Feb. 8th, 2010 The Major Theme Park Rides of 2009

Interactivity was the theme of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster that opened at Universal Studios Florida, and the Buccaneer Battle water ride that opened at Six Flags Great America. The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit allows riders to choose a personal soundtrack while being filmed by their own individual camera for the duration of the ride, while Buccaneer Battle is a pirate themed water ride that allows participants to battle opposing ships with large, hand-pumped water pistols.

Feb. 2nd, 2010 Theme Parks: Boosting brand loyalty with gift cards - George Aguel, Sr VP Disney Parks & Resorts

Disney consolidated its gift card and expanded the applicable product range. Collectors value them too.

Jan. 26th, 2010 Tracy's Vital Statistics - US Presidential Libraries and Europa-Park

Franklin Roosevelt pioneered Presidential Libraries; “Confertainment” pays for Europa-Park

Jan. 22nd, 2010 Art & Technology : Bill Novey and the Business of Theme Park Special Effects

Art & Technology, WET and Technifex were three of the companies started by former Illusioneers following the Epcot layoffs in the 1980s, and each had a strong hand in creating what we know as today’s special-effects industry for themed entertainment.

Jan. 18th, 2010 Theme parks: Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel talks about amusement industry reporting

“I knew there was a subculture of Disney fanatics. I didn’t realize how segmented and diverse it is.”

Jan. 16th, 2010 Tracy's Vital Statistics – Village Roadshow studies waterpark opportunities

Village Roadshow’s theme parks and attractions division sees water parks as an area of significant growth...

Jan. 13th, 2010 World Expos: Three Pavilions at Shanghai Expo 2010

With the authorization of the US Federal government, Nick Winslow and his team are heading up the official USA participation in Shanghai Expo 2010...

Jan. 12th, 2010 Themed Design : Smaller Company, Better Life - Nick Farmer's Business Odyssey

At its peak in 2002, Farmer Studios had a turnover of £2m and more than 40 staff on the payroll, but instead of enjoying the creative freedom and escape from the corporate grind that had inspired him to form the business, Nick Farmer found himself caught in a quagmire of accounts and management issues.

Jan. 8th, 2010 Tracy's Vital Statistics – Smithsonian attendance rebounds

The Smithsonian Museums saw a 20 percent increase in visitors for the year 2009.

Jan. 8th, 2010 Leadership vs management in theme park operations: Donnie Mills of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

From parking cars as a teenager to running various departments and then various parks.