Theme Park Update

Lots of news in the theme park industry as of late, here's a quick overview:

• Maximum RPM, at the newly opened Hard Rock Park, is poised to open very soon. What's cool about this coaster is that its the first to utilize a "ferris wheel" style lift. Instead of a normal lift hill, the car pulls out of the station, engages a bay in a ferris wheel, climbs to the top, and then engages the ride track. Pictures, Video


• Disney is going to begin outsourcing their animatronics production. Its more symbolic than important. OC Register Article


• In the "ain't it cool" department Gerstlauer, a German flat ride manufacturer, introduced a really neat new ride called the "Sky Roller" the spinning attraction allows you "fly" with your own wings, even discovering how to maintain a flat level or spinning 360 degrees constantly for 3 minutes. Photos, Video (the video is really cool!)


• InBev, a foreign brewing company, has made a hostile take-over bid for Anheuser-Busch. This is probably bad news for the theme parks. Hostile take-overs drain cash, because either party has to spend a ton of money to either make the purchase or remain independent. This CNN Article has a really good examination of it, taking the position that the Busch Gardens and SeaWorld park franchises will likely be sold. Unfortunately however, Six Flags and many other theoretical suitors are strapped for cash. This could get bumpy.