Posts By: Vince

Carowinds Scale Model

Posted on May 5, 2015 by - Uncategorized

This is a scale model that one of our fans has shared with us. Be sure to check out his Youtube videos going over the creation and the details of the model.

“This model will sit in a 7.5 foot by 5.5 foot base built by carowinds. The model is built in 4 sections and is halfway complete. The model is in HO scale. I am recreating the model to exact specifications and replicating it exactly as it looked when demolished. I plan to have it 100%finished by the end of May this year and have been working on it since October 2014.”-Joshua A.

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Kings Dominion & Busch Gardens Partner on Ticket Offer

Posted on May 5, 2015 by - News

kdbgBusch Gardens and Kings Dominion Proclaim Region

Virginia’s Gateway to Family Thrills

Partnership is the first in 15 years between the two theme parks

RICHMOND, VA (May 5, 2015) – Virginia’s two largest theme parks are celebrating 40 years as the commonwealth’s premier family entertainment venues. To mark the occasion, the parks are joining forces this summer to raise awareness of Virginia’s Gateway to Family Thrills, the 75-mile corridor connecting Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens®.

Busch Gardens’ Marketing Vice President Dan Dipiazzo and Scott Clemons, director of marketing for Kings Dominion, announced the partnership today during a joint news conference held on the State Capitol grounds. The partnership is the first between the two theme parks in nearly 15 years. It was made possible in part because of a $25,000 matching grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and includes a digital advertising component as well as a combined ticket offer so guests can experience both theme parks at a reduced price.

The parks developed two ticket deals to support the Gateway to Family Thrills promotion.

  • The Virginia Thrills Ticket costs $106 and is valid for one single-day admission each to Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion within seven consecutive days. The promotion represents a $34 savings off the combined retail ticket prices to the parks.
  • The Virginia Thrills Ticket Plus costs $135 and adds each venue’s water parks to the package. The Virginia Thrills Ticket Plus is valid for two single-day admission tickets to Busch Gardens and/or Water Country USA® and two single-day admission tickets to Kings Dominion and/or Soak City within seven consecutive days. The promotional price represents a $121 savings off the parks’ combined retail single-day admission prices.

“This partnership highlights the friendly competition between Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion, and brings our resources together to create a much larger voice in a crowded market,” Dipiazzo said. “Why drive a thousand or more miles for a vacation when we have Orlando-quality attractions right here in Virginia.”

The two parks individually offer an assortment of rides, shows and family-friendly entertainment. Combining their resources lets the parks, the state and local tourism boards representing Richmond and Williamsburg to reach out to families living in the Northeast who may be unaware of what is available to them just a few hours down the road.

“We are both going after similar guests,” Clemons said. “Joining together, Virginia’s premier theme parks offer an attractive option for families who want a thrilling vacation closer to home.”

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance and Richmond Region Tourism are also participating in the partnership, which further extends the advertising resources available in the affluent Northeast markets of Philadelphia and New York.

“This is an unprecedented partnership between two of Virginia’s best entertainment options,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “The friendly competition between Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion has created two world-class theme parks. Combining their resources with the state’s grant program, creates a unique opportunity to market the corridor from Richmond to Williamsburg to families who may not otherwise consider Virginia as a thrill vacation destination.”

Visit www.virginiathrills.com for information on purchasing tickets or to learn more about the Virginia Gateway to Family Thrills.

Gateway to Family Thrills Quick Facts

 Combined Park Thrills

  • Nearly 600 acres of rides, shows and attractions
  • 21 rollercoasters, featuring Intimidator-305, one of the world’s tallest and fastest giga-coasters, and Tempesto™, Busch Gardens thrilling new launch coaster with three launch experiences and slow-roll inversion.
  • 3 kid areas featuring more than 20 rides designed for families to enjoy together.
  • 63 acres of water parks, including Soak City at King’s Dominion and Water Country USA® in Williamsburg, Virginia

Promotion Details

 

Markets:              Primarily Northeast markets, focusing on Philadelphia, New York

 

Timeframe:        May through September

 

Advertising:        Primarily digital banners and paid search

 

Parks:                    Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Kings Dominion

Water Country USA

Kings Dominion Soak City

 

Ticket offers:     Virginia Thrills Ticket

Price: $106

Description: Valid for one single-day admission each to Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion within seven consecutive days

 

Virginia Thrills Ticket Plus

Price: $135

Description: Valid for two single-day admissions to Busch Gardens and/or Water Country USA and two single-day admissions to Kings Dominion and/or Soak City within seven consecutive days.

