Dollywood Theme Park Announces New Barnstormer for 2011

(BUSINESS WIRE)--High-flying high jinks take to the sky at Dollywood for the 2011 season with the new Barnstormer ride, a $5.5 million family thrill ride situated in a barnyard-themed area which also includes play areas for younger guests.

“I remember my daddy and granddaddy talking about the old barnstormers that used to do all kinds of crazy stunts above the fields where they’d work crops,” Dolly Parton said. “My new Barnstormer ride offers folks those same breathtaking moments, high in the sky above Dollywood. And I’ve recreated a critter-themed barnyard that reminds me of growing up on the farm here in the Smoky Mountains!”

Taking its name from the daring aerialists and stunt pilots of the 1920s, the Barnstormer features two pendulum arms with seating for 32 riders. Seated back to back, riders travel progressively higher on each swing of the Barnstormer’s massive arms, reaching a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour and 230 degrees of rotation. At its peak, the Barnstormer reaches a staggering 81 feet in the air, taking riders high above the barn’s rooftop and the area’s treetops. Situated in the lush foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Barnstormer rests amid a traditional red barn on the Owens Farm, a nod to Parton’s family’s rural upbringing.

While the Barnstormer fills the air above the barn, children’s play areas dot the landscape around the barn. With a fun, barnyard theme, children can enjoy a 22-foot by 16-foot bi-plane play area as well as a pig pen water play area.

The Barnstormer has a ride capacity of 450 passengers per hour, and a 48-inch minimum height requirement.

The Barnstormer is adjacent to the Mountain Slidewinder, one of the park’s most popular rides which opened in 1987.

The new area opens in March 2011 to usher in Dollywood’s 26th operating season.

The number one ticketed attraction in Tennessee, Dollywood is an award-winning 150-acre family adventure park located in Pigeon Forge near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Open nine months a year (late March to early January), Dollywood hosts four of the South’s largest festivals and offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including Thunderhead, twice named the world’s No. 1 wooden coaster, and Mystery Mine coaster, Theme Park Insider’s 2007 Best New Attraction. In addition to the 2009 Golden Ticket Award for Best Shows, Dollywood is the recipient of 15 Big E Awards in recognition of the park’s live entertainment which features country, bluegrass, gospel and Appalachian music. The Golden Tickets’ 2007 Publisher’s Pick for best theme park, Dollywood also is a two-time winner of the Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event. In addition, a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region demonstrate daily. For more information, visit www.dollywood.com.

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A Magician's Fight for Freedom... Aaron Radatz to Perform Death Defying Stunt for All American Weekend July 4 & 5 at Wild Adventures

/PRNewswire/ -- How long can you hold your breath? Magical entertainer Aaron Radatz hopes he can hold his long enough to escape from a wooden packing crate at the bottom of Wild Adventures' lake July 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. FREEDOM: An Underwater Escape has never been attempted in the region, and the death defying stunt is part of Wild Adventures' All American Weekend, which also includes explosive nightly fireworks choreographed to a dynamic and patriotic soundtrack.

Aaron Radatz is the newest star to hit the magic entertainment scene. He is also one of the daily featured shows at Wild Adventures Theme Park this summer. Time Magazine says, "He is THE magical entertainer to see." On July 4 and 5 at Wild Adventures, Aaron Radatz will recreate a death-defying escape made famous by one his mentors, Harry Houdini.

Radatz will be handcuffed and chained by members of the audience and sealed inside a wooden crate, before he is lowered into the Wild Adventures' lake. To up the ante, several small holes will be drilled over the surface of the crate to let the water drain in; making the escape even more dangerous. Aaron will have only three minutes to pick his way out of the handcuffs and chains and break his way out of the box against the pressure of the water. An ambulance, fire truck, and scuba diving team will be on hand to take action if the event does not go as planned.

When Aaron was asked why he would attempt this dangerous stunt he replied, "I love living life to the fullest and taking any challenges it can dish out. Despite the fear I have of drowning, I am prepared to take this challenge and win." Aaron Radatz has been training for several weeks with certified scuba instructors to maximize the amount of time he can hold his breath and his ability to maneuver underwater.

All American Weekend will also include an explosive fireworks show both Saturday and Sunday night, beginning at dusk. Splash Island Water Park, thrill rides, daily shows, attractions and animals will add to this Independence Day weekend and provide a quality family friendly experience for all ages.

