Iceland's new FEC

Park Newswww.parkworld-online.comMakeover for MadameTussauds Las VegasHollyer Projects from the UK has been retained torefurbish Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. The 13-yearoldattraction at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casinowill be brought up to date in two phases.The first phase will include a refurbishment of thebox office/entrance, complete with red carpet to giveguests the impression of entering a star studdedcelebrity event. The Speed room will become theBlackpoolTower overhaulcontinuesHaving overhauled the inside of Blackpool Tower,Merlin Entertainments and Blackpool Council areto pay attention to the outside with a dazzling newfrontage planned for the landmark British touristattraction.Revealing the original building which has beenhidden for years, stained glass and terracottatiling will be restored and a glass-fronted canopyput in place at the promenade entrance. Thework is expected to be completed over the nextyear, along with the painting of the tower’s legs.“It will make the front of the tower lookfantastic and will complement the work done bythe council in creating the Comedy Carpet andthe new headland,” says Iain Hawkins, head ofMerlin’s Blackpool cluster.theblackpooltower.comA taste of the new look exteriorFilm room, showcasing movies either based on orfilmed in Las Vegas, and the Sports room is also setfor an expansion.The second phase will include an update of theMusic room and the introduction of a Historicalroom, combined with a Behind The Scenes areathat will detail the creation process of thewaxworks.ScareCON 2012Europe’s onlyconference andtrade show forthe scareattractionsindustry returnson May 10, thistime inBlackpool.Now in its fifthyear, Scarecon atthe Norbreck Castle Hotel promises an extensiveseminar/workshop programme, trade stands, acostumed ScareBall and frights in the night forguests staying in a “ScareRoom”!Delegates are promised knowledge and insightfrom some of the biggest scare providers in theUK and beyond, in addition to practical tips totake away and apply at their own attractions. Atthe end of the daytime programme, Scareconmorphs into a ghoulish party as delegates lettheir hair down over dinner and a drink at theScareBall, where they can practice their bestmonster dance.The disccounted day rate starts at just £50inclusive of seminars, workshops, exhibits, food,drink, wifi and health club access. Discounts willalso be provided to local attractions, theBlackpool Tower Dungeon, Carnesky’s GhostTrain and Pasaje del Terror at the Pleasure Beachlikely to be of particular interest to Scarecondelegates.scarecon.co.ukA taste of the new look interiorGovernment fattensup Barcelona park forprivatisationAccording to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, theBarcelona government has approved plans topump €15.5 million ($20.8m) into Tibidaboahead of a proposed privatisation.As part of the new investment a Ferris Wheelwill open at the hilltop amusement park,offering spectacular views out over the Catalancapital. Money will also be used to help reducedebt and increase promotion.The park was acquired by the Barcelonaauthorities in 2002 and had been experiencinga steady climb in numbers until 2010 when afatal ride accident affected year-on-yearattendance by around 50%.tibidabo.catPremier Rides takes on projects in China and IndiaPremier Rides has been selected to design andmanufacture a launch coaster as a signatureattraction of the largest mixed-use development inthe world, the Great Mall of China. Furthermore theride, commissioned by the Berjaya Great Mall ofChina Co, will be the tallest indoor rollercoaster inthe world.The attraction will be designed and built in theUnited States and exported to China, where it willintegrate many exciting and unique elements.Currently, the tallest indoor coaster is the 136ft-tall(41m) Mindbender at the West Edmonton Mall inCanada.Located only 25km from Beijing International Airportin Yanjiao City, Heibei Province, the 76-acre Mall ofChina will feature shops, entertainment venues, atheme park and waterpark, making the a landmark inthe region. The project is slated to open in 2013.Meanwhile Premier Rides will become part of theteam creating a major new theme park in Indiafollowing an agreement with local partner AdlabsEntertainment. The as yet unnamed park will debutat a location to be announced in the near future.Adlabs founder Manmohan Shetty says he intendsto bring to India a world class theme park unlikeanything seen in the country before. Soundspromising!FOLLOW PARK WORLD ON TWITTER@ParkWorldMag14 FEBRUARY 2012