2008 NEWS ARCHIVE
Archive of past news articles on theme and amusement parks, thrill rides and attractions.December 2008
Dec 29, 2008
Wild Adventures Extends 2008 Operating Season
More rides plus Holiday attractions to be offered daily at Wild Adventures through January 3, 2009.
November 2008
Nov 3, 2008
Wahee Cyclone To Hit Wild Adventures Theme Park In 2009
ProSlide 45-foot Tornado tube ride to be added to Wild Adventure’s Splash Island water park.
Nov 2, 2008
Schlitterbahn To Be Open For The Holidays For New Christmas Event
Schilitterbahn's Hill Country Christmas to feature one million lights, ice skating, snow, entertainment and Santa Claus.
October 2008
Oct 24, 2008
Herschend To Close Celebration City For New Development
Branson theme park to close while Herschend Family Entertainment explores opportunities to redevelop the 110-acre site.
Oct 24, 2008
Six Flags Great Adventure To Enhance World's First Floorless Looping Coaster
Medusa to be redesigned to deliver a multi-sensory roller coaster experience for the ride's 10th anniversary.
Oct 22, 2008
Six Flags Announces Terminator Coaster For Magic Mountain
Great Coasters International to build the park's 16th roller coaster slated for a Memorial Day weekend 2009 debut.
September 2008
Sep 25, 2008
Myrtle Beach's Hard Rock Park Bankrupt and Closing After First Season
Parent company files for bankruptcy protection and immediately closes theme park for remainder of the season.
Sep 24, 2008
Gravity Group Starts Internet Blog and Podcast
New Gravitycast blog and podcast is the first ever online venture for an amusement ride company.
Sep 15, 2008
Six Flags To Upgrade Top-Rated Superman Roller Coaster
Number one ranked steel coaster at Six Flags New England to be redesigned with special effects and renovated trains.
Sep 14, 2008
Paramount Pictures Eagle Eye to Open at 17 Regal IMAX Theatres
Advanced tickets are now on sale for Eagle Eye: The IMAX Experience opening at Regal IMAX locations on September 26.
Sep 14, 2008
Dollywood Announces New Attraction For 2009 Season
New $5 million Adventure Mountain outdoor terrain attraction to debut at the Tennessee theme park in 2009.
Sep 6, 2008
Citrus Line Railroad Chugging Again At Cypress Gardens
Popular train ride removed due to construction of the Starliner roller coaster is once again choo-chooing at Cypress Gardens.
August 2008
Aug 26, 2008
Holiday World Building World's Tallest Water Ride
Record setting water ride to rise up more than thirteen stories above Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.
Aug 18, 2008
Dorney Park Sells Laser Looping Roller Coaster
Schwarzkopf double looping, compact steel roller coaster to be removed at the end of the 2008 season.
Aug 14, 2008
Dairy Cow Manure To Power Children's Train Ride
California State Fair midway goes part green with a children's amusement ride powered by the crap of a dairy cow.
Aug 13, 2008
Two Enthusiasts To Ride All US Wooden Roller Coasters?
Really? All 116 roller coasters in three weeks is impossible, so find out what these coaster enthusiasts are really up to.
Aug 12, 2008
Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon Try Out Universal Studios Hollywood Rides
Universal's own paparazzi, on-ride cameras, catch the newlyweds on two of the Hollywood theme park's exciting rides.
Aug 12, 2008
Roller Coaster Enthusiasts Coming To Worlds Of Fun
Coaster enthusiasts from across the country to meet this coming Saturday for the park's annual Coaster Mayhem event.
Aug 12, 2008
The Vineyard Room Closing at Disney's California Adventure Park
Last of three fine dining restaurants within the theme park set to close at the end of the month.
Aug 7, 2008
Mamba Roller Coaster's 10th Birthday at Worlds of Fun
Celebrate the 10th birthday of the Mamba roller coaster this weekend with cake and rollback prices.
Aug 6, 2008
Kings Island Building $22 Million Diamondback Roller Coaster For '09
Mile-long B&M hypercoaster to become the Ohio theme park's tallest, fastest and meanest ride.
Aug 1, 2008
Fireworks To Blast Off Saturdays At California's Great America
Northern California theme park will present a spectacular fireworks display every Saturday in August.
