Bemusement - The Attractions Industry Blog

Sunday, October 23, 2011 Where is the next growth market for themed attractions?    We asked the 3000+ members of Blooloop's LinkedIngroup, “Since many projects have been put on hold or cancelled in Dubai, where do you think the next growth market will be?”...View more

Monday, July 26, 2010 "Giant Ambition & Excitement" : Dubai in 2010.    It seems like just yesterday I wrote to the world about cranes, waterparks and Atlantis. I spoke of my recent move to Dubai and going to work at Aquaventure. It turns out that was almost two years ago now. Ok, well, although conspicuously quiet….I am still in Dubai. And, yes….Dubai is still in business. ...View more

Monday, June 28, 2010 Theme Parks: Fans sneak a peek under the red roof of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi    20 fans were given an exclusive sneak preview inside Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Saturday, June 26th. The fans were amongst the first members of the public to be allowed underneath the distinctive red roof. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will host over 20 rides and attractions, which will appeal to families and fans alike. ...View more

Friday, May 07, 2010 Branded Attractions and Theme Parks: At Ferrari World, Speed is the Thing    Of all the world’s iconic brands, perhaps none is so striking, so steeped in romance and so aesthetically pleasing as Ferrari’s. Manchester United’s is another another red sporting image familiar worldwide, yet its red devil can’t hold a candle to the Italian’s prancing stallion - such is Ferrari’s hold on the imagination. Set to open in October, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will stand on its own merits as an international visitor destination and high-profile branded attraction......View more

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Amusement Parks : I know What you Did Last Christmas!    Saw a pantomime yesterday. Like jellied eels, stiff upper lips and fighting outside chip shops, the pantomime is a peculiarly English experience....View more

Friday, October 24, 2008 Amusement Parks: Will Dubai be the new Orlando? Will Abu Dhabi be the new Dubai?    Having just completed my magnum opus, an article about the UAE and factors in its growth as a leisure destination, to be published in the 2009 TEA Annual (which will be available in TEA's booth at IAAPA next month), my head is still buzzing with the topic......View more

Monday, September 15, 2008 Waterparks: Kylie to Wow the Men from Atlantis    Kylie Minogue, the London based Antipodean songstress, famed for her particular brand of disco/pop, a chameleon-like ability to surf the zeitgeist and by the British press for her elegant posterior, is to be paid £4 million for 2 gigs in Dubai, the first being at the celebrity-spangled private party to mark the opening of the Atlantis Palm hotel / waterpark resort, the second the following day at one of the Emirate’s majestic malls....View more

Monday, September 01, 2008 Life in Dubai : Cranes, Waterparks and Atlantis...    Hello all, my name is Scott Deisley and I am a part of the Management Team at Atlantis, Palm Jumierah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. My responsibilities specifically include the safe and profitable operation of Aquaventure, the waterpark at Atlantis. ...View more

Tuesday, May 06, 2008 Amusement parks: Holiday World starts to Twitter...    Amusement park Holiday World is "Twittering" and a week ago I would have had no idea what this meant. A week on and I now have a small idea. Kinda like blogging I guess but more immediate, messages are shorter and (as yet)   it seems even more informal. Looks fun too. HW is the first amusement park to twitter......View more

Sunday, April 27, 2008 Amusement parks: Devon Sweets at Dubai's Amusement Expo    When Elizabeth Taylor bumped into Princess Margaret many years ago at a wedding, the royal was rather stunned by Taylor's ring - a great chunk of a diamond , and utterly vulgar in the opinion of the princess. "Why don't you try it on?" Taylor offered coyly. Margaret obliged, and the two stood for a moment, taking in the brilliant, sparkling rock. "Not so vulgar now, is it?" Taylor said....View more

Tuesday, March 04, 2008 Dubai: Theme Park Capital of the World?    Dubai is in the news again with a number of major projects revealed, the main ones being the agreements involving Six Flags and Busch Entertainment, both big players on the American stage but until now with little presence overseas....View more

Saturday, February 09, 2008 Amusement parks: Kung Foo Panda to Star at Dubai Theme Park    Dreamworks move into Dubai......View more