Aaron Radatz's FREEDOM: AN UNDERWATER ESCAPE and the nightly fireworks are a free event included in park admission and will take place Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5. Guests can also catch Aaron Radatz at the park Wednesday through Sunday this summer until August 2. To learn more about Aaron Radatz visit his website at www.aaronradatz.com.

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Six Flags Friends Partners With 'Beyond Tribute' to Support War Veterans This Memorial Day Weekend

/PRNewswire/ -- Six Flags theme parks across the country will honor America's military veterans this Memorial Day weekend by partnering with Beyond Tribute to raise awareness and funds for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and related afflictions. Beyond Tribute, a 501c3 non-profit, is the first nationwide grassroots initiative specifically designed to leverage the Memorial Day and Veterans Day holidays to support veterans affected by these neurological problems.

Over 300,000 veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as countless thousands of veterans of other wars suffer from PTSD, TBI and other neurological problems. As a result, their rates of unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, family conflict, and suicide are alarmingly high.

Through this new partnership, consumers will be offered an online "Everyone Pays Kids Price" coupon for admission to all domestic Six Flags properties from May 22 through May 25. One dollar of each ticket redeemed will go directly to "Beyond Tribute" to support research, treatment, and services for those veterans. "Everyone Pays Kids Price" offers a savings of up to $30 per ticket off the regular adult admission price, making fun more affordable for families.

Participating parks include Six Flags America in Bowie, MD; Six Flags Texas in San Antonio, TX; Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, TX; Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ; Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, MO; Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA; Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, KY; Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, GA; Six Flags New England in Agawam, MA; Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA; and The Great Escape in Lake George, NY.

In addition, designated Beyond Tribute volunteers will be on site, encouraging park guests to log onto the Beyond Tribute or Six Flags websites (www.beyondtribute.org and www.sixflags.com/tribute) and signing a pledge demonstrating their support of the men and women of America's Armed Services.

The pledge reads: "Memorial Day and Veterans' Day need to be more than holidays that merely pay tribute to veterans; they should be meaningful days that truly benefit the men and women who have risked their lives and sacrificed their health and well-being in the line of duty. I pledge to seek out and support businesses and events that participate in Beyond Tribute over the Memorial Day and Veterans' Day holidays, because I know my support will help provide vital services for veterans who are suffering the wounds of war."

Park guests will also be able to view a video public service announcement hosted by "Sex and The City" star Kim Cattrall, the national spokesperson for "Beyond Tribute." The PSA will be played on Six Flags TV throughout the summer.

"Memorial Day is an exciting time at Six Flags as families head to our parks to officially kick off the summer season," said Jessica King, Director of Six Flags Friends. "Our partnership with Beyond Tribute is a great way to engage people of all ages across the country to do their part in helping our servicemen and women in a very tangible way."

Matthew Boulay, the former Marine who served in the Iraq war and who helped establish Beyond Tribute, echoed these sentiments, adding that, "Memorial Day was established to honor the sacrifices made by the courageous men and women who have fought for this country in defense of the freedoms and ideals we enjoy and cherish. By using the special Six Flags-Beyond Tribute coupon for admission, visitors to the parks are saying, "yes, we honor these sacrifices and support our veterans."

"Beyond Tribute" has identified three organizations that are engaged in providing vital services for veterans who are suffering from the wounds of war: U.S. Vets, the largest non-profit organization in the country dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk veterans and a nationally recognized leader in the field of service delivery to veterans; Wounded Warrior Project, which provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life; and Bob Woodruff Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for service members injured in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families to assist in their successful reintegration into their communities.

For more information on the "Beyond Tribute" and the Six Flags Friends initiative, and to download the special Six Flags admission coupon, visit sixflags.com/tribute or beyondtribute.org.

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Universal Orlando Resort Offers Unbeatable Spring Value

Universal Orlando Resort has pulled together its best offers so guests can enjoy the most value-driven getaway possible. Guests can select from a multitude of special deals and save money on every aspect of their theme park vacation – whether it’s theme park admission, hotel rates or both.

