In the Loop: Disneyland ticket prices, Harry Potter preparations and other theme park news
Welcome to another edition of In the Loop, the L.A. Times' theme park newsletter. I’m Funland theme park blogger Brady MacDonald and this week we take a look at Universal Studios' Fast & Furious: Supercharged, Walt Disney’s utopian dream, and a host of new attractions.
Peak pricing
Hugo Martin, who covers theme parks for the Times’ Business section, reports that Disneyland is considering charging more for tickets on high-demand days in summer and around holidays.
In an online survey, the theme park asked for feedback on a three-tiered daily ticket pricing system divided into Gold, Silver and Bronze categories.
Potter preparations
On the 50th anniversary of Universal Studios Hollywood, I take a look back at some of the movie theme park’s past mistakes, a few recent successes and what lies ahead -- particularly after the arrival of a certain boy wizard.
Speaking of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hugo reports that the new themed land will open in spring 2016 and that the marquee Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey dark ride will be in 3D (unlike the Florida version of the attraction).
Universal Studios Hollywood has unveiled details of its new Wizarding World of Harry Potter, set to open in spring 2016. The image is an artist rendering of Hogwart’s Castle, a key feature in the new area.
(Universal)
Rescue effort
Tony Perry, who covers San Diego County for The Times, writes about SeaWorld’s continuing effort to clean oil-covered sea lions and elephant seals brought to the marine animal park from the spill at Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County.
SeaWorld San Diego rescue specialists wash a young elephant seal oiled by the spill in Santa Barbara County. Eleven sea lions and six elephant seals are being cared for at the park.
(SeaWorld)
Coaster accident
The Guardian reports that four people suffered leg injuries when two trains collided on the Smiler roller coaster at England’s Alton Towers. Witnesses reported seeing unconscious and bleeding passengers who had to be removed by a crane from trains suspended 25 feet in the air at a 45-degree angle.
Walt’s Tomorrowland
Esquire takes a look at Walt Disney’s ambitious but ultimately failed plan to build the City of Tomorrow in Florida. Before Epcot, the filmmaker and theme park innovator dreamed of a utopian metropolis dubbed Project X.
Musical chairs
Walt Disney Co. Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo is stepping down after being passed over for chief operating officer, which would have placed him in the front-runner position to replace Chief Executive Bob Iger once he steps aside. Rasulo was once chairman of the company’s theme parks division and was at one time considered the heir apparent to the Disney throne.
First look
Hero Complex offers an exclusive look at the latest Fast & Furious: Supercharged poster featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as agent Luke Hobbs. The ride opens June 25 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
And finally
Three Florida parks have announced plans, according to Screamscape. The Volcano Bay water park will be coming to Universal Orlando in 2017, the Cobra Curse spinning coaster will debut at Busch Gardens Tampa in 2016, and the 200-foot-tall Mako hyper coaster surfaces at SeaWorld Orlando in 2016.
(Universal)
Still need more theme park news? Check out the Los Angeles Times Funland theme park blog on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram. Also feel free to email me with any feedback on the newsletter.
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