quadrant of Tunica County. The property is approximately four miles from Interstate 69, which recently was expanded and allows travelers to drive from Memphis to the resort site in approximately 30 minutes.
Development plans for Myriad Botanical Resort include two casinos each with hotel, a major 400,000 square foot convention and exposition center with hotel, an 18-hole signature-design golf facility, a significant retail complex, a health club and spa, leisure real estate and attractions including botanical gardens, a water park, and an "Eye in the Sky" observatory. As part of a second phase of development, Myriad is exploring several additional attractions and up to four additional casinos.


Myriad also announced that its development team and outside engineers and consultants have continued to work with local and state officials in Mississippi to secure the necessary entitlements and approvals required to develop the Tunica resort. To date, Myriad has worked with state and local authorities to obtain the following:
Development site has been approved for up to six (6) casinos;
Myriad has been granted up to $71 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF);
The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has approved a tourism grant up to $291 million;
The property zoning and development plan have been approved; and
A Public Improvement District (PID) was granted in January 2007."By working with the Perry Family to establish our final land purchase agreement, we have taken a critical step forward in the process of transforming our development vision into reality," stated Nicholas A. Lopardo, Chairman of Myriad's Board of Directors. "With the land agreement and key entitlements and approvals in place, we can focus the Company's efforts on the development of the site."

ABOUT MYRIAD ENTERTAINMENT AND RESORTS, INC.


Myriad, owns, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, MER Resorts, Inc., a ninety-nine percent (99%) interest in Myriad World Resorts of Tunica, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company ("Myriad-Tunica"). Myriad-Tunica's objective is to develop and build a $1.62 billion resort in Tunica, Mississippi. It is intended that the 500+ acre Myriad Botanical Resort will consist of a world-class destination resort centered on gaming, conventions, retail and attractions, and leisure real estate. The first phase of development calls for two casinos each with hotel, a major 400,000 square foot convention and exposition center with hotel, an 18 hole signature-design golf facility, a significant retail complex, a health club and spa, leisure real estate and attractions including botanical gardens, a water park, and an "Eye in the Sky" observatory. As part of a second phase of development, Myriad is exploring several additional attractions and up to four additional casinos. Myriad-Tunica has been granted development and gaming site approvals for the Tunica resort. The mission for the resort is to be positioned as the finest destination resort experience in mid-America, featuring six casinos, national convention center, family attractions, major retail, signature golf, international spa and wellness center, complete with "Personalized ClubLevel Service and Experiences." For more information, please visit myriadentertainmentandresorts.com.

Figment!
05-02-2007, 04:33 PM
Major Facelift Planned For Gaylord Opryland Hotel






WTVF 5
May 2, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn.----Gaylord Opryland hotel is about to undergo a major $30 million facelift.

Gaylord says the project will help re-invent the Delta area of the resort. The area already includes a lush atrium with an expansive skylight roof system.

The area overlooks a flowing river, gazebo, restaurants, shops and an 110-foot waterfall. Current restaurants will be revamped, and they will add a nightclub to the hotel.

Opryland officials say the project will add a contemporary style to the old southern style. It will take about two years to complete.

Figment!
05-04-2007, 03:41 PM
What's new at Sesame Place?





By CHRIS ENGLISH
Bucks County Courier Times
May 3, 2007

Get ready for another round of Cookie Monster, Elmo, gleeful toddlers on water rides and even more traffic near the Oxford Valley Mall.

Sesame Place, the children's amusement park in Middletown, opens at 10 a.m. Saturday for its 27th season.

“We anticipate another good year,” said the park's executive vice president-general manager Bob Caruso. “We have two new shows going in and a new character. If there is one thing we have a concern about, it's that gas prices are approaching $3 a gallon again and some people might be reluctant to spend money on travel.”

However, since most of the park's customers come from an area no further away than New York, gas prices shouldn't have too great an impact, he said.