Universal Orlando’s value offers give guests the opportunity to experience all the excitement of the resort – two great theme parks, a stay at one of three on-site hotels, all-you-can-eat cuisine and nighttime entertainment.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SPRING VALUE OFFERS

BEST THEME PARK TICKET OFFER
2-Park Unlimited ~ $99.99 (Available online only)
· Unlimited admission to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for up to seven consecutive days
· Free admission to select Universal CityWalk venues

BEST PACKAGE OFFER
Buy 3/Get 2 Free ~ Starts at $711 for a family of four
· Book a three-night vacation package and receive two additional nights free along with unlimited theme park admission
· Guests can upgrade to one of Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels – Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – and receive complimentary Universal Express ride access
· Must book by March 29 and travel before October 8, 2009

OTHER GREAT OFFERS
Meal Deal ~ Starts at $20.99 for adults and $10.99 for children
· All-you-can-eat food for one low price at select locations at Universal Studios and/or Islands of Adventure

CityWalk Party Pass ~ $11.99
· Dance the night away at seven electrifying Universal CityWalk venues
· Free with a multi-day ticket to Universal Orlando

For more information about these and other great Universal Orlando deals, visit www.universalorlando.com.

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First Multiple Zip-Line at a Theme Park Debuts at Dollywood

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starting in May 2009, Dollywood guests will be able to fly like an eagle over the 150 acre theme park and experience the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains with the opening of SkyZip. SkyZip is the first multiple station zip-line experience to open in a U.S. theme park.

“SkyZip is the first of a series of premium experiences Dollywood plans to launch in the coming year. These high level family experiences are ‘ready-to-go’ meaning our guests just show up for the thrills, no previous experience or expensive gear needed,” said Ken Bell, president of Dollywood. “These deeper, personalized experiences will challenge our guests and often, fulfill lifelong dreams.”

Beginning early summer, the hour-long, premium SkyZip adventure will include up to five zip-line treks ranging in length from 100 to nearly 1,000 feet and a 100-foot long swinging bridge perched above the trees. Each zip-line is an elevated and inclined wire from which a pulley and a seating apparatus are suspended allowing the guest to move between two points via gravity.

Each SkyZip tour offers a distinctive adventure with a theme. Fliers will launch from a perch above the park’s region called Wilderness Pass and soar to Dollywood’s famed triple spiral-looping rollercoaster, Tennessee Tornado, and beyond. One trail takes adventurers breathtakingly close to Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. After a brief hike, the adventurers will zip above Craftsman’s Valley, which houses Dollywood’s talented artisans, to the same point where their adventure began.

As part of Dollywood’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the tour will also provide an environmental and historical tour of undeveloped and unspoiled property surrounding Dollywood hosted by specially trained adventure guides.

The new SkyZip is powered by Hawaii-based Skyline Eco-Adventures. In addition to park admission, an additional fee is required to experience SkyZip.

Skyline Eco-Adventures is a Hawaii-based, award-winning, zip-line developer and operator dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment. It is the first and most experienced U.S. zip-line operator, as well as the first zip-line company in the world to become a member of “1% for the planet,” a group of businesses committed to giving at least one percent of its sales back to environmental preservation. Skyline Eco-Adventures will continue that effort at Dollywood.

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Six Flags Over Georgia Promises More Value... More Monsters... More Flags... More Fun

T2F Note: Such wonderful memories of family fun have been made over the years at Georgia's own Six Flags. Why not make some more as Six Flags Over Georgia officially is the recipient of the Fayette Front Page Day Tripper Award.

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Six Flags Over Georgia, the Southeast's largest regional theme park, announces the start of its longest season ever with unprecedented pricing, new shows, and a monster of a makeover. For the first time in its 42-year history, Six Flags Over Georgia is opening in the month of February. To mark the occasion, the park is hosting the Six Flags Friends Blanket Drive, allowing guests the opportunity to donate a new or gently used blanket and receive 50 percent off main gate general admission during opening weekend. All blankets will be donated to the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta's Regional Commission on Homelessness.