–Park Press release

BUSCH GARDENS DEBUTS FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL MENU

Posted on February 11, 2015 by - News

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2015) – Guests can now explore the Busch Gardens® Food & Wine Festival menu online and prep their palettes for the inaugural spring event debuting on March 7. From comfort classics like bacon mac & cheese to decedent desserts like passion fruit flan, the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival feeds guests’ appetite for adventure with wild flavors for every taste:

  • Gourmet Lodge: Explore the exotic flavors of Gourmet Lodge, featuring duck confit, venison chili and other exciting dishes.
  • Savory Tavern: Tempt taste buds with the rich flavors of Savory Tavern, including coconut shrimp cigars, braised lamb shank and passion fruit flan.
  • Chef’s Plantation: Pan-seared salmon cakes, a griddled cheese cake sandwich and more await your palette at Chef’s Plantation.
  • Coast to Coast Cookery: Flavors of the land and sea come together at Coast to Coast Cookery, featuring hangar steak, bacon-wrapped prawns and more.
  • Field House Eatery: The Field House Eatery is the Festival’s biggest location, offering pan-seared scallops, roasted pork belly and mango éclairs right on Gwazi Field.
  • Southern Station: Southern Station tantalizes taste buds with shrimp & grits, pan-fried cod and beef short rib.
  • Comfort Kitchen: The Comfort Kitchen fuses classics like bacon mac & cheese with contemporary eats like habanero shrimp salad.
  • Light Fare Canteen: Freshen up your palette at the Light Fare Canteen with scallop ceviche and an heirloom tomato & goat cheese salad.
  • Blazin’ Bistro: Blazin’ Bistro breaks out the grill for fire-braised pork chops and jerk chicken sliders.

The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival runs from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, March 7 through April 26. Plus, raise your glass to live concerts at 6 p.m. on Gwazi Field. The Festival is included with any pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverages are available for purchase at an additional fee.

For more event information, including detailed menus and a full list of wine, craft brews and cocktails, visit buschgardens.com. Stay connected and join the conversation by using #corksandcoasters on Busch Gardens’ Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.

DREAMVISION ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT THEME PARKS

Posted on February 9, 2015 by - News

Ft. Worth, TX (February 9, 2015) — The DreamVision Company, a Fort Worth-based privately owned entertainment and media enterprise, today announced plans for two multi-billion dollar theme parks and the addition of executive Dave Goodman as president of DreamVision Theme Parks and Resorts. DreamVision CEO Rick Silanskas says the parks are being developed in partnership with Bryan Robinson, CEO, Provident Global Capital, LLC.

“We are very excited about our partnership with DreamVision and their team of proven industry leaders. Even more compelling is how DreamVision aligns with Provident Global Capital’s core values and our mission of investing in companies that have a positive impact on society,” said Robinson.

Located in Fort Worth’s Metroplex region and slated to open in 2020, DreamVision Mountain/DreamScape, Texas will transport guests through multiple themed lands and attractions. Rising up in the center of the park will be the iconic DreamVision Mountain, a towering winter wonderland and one of the largest indoor winter snow experiences in the world, featuring winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and bobsledding. The realistic winter landscape, inspired by the artwork of Thomas Kinkade, will be created by technology developed by Malcolm Clulow, the foremost expert in indoor snowmaking. Themed lands, including Dreamscape Tinsel Town, Nadia’s Storybook Land and Dreamscape Metropolis, will surround DreamVision Mountain, each offering unique attractions, rides and adventures.

Plans for a second theme park in Muscle Shoals, Alabama will be announced February 11 at an 11 a.m. CST press conference at the Marriott Shoals Hotel.

According to Rick Silanskas, the company has already begun pre-development on the parks. “Although they are being built simultaneously, each has separate themes, rides and attractions that embody the DreamVision family brand,” he said.

Since 2002, Silanskas, a producer, musician and composer, who has created award winning work for the motion picture, television and animation industries, has assembled a team of top entertainment industry professionals, among them chief creative officer Ron Logan, previously executive vice president and executive producer for Walt Disney Entertainment and the force behind the Broadway production of “Beauty and the Beast,” and president Vince Silanskas, a former Walt Disney World executive.

