Newsletter: In the Loop: Thousands of Chinese tourists trash Shanghai Disneyland before it opens
Welcome to another edition of In the Loop, the Los Angeles Times’ theme park newsletter. I’m Funland theme park blogger Brady MacDonald, and this week, we test drive Legoland’s Ninjago dark ride, review Cedar Point’s Valravn dive coaster, preview Universal’s Incredible Hulk coaster relaunch, revisit Kennywood’s kitschy Noah’s Ark and visit Shanghai Disneyland during a soft opening.
Shanghai Disneyland
Some “uncivilized” Chinese tourists trampled, trashed and graffitied the entrance to Shanghai Disneyland more than a month before the theme park is set to officially open to the public, according to Shanghaiist.
Plus, here are some aerial photos of the Shanghai Disneyland castle and the park.
And watch a video of large crowds descending on the Chinese park during a “soft opening” test run.
Kennywood
Like the story of its biblical namesake, the 81-year journey of the Noah’s Ark walk-through attraction at Pennsylvania’s Kennywood theme park is a tale of survival against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Cedar Point
Cedar Point fan site Point Buzz reviews the new Valravn dive coaster: In short, G-force junkies will love it.
Universal Studios
Universal reveals details about the relaunch of the Incredible Hulk coaster at Islands of Adventure, including a new back story, queue and ride vehicle.
Disneyland Paris
Concept art shows a new building facade for the Star Tours attraction at Disneyland Paris with an X-wing fighter parked on the roof.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. posted a $46.9-million loss as theme park attendance grew 2.6% and revenue increased 3% in the first quarter.
Legoland California
“Right now, this is the new thing, but at some point it becomes the old thing, and you’ll want to do more with this than waving your hand above the lap bar,” says Theme Park Insider’s Robert Niles of the new Ninjago dark ride at Legoland California.
Six Flags Dubai
Aerial concept art of Six Flags Dubai shows an indoor entry plaza and several attractions planned for the park, set to open in 2019.
Erotikaland
Brazilian entrepreneurs hope to open a sex theme park with genitalia-shaped bumper cars and a pleasure train with go-go dancers by 2018. Says one Erotikaland backer: “It’s not like we’re trying to recreate Sodom and Gomorrah.”
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.
ALSO
32 best new theme park additions of 2016
8 unanswered questions about Disneyland’s Star Wars Land
Disneyland 2055: What the future may hold for the original Disney park
Disneyland 1955: ‘Walt’s Folly’ got off to a nightmare start
Sign up for The Wild
We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