As part of the extended season long celebration, Six Flags Over Georgia will offer a line-up of new shows and attractions that provide top-tier entertainment as well as guest benefits that ensure a value-packed experience for the entire family. Some of the major headlines this season include:

-- $49.99 for Season Passes - the lowest price in years and only $10 more
than a one-day ticket. Season Passes offer unlimited visits to any
Six Flags theme park in the United States, five free tickets for
friends and more than $300 in savings on in-park food and fun. In
addition, Season Pass holders will enjoy exclusive ride times as well
as a private Season Pass Holder Appreciation night on September 4.
-- Bring your little monsters! The all-new Monster Mansion is set to
open in May with a whole new storyline, new characters and interactive
elements. Formerly Monster Plantation, this iconic ride will have its
own merchandise store where guests may purchase Monster Plantation and
Monster Mansion items as well as take a trip through the ride's new
mini-museum.
-- Pure Country - a new live show opening Memorial Day weekend in the
Crystal Pistol Music Hall. This high-energy song and dance musical
will have guests toe tappin' to some of country music's most popular
hits.
-- The Best of Dick Clark's Bloopers - this new interactive show in the
Drive-In Theatre features a live host who encourages audience members
to create their own blunders while watching some of the all-time great
missteps from Dick Clark's collection.
-- Cold Stone Express - Located in the Gotham City section of the park,
guests can enjoy pre-mixed Cold Stone favorites, waffle cone treats
and chocolate dipped cones at this express version of the ice cream
specialties store.


Additionally, Six Flags Over Georgia offers fun for the entire family with 10 thrilling roller coasters, two children's themed areas and meet and greets with Six Flags' world famous cast of characters including Mr. Six - the ageless, dancing, rater-of-fun who's back and in the park all season long beckoning guests to have More Flags. More Fun.

"Six Flags Over Georgia has always been the area's premiere destination for affordable, close to home family fun, and it will continue to hold that title this year beginning in February," said Park President Melinda Ashcraft. "With our new additions and special events, we're offering our guests a summer of escape with value like never before."

Six Flags Over Georgia is also the home of 40 Fun Things For Kids To Do, presented by SafetyTat(R). Families can enjoy the many items on this list ranging from riding Thomas the Tank Engine(TM) around the Island of Sodor to experiencing the latest games in the park's Wii(TM) Experience. Many popular live shows are back this season including the Wild West Comedy Gun Fight Show, the Looney Tunes Talent Show, the Back to the Beach Show and Bugs Bunny's Rockin' and Rollin' Parade (show times vary). Check out the entire list of 40 Fun Things To Do by visiting www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

The park's operating hours during opening weekend will be 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Sunday. The park is open on weekends during March.

More information about Six Flags Over Georgia tickets, shows, rides, attractions and events can be found by visiting www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

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Wild Adventures Announces Updated Water Park and New Ride for the New Year

/PRNewswire/ -- It may be wintertime now, but the magic-makers at Wild Adventures Theme Park are busy thinking of summer fun!

This became evident when park officials today announced that, greeting visitors for the 2009 season, will be a sparkling and updated Splash Island Water Park, and it will be the biggest capital investment in recent park history.

"Welcome to paradise," said park General Manager Bob Montgomery. "We are totally renovating and improving what has been one of the finest and most popular waterparks in the region, with new theming, new facilities, additional seating and shade structures and a new water ride guests won't believe."

When guests enter Splash Island they will step into a Polynesian paradise with an all-new water ride, revamped restaurant and snack bar, expanded locker facilities and more shaded areas. Splash Island is a totally re-themed water park with additions and improvements to enhance guests' tropical experience. "We wanted to bring a little Polynesian tropical feel and adventure to the area," said Montgomery.

The new water ride, the Wahee Cyclone, is the only such water ride in the southern Georgia-northern Florida area. Wahee Cyclone is essentially a giant funnel, standing forty-eight feet tall and forty-five feet wide. Four riders in a cloverleaf-like raft plummet through an enclosed tube then free-fall into a huge funnel that rockets riders up one side and down the other until the riders are deposited into a pool of water.

Splash Island offers guests twelve-acres of wet fun with more than ten water activities, including six water slides, tropical lagoons, a 1,000-foot lazy river, a special area for kids, and a 20,000 square-foot wave pool.

Projected opening date for Splash Island is Saturday, March 28, 2009. Passport holders will be able to catch a sneak peek of the new Wahee Cyclone and re-themed water park March 21. As always, Splash Island is FREE with park admission. Wild Adventures Theme Park opens Saturday, March 14, 2009.

For more information and to plan your adventure, please visit our website at www.wildadventures.com or call 229-219-7080.

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