Park Odds & Ends

Whilst away in Vegas my in box became full of some neat items directly from parks. Let's have a look shall we?

Kings Island is still getting the word out that Diamondback is open by sending out this beautiful photo of the ride. Even with all the coverage we've had from the park over the past 2 weeks I must say: go ride it!

Jack Hanna from Jack Hanna�s Animal Adventures is inviting Sesame Place guests on an expedition into the minds and bodies of some of his favorite animal friends! Hanna will be accompanied by some of the world�s most fascinating animals, like a cheetah, Parma wallaby, hyacinth macaw, and many more that will leave guests marveling. On Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, Sesame Place visitors will have the opportunity to listen and learn from the animal whiz himself with three interactive shows at 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2:45 p.m. in the Big Bird Theater.

Mr. Hanna will also visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in April and May. Hanna will join families for an unforgettable Serengeti Night Safari on April 26, and he will make a special appearance at park sleepovers on April 25 and May 2. These new adventures with Hanna have been added to an already exciting lineup of animal shows and autograph signings that he will host on April 26 and May 3. For more info see BuschGardens.com.

As the most ambitious park enhancement project in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's 50-year history, Jungala has earned the prestigious Thea Award for Best New Theme Park Land, and has remarkably enhanced the 365-acre adventure park with even more up-close animal interactions, world-class rides and lavish live entertainment.

�The prestigious Thea Awards recognize and honor excellence in the creation of outstanding visitor experiences, attractions, exhibits and places,� said Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) President Nick Farmer of Farmer Attraction Development, Leicester, UK. �The Thea Awards focus international attention on innovation within the Themed Entertainment and Experience Design Industry.�

Congratulations to Busch Gardens for their prestigious award!

Looks Like A Splashin' Good Time!

Closer and closer we go to the debut of The Count's Splash Castle at Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA. The park just reached a milestone in the construction of the new attraction when they added the gigantic 8 ft. tipping bucket to the top, along with The Count himself!

Here we have the bucket waiting to be lifted into place with the Count smiling at you. That bucket holds 1,000 gallons of water!

And just like counting...1, 2, 3 the bucket is placed on top of The Count's Splash Castle! (you know you love the Sesame Street puns)

The size of the water structure is quite impressive! SCS Interactive has done quite well with constructing the theming elements designed and imagined by Elaine Swanger Designs.

We can't forget The Count himself! Here he is being lifted into his place atop the structure. He'll have a great view of all the families enjoying Sesame Place's new attraction this summer now won't he.

Count's Splash Castle Progress

Sesame Place, in Langhorne, PA, is hard at work on its largest attraction in the park�s 29-year history. Opening Spring 2009, The Count�s Splash Castle is a multi-level interactive waterplay attraction that will stimulate imagination and provide exciting hands-on entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. The attraction spans over 38,000 square feet and features over 90 play elements including a 1,000 gallon eight-foot tipping bucket, multiple water slides, valves, levers, water curtains, bridges, hydro blasters, bubbler jets, bongos, hose jets, water wheels and much more. Sesame Place opens for the 2009 season on May 2, 2009.