The park has averaged about 900,000 visitors a year for five years, Caruso added.
Sesame Place's new character is Abby Cadabby. Described as a “sweet inquisitive enthusiastic 3-year-old fairy in training,” she will star in a musical show called “Abby Cadabby's Treasure Hunt.” There is also a revamped Elmo's World Live show with a new focus on fishes.

This year features the park's first-ever fireworks shows, on May 26 and 27 and July 4, but smoke of another kind has been banned, said Caruso.
While smoking is still allowed in the parking lots, the park itself will be completely smoke free for the first time, he said.

“We used to have one or two designated smoking areas but not anymore,” Caruso said. “We're completely smoke free and as far as I know, we're the first theme park in Pennsylvania to do that.”

Geared for children ages 2 to 7, the park will be open only on weekends until May 25, then every day until Labor Day (Sept. 3,) and then on weekends only until it closes on Oct. 27.
Counting an amusement tax that goes to Middletown and the Neshaminy School District, the daily admission this year is up 6 percent to $47.97, an increase of $2.71 from last year. There are various other pricing options, including those for seniors, twilight admissions and season passes, and children under 2 are free.

Because of a 10 percent tax on parking revenue at the park approved by the Middletown supervisors after last season, the parking fees have also been increased at Sesame Place this year. Preferred parking will be $16, up $2 from last year, and general parking will be $13, a $3 increase.

Sesame Place is worth a visit for families with young children, said Rhonda Clements, professor of Education at Manhattanville College and author of nine textbooks on children's play activities.

“Young children today benefit greatly from escaping the confinements of the home and spending time with family members outdoors,” she said. “Sesame Place is the ideal environment to do this as it awakens children's senses.”

The 60-acre park, which employs 75 full-time and 1,500 seasonal workers, pays about $2.5 million in taxes a year, an amount divided between the township and school district. Sesame Place also pays Middletown $74,000 a year to have a township cop stationed at the park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, said Caruso.

While sometimes feeling Sesame Place is too easy a target whenever Middletown needs more tax revenue — he cites the new parking tax as an example — Caruso said this area has been good to the park and vice-versa, and there are no plans to leave.

“Someone would have to make an unbelievable offer, and I don't see that happening,” said Caruso. “We're in a good spot, strategically located in the Northeast corridor, and we've invested a lot here.”
While declining to be too specific, Caruso said the park should continue to grow.

“We certainly have five-year plans and have identified specific new attractions we want to put into the park,” he said. “As long as the park continues to perform well financially, we'll get the funding to do that [from parent company Anheuser Busch]. We'll expand the park's footprint [total area] when we can and when we can't, we'll take out old attractions and put in new ones in their place and increase capacity that way. We've been here 27 years and I think we'll be here for a long time to come.”



IF YOU GO

For more information on Sesame Place, including prices, call 866-GO-4-ELMO or visit sesameplace.com on the Web.

Figment!
05-04-2007, 03:44 PM
Al Ahli, Nickelodeon Join Hands for Dubai Park




Middle East-North Africa Finical Network News
May 4, 2007

The Chief Executive Officer at Al Ahli Group said that the company has signed an agreement with Nickelodeon, a US children TV network, for developing its $1 billion amusement park in Dubai, Gulf News reported.

According to the CEO, Al Ahli will expand its focus on kids' entertainment beyond the park's boundaries to develop its own programming and may even start a new TV channel, possibly with a tie-up with Tecom Group.

Al Ahli, which owns businesses in industrial manufacturing, real estate development and publishing, will create rides and entertainment based on the network's characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Starfish, Dora the Explorer, Diego, and Blue's Clues.

Figment!
05-04-2007, 03:50 PM
Residents To Voice Opinion On Proposed Legoland






KMBC-TV 9
May 4, 2007

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. -- The public will get a chance to voice their opinions Thursday on a proposed Legoland amusement park, KMBC reported.On Thursday night, a big crowd packed into the City Council chambers to hear pros and cons about the proposal.