DreamVision has added Dave Goodman, a longtime entertainment executive, to head up the theme park division. Goodman is a former vice president of entertainment and executive producer at Disneyland Resort and has held executive level positions at Walt Disney Special Events Group and Busch Entertainment Corporation.

“We are thrilled to have Dave take charge of the theme park division,” Silanskas said. “With his expertise, DreamVision has the best team to launch these two family-oriented theme parks. Both parks will include golf courses, water parks, hotels, concert venues, retail and more.”

Pioneering a new breed of family entertainment, DreamVision also announced an extensive partnership with The Thomas Kinkade Company; a music division and label called DREAMVISION MUSIC; a CGI film “NADIA” (in production); and the Broadway adaption of “NADIA.”

About The DreamVision Company

The DreamVision Company is an entertainment and media enterprise focused on developing emotionally driven and technologically advanced family attractions and entertainment. www.thedreamvisioncompany.com

About Provident Global Capital

Celebrating 20 years of “investing outside the numbers,” Provident Global Capital is a private equity asset management firm focused on generating profit through investments that are purpose- driven. www.providentglobalcapital.com

THE HITS CONTINUE AT THE BUSCH GARDENS FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Posted on January 9, 2015 by - News

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Tampa, Fla. – Busch Gardens® Tampa keeps the hits coming during the Food & Wine Festival this spring with concerts for every taste. In addition to music superstars Pentatonix, Gavin DeGraw and Fifth Harmony, live concerts include:

  • Saturday, March 7 – Gavin DeGraw
  • Sunday, March 8 – Fifth Harmony
  • NEW! Saturday, March 14 – Kool & The Gang
  • NEW! Sunday, March 15 – Boys Like Girls
  • NEW! Saturday, March 21 – Kenny Rogers
  • Sunday, March 22 – Pentatonix
  • NEW! Saturday, March 28 – Steven Curtis Chapman
  • NEW! Sunday, March 29 – El Gran Combo

The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from March 7 through April 26 and is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. For more information, visit buschgardens.com.

Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, or “Like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram.

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© SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. All Rights Reserved

Disney linked to measles outbreak

Posted on January 9, 2015 by - News

Guest that attended Disney parks in California during the month were exposed to Measles. According to data from the CDC measles was irradiated from the US in 2000. The 7 individuals that have come down with measles all visited Disney in December the CDC believes they caught he virus from a foreign visitor as measles outbreaks occur in several European countries.

News Link

SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica Welcomes Eight Penguin Chicks

Posted on December 27, 2014 by - News

seaworld logoORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 26, 2014)  In the last 10 days, eight penguin chicks hatched at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction that features a colony of more than 250 penguins from four species  king, Adelie, gentoo and rockhopper.

At the state-of-the-art habitat, rocks were put out a few months ago to get the birds ready for breeding season, which starts at the end of October and lasts through January.  Of the eight chicks hatched, two were gentoo, four Adelie, and two rockhopper, and they ranged in weight from two to four ounces (the equivalent of about two to four slices of bread). The chicks are currently being raised by their parents inside the attraction with routine check-ups from the SeaWorld Orlando Aviculture Team, who monitor the chicks’ weight and overall development.

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin transports guests into the icy world of the penguin like never before. Experience the mysterious land through the penguins eyes on a first-of-its-kind family ride, and then, connect with a colony above and below the water, and be inspired to make a difference.

For more information, contact: SeaWorld Communications:SWO.PR@seaworld.com or (407) 363-2280.

Roller Coaster Causes Stroke for a Young Park Guest

Posted on December 16, 2014 by - News

A four year old child suffered a stroke after riding a roller coaster. According to the Dr’s treating the boy he suffered a tear to his carotid artery after riding the rides. The 4 year old boy showed no signs of injury after the rides but the next day he was suffering from vomiting and on flight home he suffer from a droop on his left side of the face.  Upon arrival home the boy was unable to walk and had no movement on his left side. Doctors say this is rare and there are only three case in children. The boy has made  an excellent recovery according to Doctors.

News Story

SeaWorld Announces 2015 Event & Festival Schedule

Posted on December 6, 2014 by - News

 

SEAWORLD ORLANDO ANNOUNCES 2015 EVENT & FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

ORLANDO, Fla (December 5, 2014) – SeaWorld Orlando announces its 2015 schedule of events and festivals, including the all-new Praise Wave®, a two-Saturday series that makes the park come alive with the hottest names in Christian music.