Aug 1, 2008
Photo: Brendan Fraser Rides Revenge of The Mummy The Ride
Star of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor takes a ride on Universal Studios Hollywood roller coaster.
July 2008
Jul 29, 2008
Gerstlauer Celebrates 10th Anniversary Of Their Wooden Coaster Trains
German manufacturer celebrates a decade of having their wood roller coaster trains running on rides around the world.
Jul 29, 2008
Polar Express 4-D Joins Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival
New 4-D attraction to become part of the 19th annual Christmas event at Dollywood starting November 8th.
Jul 28, 2008
Indiana Beach Extends Season In Response To Record Attendance
New roller coaster, fireworks and promotions draw record crowds to the amusement park despite economic concerns.
Jul 28, 2008
New England's Largest Scariest Halloween Event Begins October 3rd
America's oldest theme park Lake Compounce has spine-chilling thrills planned for The Haunted Graveyard.
Jul 26, 2008
85-Year Old Myrtle Beach Carousel Spins For National Carousel Day
Family Kingdom Amusement Park celebrates the famed amusement ride by featuring their classic Carousel from 1923.
Jul 22, 2008
Mummy Star Brendan Fraser To Appear At Universal Studios Hollywood
Star of Universal Picture's The Mummy franchise to greet park guests and take a spin on The Mummy roller coaster.
Jul 17, 2008
Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough To Reopen
This classic Disneyland attraction will reopen for the holiday season in advance of the animated film's 50th anniversary.
Jul 17, 2008
Six Flags Parks Maintain Guest Satisfaction Ratings
Survey scores from tweleve Six Flags parks still at their all-time high for guest satisfaction.
Jul 15, 2008
One-Millionth Rider Boards The Simpsons Ride at Universal Orlando
The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Florida has become the most popular ride ever at the Orlando theme park.
Jul 15, 2008
Cedar Fair Park Attendance On Par With Last Year
Despite the slow economy Cedar Fair says its attendance and in-park revenues are comparable to last year.
Jul 4, 2008
Cypress Gardens' Baby Albino Wallaby Named "Mahina"
Winter Haven resident submitted winning name that was chosen out of more than 400 entries.
Jul 2, 2008
Hersheypark To Offer More Ways To Cool Off In 2009
In response to guest feedback, Hersheypark will expand their water attractions with the debut of The SEAquel.
June 2008
Jun 28, 2008
Teen Killed By Roller Coaster At Six Flags Over Georgia
Teen decapitated after jumping two fences into restricted area under Batman The Ride roller coaster.
Jun 27, 2008
Crowds Line Up For Opening Of La Ronde Skycoaster
Montreal theme park debuts Catapulte a 53-meter Skycoaster that is the world's best-selling extreme ride.
Jun 26, 2008
Six Flags America Offers Buy One, Get One Free Admission
While the price of food and gasoline rise, Six Flags America is offering a lower price for its brand of family fun.
Jun 26, 2008
'Kaptain' Robbie Knievel To Jump At Six Flags St. Louis
America's greatest daredevil to jump record 25 cars at St. Louis theme park.
Jun 25, 2008
Cypress Gardens Opens Cirque Acrobat Show
Cirque show presented Thursday to Sunday in the park's Royal Palm Theater now through Labor Day.
Jun 20, 2008
Evel Knievel Roller Coaster Jumps Into Action At Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags St. Louis debuts new wooden coaster themed after America's legendary daredevil, Evel Knievel.
Jun 17, 2008
Gemini Double-Racing Coaster Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Thirty years ago Cedar Point in Sandusky was making headline news around the world with this record-breaking roller coaster.
Jun 16, 2008
Hard Rock Turns On Maximum RPM Roller Coaster
Myrtle Beach family takes the first spin on one of the most anticipated new roller coasters at Hard Rock Park.
Jun 13, 2008
Encore For Cirque Dreams At Six Flags Over Texas
Award-winning Coobrila returns to the Texas Six Flags theme park with all new gravity-defying acts.
Jun 11, 2008
PARC Management Purchases Magic Springs & Crystal Falls
Arkansas theme park and water park purchased by Jacksonville, Florida based park operator.
Jun 10, 2008
Cedar Fair Entertainment Reports Early Season Attendance Trends
Cedar Fair reports attendance and revenue at its amusement parks and water parks is relatively unchanged.
