North America

UK-based Merlin Entertainment has recently announced detailed plans for LEGOLAND Florida, soon to be the company's second US park.

This will be the newest -- and largest -- addition of the iconic brand. The multi-million investment will ready the 187-square-metre site for over 50 rides, shows and attractions.

Included will be thousands of LEGO models and other interactive elements like Darth Vader, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine and the White House.

Plans have revealed various themed areas in the park including an area titled "City", which will consist of a driving school that children can earn a "driver's license" at, and Fun Town Fire Academy where families extinguish artificial fires using fire trucks.

It will also house one of the largest LEGO retail stores in the US.

LEGOLAND Florida will be just 30 minutes south of Orlando and minutes from Tampa, taking advantage of the world's largest family tourist centre in the world.

Nick Varney, Chief Executive of Merlin, expects the park to attract a broader audience because of the international appeal of the Central Florida area.

The park is scheduled to open in the fall of 2011 with a water park slated to follow in the near future.

Photo: Merlin Entertainment

Two new attractions from Universal Studios Hollywood and Kennywood were unveiled to the public this week, with positive reviews of both flooding internet message boards and enthusiast websites.

The long-awaited addition to Universal Studios Hollywood's famous Studio Tour, King Kong 360, was officially opened to the public today, following the media launch that took place yesterday.

King Kong 360 uses three-dimensional imagery, wind, fire, odours and water effects to completely immerse guests.

Brady MacDonald from the Los Angeles Times said that the attraction was an "exciting, riveting and immersive spectacle".

Kennywood also opened a new ride for the 2010 season this week, dubbed Sky Rocket.

Sky Rocket, which was built by Premier Rides, features three inversions and a high-speed launch that catapults riders to 80 kilometres per hour in just 3 seconds.

"While it may not be the tallest, fastest, or most intense ride around, Sky Rocket is a ton of fun", Nick from Coaster101 said.

Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood

The long awaited addition to Cedar Point, Shoot the Rapids, officially opened to the public today.

Shoot the Rapids is the park's third water ride and consists of two drops -- 26 and 15 metres tall -- along its 640-metre-long course.

The ride was originally planned to open last month, but it was reported that the ride's boats were too big for the lift hill -- resulting in lengthy delays.

This ride brings Cedar Point's total ride count up to 75.

Photo: Cedar Point

Originally presented from 1984 to 1994, Captain EO will be returning next weekend to replace Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.

The 3D musical produced by George Lucas and directed by Francis Ford Coppola features the late Michael Jackson as Captain EO and Anjelica Huston as a supreme evil leader, who EO must defeat alongside a team of various mythical creatures in an attempt to conquer the dark forces through the power of music.

From 2 July, Captain EO will be presented multiple times daily in the Imagination Pavilion of Epcot.

Photo: Epcot

It has been confirmed that Dan Koch, brother of the late Will Koch, will takeover the position of President and CEO for both Holiday World and Splashin' Safari.

"Will and I have been business partners for decades and have spoken on the phone daily for more than 30 years", Mr Koch said in the media statement.

"I consider it an honour to step in as President and continue the expansion plans my brother and I crafted together", he added.

Holiday World and Splashin' Safari's long-term expansion plans will remain on the agenda under Dan's leadership.

Pat Koch will also retain her position as the Director of Values at both parks.

Photo: Holiday World