KMBC reported that the project would cost $220 million, and the developers are looking to get most of that from public financing.

Figment!
05-04-2007, 03:57 PM
Indoor Water Park in the Works





WPSD 6
May 3, 2007

An indoor water park could be on its way to Western Kentucky.

Kentucky Dam Village has issued a request for proposals on the project. Officials say in addition to boosting tourism in the summer.. it would drive in tourists during the winter as well.

The water park would also share a percentage of its revenue with the state park.

Officials have set aside close to six acres for the project.

Figment!
05-04-2007, 04:01 PM
Developer Plans Water Park at St. Louis Mills




By Scott Bandle
Overland-St. Ann Journal
May 4, 2007

A company has introduced plans to build a combination water park and hotel on a site next to the St. Louis Mills, off Highway 370.

The Splash Universe Water Park Resort would feature an indoor water park, 150 hotel rooms, restaurants, gift shops, party rooms and other attractions.

At Wednesday's Hazelwood City Council meeting, Focus Hospitality Service sought approval of an ordinance to amend zoning regulations for the site.

"The resort is designed for children ages 2 to 14," said Robert Churchfield, vice president of development for Focus. "We want to make this a getaway vacation for a weekend. Splash Universe is totally family oriented."

The 30,000-square-foot park would accommodate 650 people.

Developers said the resort's annual attendance would be 120,000 people, with about 60 percent coming from outside of the area. Most of the tourists will stay for two to three days. The resort will generate about 150 jobs, Churchfield said.

The council approved the first reading of the ordinance. The second reading is set for the May 16 meeting.

The opening of the Cabela's sporting goods store drew Focus Hospitality to the site, Churchfield said.

The company hopes to start work in August and have it finished by August 2008.

Figment!
05-04-2007, 04:08 PM
Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc. Announces Development of the Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort, Opening in Carlsbad in late 2007



Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc. Press Release
May 3, 2007

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc., a leading vacation ownership company in Southern California, is developing its first Hilton Grand Vacations Club affiliated resort, Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort in the family-friendly coastal community of Carlsbad, California. Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort will be the first vacation ownership resort in the state of California to offer membership in Hilton Grand Vacations Club with the purchase of a deeded real estate interest. Blending Mediterranean elegance with California casual, the initial phase of the 350-room upscale resort property is currently under construction, with the first 28 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas projected to open in late 2007.

Connected to Legoland by a direct pedestrian walkway and across the street from the City of Carlsbad championship golf course which also opens in 2007, Grand Pacific MarBrisa owners will not have far to go for fun. Its 41 hillside acres will provide a panorama of Carlsbad's beautiful coastal and canyon views enhanced by the beauty of the resort's own lush landscaped grounds and the convenience of a fitness center, family pools including an adventure pool with water play equipment for children, tennis courts and basketball court. An on-site health spa and 3,000 square-foot restaurant will also be available for owners and general public to use.

"Carlsbad is a great location for a new resort because of the popular attractions and world famous beaches," says Co-President David Brown of Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc., owners and developers of Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort.

Owners of Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort will become Members in Hilton Grand Vacations Club and benefit from an exclusive collection of privileges. Club membership is highlighted by access to a superb collection of affiliated resorts worldwide; travel benefits through the award-winning Hilton HHonors® program; access to more than 2,800 Hilton Family hotels; and vacation advantages with affiliated partners offering spectacular cruise, motorcycle, RV, houseboat and adventure travel excursions.

"On behalf of Hilton Grand Vacations and the more than 115,000 families in our Club membership, we are delighted that California will soon feature a spectacular new Grand Pacific resort destination," says Kim Robert Kreiger, senior vice president and chief club officer of Hilton Grand Vacations. "The Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort location will be an ideal setting for our members to enjoy the abundant beauty, natural wonders, and attractions throughout the Carlsbad region."
Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort is located off Cannon Road in Carlsbad, California, approximately 30 minutes north of San Diego and one hour south of Anaheim. Ownership of a one-week interval ranges between $13,000 for a one-bedroom villa to $47,000 for a two-bedroom penthouse villa. For more information, contact Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort at (800) 285-3515 or visit MarBrisaResort.com.

About Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc.

Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc. is the oldest and largest vacation ownership company based in California. Over 800 professionals at Grand Pacific Resorts take pride in creating memorable vacations for over 40,000 owner families every year. Grand Pacific Resorts develops, markets and manages resort properties throughout the state of California, including the recently developed Grand Pacific Palisades property in Carlsbad. For more on Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc., visit grandpacificresorts.com.

About Hilton Grand Vacations

Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC (HGVC) is a division of Hilton Hotels Corporation , recognized as the leading global hospitality company. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hilton Grand Vacations develops, markets and operates a system of brand name, high-quality vacation ownership resorts in select vacation destinations. The company also manages two innovative club membership programs, Hilton Grand Vacations Club® and The Hilton Club®, providing exclusive exchange, leisure travel and reservation services for 115,000 Club Members. Visit hiltongrandvacations.com for more information.

Figment!
05-04-2007, 04:11 PM
AVTJ To Acquire Waterfront Property Along Moses Lake, Washington




By Fain Hughes
Aventura Resorts, Inc Press Release
May 3, 2007

Aventura Resorts, Inc. has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire The Lakes at Moses Pointe, a new destination RV resort, inside the Moses Pointe Resort, which has over a mile of continuous waterfront along Moses Lake, Washington.

Aventura will initially purchase 40 acres for its first two phases, and has an option to purchase an additional 20 acres. Much of Aventura's land is set alongside the championship Moses Pointe Golf Course. Aventura will build its upscale lifestyle resort in three phases. 240 large motorcoach lots are planned for Phase 1 and 2. An additional 120 lots will be constructed in Phase 3. All lots will be sold as deeded, fee simple real estate. The completed luxury resort is valued over $30 million.

Figment!
05-06-2007, 10:11 PM
Police Raid Expoland Operator After Coaster Accident



The Japan Times
May 6, 2007

OSAKA -- Police searched the offices of the operator of the Expoland amusement park in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, and other locations Sunday, the day after a roller-coaster accident in the park killed a woman and injured 19 other people.

The police mobilized around 70 officers to carry out the search on suspicion of negligence resulting in death and injuries. They also investigated the site of the accident.

Expoland usually disassembles roller coasters in January or February to check if any cracks have been caused inside vehicle components by using ultrasonic and magnetic wave devices, according to company officials. This year, however, the annual checkup had been put off until May 15, after the Golden Week holiday period, because of a lack of space needed for disassembling, they said.

A company official told a news conference Saturday the accident was caused by a broken wheel axle. The company's inspection system, including regular checks before the start of daily operations, is expected to be scrutinized by investigators.
Expoland said Sunday it will close the park until Thursday for comprehensive checks on equipment in the park.

In the accident, which took place at around 12:50 p.m. Saturday, the second car of the six-car Fujin Raijin II stand-up roller coaster derailed and hit an emergency-walkway handrail, according to police investigators.

Yoshino Kogawara, a 19-year-old company employee from Higashiomi, Shiga Prefecture, who was in the second car, died and her 20-year-old friend, Sayuri Furukawa, from the town of Toyosato in the same prefecture, was seriously injured. Eighteen other people sustained minor injuries, the police said.

Investigators found that the axle that locks the left unit of five wheels on the second car was broken. Expoland said that when the axle broke, the wheel unit dislodged, allowing the car to tilt toward the left and hit the handrail bar.

The ride, which is designed to carry up to 24 people standing and reaches a top speed of 75 kph, had 18 women and four men aboard when the accident occurred in the latter half of the 1,050-meter run.

Expoland opened in 1972 as part of the Expo Park, which was built at the venue where Japan hosted the World Exposition in Osaka in 1970.