Jun 6, 2008
Thomas The Tank Engine Arrives At Six Flags Magic Mountain
All-new Thomas Town children's area based on Thomas & Friends brand debuts at Southern California theme park.
Jun 6, 2008
Dollywood Hosts 'Thrills in the Hills' Event This Weekend
Rollercoaster enthusiasts from around the country expected to attend this first-time event at Dollywood.
Jun 6, 2008
Cedar Point to Host Coaster Enthusiasts From Around The World
CoasterMania '08 takes place June 6 and the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain will visit Cedar Point on June 13.
May 2008
May 30, 2008
SeaWorld Orlando Building Manta Ray-Themed Flying Roller Coaster
Manta roller coaster coming to SeaWorld Orlando marine animal theme park summer 2009.
May 29, 2008
Regal Entertaiment Group To Show Kung Fu Panda At 18 IMAX Locations
Advance tickets on sale now for Kung Fu Panda: The IMAX Experience opening at IMAX Theatres Friday, June 6.
May 27, 2008
Worlds of Fun Voted "Favorite Attraction" By Voters In Poll
Amusement park honored by voters in a poll conducted by the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association.
May 14, 2008
World's First Rock 'n' Roll Theme Park Officially Opens
Myrtle Beach's Hard Rock Park opens their gates for what they're calling the next revolution in rock 'n' roll history.
May 14, 2008
Allergen-Free Menu Introduced at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
Allergen free food items now being offered at several of the theme park and water park food locations.
May 11, 2008
Sesame Street Characters Return To SeaWorld Orlando
Children's television characters coming back to SeaWorld this spring and summer for breakfast, new live show and more.
May 10, 2008
Waldameer's Ravine Flyer II Roller Coaster To Open May 17
Auction being held for first seats on the largest wood coaster built in the US this year.
May 10, 2008
Dollywood Lazy River Float-A-Thon To Benefit Ronald McDonald House
Sixth annual fund-raiser at Dollywood's Splash Country water park set for Saturday, May 31st.
May 9, 2008
Cedar Fair Parks Ready For Upcoming 2008 Summer Season
The company introduces $88 million in improvements at its amusement parks this summer including five roller coasters.
May 9, 2008
Students Visit Worlds of Fun During Thrill U. Week
Schools move their classrooms to the amusement park to learn how science, math, physics and more related to thrill rides.
May 7, 2008
Kings Dominion Auctions First Seats on Dominator Roller Coaster
Proceeds from the first rider auction for the park's new floorless, looping steel coaster to benefit local charity.
May 1, 2008
Cypress Gardens Revamps Theme Park Web Site
Theme park's Internet site CypressGardens.com has new look with new interactive features and updated information.
May 1, 2008
Last Chance To Be First To Ride Thunderhawk Roller Coaster
Online auction to be the first to ride the new roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure ends May 7.
April 2008
Apr 29, 2008
Darien Lake Pairs With Chopper Firm To Name Roller Coaster
New motorcycle themed launch coaster to be named after famed Orange County Choppers business.
Apr 28, 2008
Regal Entertainment To Offer Speed Racer On IMAX Screens
Speed Racer: The IMAX Experience to open May 9 at 18 Regal Entertainment Group IMAX theatres.
Apr 24, 2008
Cedar Fair Declares First Quarter Cash Distribution
The latest payment to shareholders represents Cedar Fair's 84th consecutive quarterly cash distribution.
Apr 22, 2008
Celebration City's New Roaring Falls Water Ride Debuts
Branson's largest new water ride opens with a five-story drop followed by an enormous splash.
Apr 21, 2008
Three-Fourths of Exhibitor Space Sold For 2008 IAAPA Attraction Expo
Record number of exhibitors already assigned floor space for the November attractions expo in Orlando.
Apr 18, 2008
Seats Auctioned for First Run of Behemoth Roller Coaster
Auction proceeds from the inaugural ride on Canada's tallest, fastest roller coaster going to charity.
Apr 18, 2008
Effects Filled, Family Thrill Ride Coming To Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Dragon's Revenge themed raft ride to feature roller coaster like experience with uphill blasts and two-story freefall.
Apr 8, 2008
Medieval Themed Flying Skooters To Debut At Castle Park
New family thrill ride slated to open at the Riverside, California amusement park Memorial Day weekend.
