Dec 26 2005
With moviegoers and box office receipts in a freefall, Hollywood may have been singing the blues in 2005. But all was not lost for the out-of-home entertainment industry as theme parks did just fine this past year. According to an annual report by the trade publication Amusement Business and the research firm Economics Research Associates, estimated attendance at North America's 50 most popular parks rose a healthy 4.2% this past season. This was on top of a 4% gain in 2004. (To be fair, these stats need to be placed in the context of the post-9/11 fallout that ravaged park attendance and the entire travel industry.) Worldwide park attendance rose 2.2% in 2005, the report estimated. As park operators pop the champagne corks and celebrate their good fortune, let's take a look back at the year that was and raise a toast to parkdom's top-ten stories, events, and developments of 2005.
1. Disneyland's 50th Anniversary
It seems as if Disney always has some once-in-a-lifetime celebration or other to entice visitors to its parks, but the 50-year mark for the park that started it all was truly a milestone to celebrate. And the celebration was in full regalia as the Mouse got its house in order by painting, refurbishing, and burnishing nearly every inch of the beloved California landmark until it positively glowed with a sheen that would have done Walt proud. It would have been even nicer had Disneyland debuted a major E-Ticket attraction or two, but the Happiest Celebration on Earth shows and events were wonderful, and there was a palpable sense of excitement throughout the resort. The 18-month anniversary hoopla continues throughout 2006.- Disneyland Happiest Homecoming on Earth Overview
- Looking Back at Disneyland
- 50 Ways to Leave Your Living Room (in Honor of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary)
Part one: 25 New Features at Disneyland
Part two: 25 Classic Features at Disneyland - Disneyland's 50th Anniversary Photo Gallery
- Disneyland's History Photo Gallery
2. Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure
There was a tremendous buzz as thrill ride fans counted down the days to the debut of the world's tallest, fastest roller coaster. Construction and testing delays only fueled the anticipation. Finally, Kingda Ka opened to great acclaim--and promptly closed for nearly the entire season after a major malfunction forced it out of commission. By sheer happenstance, I was an eyewitness to the incident that turned into one of the year's biggest stories. Along with many others, I'm still waiting for my ride on Kingda Ka.3. Six Flags Management Fumbles
After months of acrimony and posturing between Daniel Snyder and Six Flags, the outspoken owner of the Washington Redskins football team outmaneuvered the embattled company's management and assumed his place as its new chairman in late November. As part of the changing of the guard, Snyder brought on ESPN executive Mark Shapiro as the chain's new CEO. What this will mean for the parks and ride fans is unclear, although Snyder has said that he wants to de-emphasize the coasters and thrill rides for which Six Flags is famous and create more of a "family" atmosphere. One of the new regime's first moves: nixing the popular Mr. Six character. Other park management turmoil was brewing as Disney's Michael Eisner opted for, ahem, early retirement, and Viacom announced that it wanted to unload its theme parks.4. Curse of DarKastle at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
The Virginia park, which already had a well-deserved reputation for its impeccable landscaping, wonderful attractions, high-energy shows, and rich themeing, took a quantum leap forward by unleashing a sophisticated, winning, E-Ticket-caliber attraction. Curse of DarKastle is an incredible achievement, particularly for a regional, seasonal park.5. Happiest Celebration on Earth at Walt Disney World
Disneyland may be the park where it all began and the focal point of the 50th anniversary event, but Disney World joined the festivities and debuted a slew of great new attractions, including Soarin' and the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. As the 18-month celebration segues into 2006, the Florida resort will again hog the spotlight with the introduction of Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom.- Walt Disney World's Happiest Celebration on Earth Overview
- Walt Disney World's Happiest Celebration on Earth Photo Gallery
- Soarin' Ride Review
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show Review
- Lights, Motors, Action! Photo Gallery
Next page: The 2005 top-ten list continues with Insanity at the Stratosphere Tower, Shiekra at Busch Gardens Tampa, and more.