Events and concerts are included with park admission. The best way to experience all the fun, year round, is with an Annual Pass or Fun Card. Get more details at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Wild Days — Saturdays & Sundays, Jan. 24-25, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, Feb. 7-8

An immersive event in every sense of the word, Wild Days connects guests to the wild and wonderful world we all share. Wild Days features excitementing and interactive shows, giving guests the opportunity to meet the leaders in the world of animal rescue, rehabilitation, preservation and conservation.

Praise Wave® — Saturdays, Feb. 14 & 21

Experience a day of fellowship and fun at SeaWorld™s all-new Praise Wave. Enjoy SeaWorld’s thrill rides and amazing shows and attractions, and mingle and meet in an atmosphere filled with Christian friendship. Catch live performances by the hottest names in Christian music. The evenings close with an extraordinary, uplifting Shamu show, created just for Praise Wave.

Bands, Brew & BBQ®, Honoring America™s Heroes  — Saturdays & Sundays in March

With special discounts and offers for America™s heroes, including all enlisted men and women and retirees from the military, Central Florida™s favorite BBQ festival is now even better! Bands, Brew & BBQ features live concerts from top classic rock and country bands and artists, the tastiest BBQ from the area’s best local smokehouses, plus SeaWorld™s own Sweet & Smokin™ Barbecue. Proceeds from this event benefit the USO, an organization that has been lifting the spirits of America’s troops and their families for more than 70 years. We’re thrilled to partner with SeaWorld and we appreciate their longstanding dedication to honoring the troops and retirees. Working together during Bands, Brew & BBQ, we can make a difference in the spirits of many service members and their families,” said Roland Emerton, executive director of USO Central Florida.

Viva la Musica® — Saturdays, April 25, May 2, 9 & 16

SeaWorld Orlando’s Viva la Musica is a fiery Latin festival for the entire family. Enjoy four weekends of hot concerts by the most popular Hispanic performers, and savor authentic cuisine by SeaWorld’s own executive chef, Hector Colon.

50th Celebration — Summer

There’s a wave of summertime excitement sweeping across SeaWorld Orlando as we celebrate 50 years of family fun.Laugh to a new sea lion show, get thrills on roller coasters like Manta® and Kraken® – and chills at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin®. Top off the evening with rides under the stars, a special nighttime Shamu show and a fireworks finale that fills the sky.

Halloween Spooktacular® — Weekends in October

SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular is silly and spooky fun. During this daytime event, families are immersed in an underwater “fantasea” including trick-or-treating, whimsical pumpkin fish, sea-themed arts and crafts and up-close animal encounters in a family-friendly event that could only come from SeaWorld.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration — Select dates, Nov. 21 through Dec. 31

Waves of holiday spirit splash over the park during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration  Guests of all ages enjoy stunning live shows inspired by the natural world, journey to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience, and share a smile with the playful penguins at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin®!

The best way to take in all of SeaWorld’s events is with an Annual Pass starting at only $13 per month with EZpay. An Annual Pass offers unlimited admission with no blackout dates, free parking and discounts on food and merchandise.  SeaWorld’s Fun Card also is available. Pay for a day and play all year with unlimited admission and no blackout dates.

Get more details and purchase tickets, Annual Passes or Fun Cards at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

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Event dates and times are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Additional charges apply to all food items. Seating capacity for each concert is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Other restrictions may apply. For more information, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

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About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a leading theme park and entertainment company delivering personal, interactive and educational experiences that blend imagination with nature and enable its customers to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world we share. The Company owns or licenses a portfolio of globally recognized brands including SeaWorld®, Shamu® and Busch Gardens®. Over its more than 50-year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 11 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind collection of approximately 86,000 marine and terrestrial animals. The Company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which it believes deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests. In addition to its theme parks, the Company has recently begun to leverage its brands into media, entertainment and consumer products.

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SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care.  The company collectively cares for one of the largest animal collections in North America and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates ocean marine animals that are ill, injured and orphaned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld rescue team has helped more than 24,000 animals in need over the last 50 years. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: SEAS). Copies of this and other news releases as well as additional information about SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. can be obtained online at SeaWorldEntertainment.com.  Shareholders and prospective investors can also register to automatically receive the Company’s press releases, SEC filings and other notices by e-mail.