Apr 8, 2008
Pirate Ship, Family Slide New Attractions At Quassy Amusement Park
Connecticut amusement park to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2008 with two new family rides.
Apr 7, 2008
Historic Dreamland Scenic Railway Destroyed By Fire
Great Britain roller coaster was the third oldest roller coaster of its kind still in operation.
Apr 7, 2008
Suspended Roller Coaster Announced For Frontier City
To celebrate the park's 50th anniversary Frontier City is adding Oklahoma's first suspended coaster.
Apr 3, 2008
Hard Rock Park "Sound Check" Soft Opening Begins April 15
Three-week rehearsal offers visitors chance to check out the attractions at the new Myrtle Beach rock 'n' roll theme park.
Apr 3, 2008
SeaWorld To Combine Roller Coaster With Animals For New Attraction
Combo thrill ride and animal exhibit to be the most ambitious and costliest attraction ever at SeaWorld Orlando.
Apr 2, 2008
Universal Orlando Building Hollywood Themed Roller Coaster
Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will be the most technologically advanced roller coaster in the world.
Apr 1, 2008
Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates Fiesta Mexicana In April
Southern California Knott's theme park to host authentic Mexican Fiesta on April 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27.
Apr 1, 2008
Hard Rock Park Auctioning First Rides On Led Zeppelin Roller Coaster
Support charity and be one of the first to ride the new Led Zeppelin themed roller coaster at the new Hard Rock Park.
March 2008
Mar 28, 2008
Six Flags Forming First-Ever Theme Park Cheerleading Team
Professional Six Flags Thrilleaders to make their public debut at the theme parks for the 2008 season.
Mar 19, 2008
Myrtle Beach's Family Kingdom Amusement Park To Open March 21
Family Kingdom in Myrtle Beach delivers family-friendly fun and great value.
Mar 18, 2008
Eagles Themed Roller Coaster Coming To Hard Rock Park
Hard Rock Park unveils theme for the longest roller coaster in the Myrtle Beach theme park.
Mar 7, 2008
Free Season Parking Offered With Worlds of Fun Gold Pass
New Gold Pass cuts travel costs of attending the Kansas City amusement park and water park.
February 2008
Feb 21, 2008
Family Kingdom Named Finalist In Customer Service Awards
Myrtle Beach amusement park and water park announced as a finalist in the Impeccable Customer Service Awards.
Feb 20, 2008
Indiana Beach Amusement Park Sold
Family owned Morgan RV Resorts announced the acquisition of the Indiana amusement park and its resort operations.
Feb 11, 2008
Silverwood To Erect Giant Inverted Boomerang Roller Coaster
New inverted, looping roller coaster to become the theme park's largest and most expensive thrill ride ever.
Feb 11, 2008
'American Idol' Coming Attraction At Walt Disney World
Television and pop culture show to become a live audience participation show at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.
Feb 8, 2008
Cedar Fair Reports Loss For 2007 Operating Year
Revenues and per cap spending increase while attendance declined at its amusement parks and water parks.
Feb 7, 2008
Hard Rock Park Names New General Manager
Senior VP and General Manager of Canada's Wonderland chosen to lead the debut of the world's first rock 'n' roll theme park.
January 2008
Jan 16, 2008
Six Flags Plans To Cut Operating Costs This Year
Theme park operator hopes to boost attendance while reducing its operating costs for the coming year.
Jan 15, 2008
Revamped Clementon Park & Splash World To Open Memorial Day Weekend
New owners of South Jersey family attraction announce makeover and the biggest water park expansion ever.
Jan 12, 2008
Prototype MotoCoaster To Open at Darien Lake
World's first Zamperla MotoCoaster roller coaster set to open at the New York theme park in May.
Jan 11, 2008
Planet Snoopy Children's Area Coming To Cedar Point
Seven kids rides will be part of this new one-acre Peanuts themed area at Cedar Point amusement park.
Jan 10, 2008
Cedar Fair Attendance More Than 22 Million In 2007
Regional amusement park operator reports increase in attendance and in-park per cap spending at its parks.
Looking for more stories? Read the 2007 news articles in the news archives.
You can Search all of the news section, including the archives.
Special Features
Exclusive articles and special reports on amusement parks.
Submit News
Do you have a hot story? Submit it so your story may become our next news headline.
| Headlines | Special Features | Archives |
