Beyond Disney

While Disney theme parks are the “utopia” of all theme parks, they were not the first to come on scene. In fact, the very first theme park has its origin in the 1500’s. The following infographic reveals some very interesting historical facts about theme parks and even looks into what the future holds for theme parks.

While I’m not a huge fan of Halloween, I love haunted houses. The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is my all-time favorite haunted house of course, however the Halloween season brings us some of the scariest places even imagined. Hauntworld.com has put together their list of the top 13 haunted houses in America.

I love some of the things that go along with Halloween – scary movies and Halloween candy to name a couple. But my all time favorite thing about this eerie holiday – haunted houses. And while Disney does the best haunted house as an attraction suitable for both children and adults, there are many haunted houses that pop up around this time of the year.

Knotts Berry Farm, also known as “Knotts Scary Farm” around Halloween, will unveil three new haunted mazes during their 38th annual Halloween Haunt. The goulish festivities will take place on Wednesday through Sunday nights from Sept. 24 through Oct. 31 (except for Sept. 29). More details inside!

Knott’s Berry Farm, famous for the Halloween Haunts held every September/October where the park literally becomes haunted, will unveil four new mazes for their 2009 season. The granddaddy of Halloween events will feature 13 mazes in all scattered throughout the park, with construction currently underway in backstage areas.

After learning that Hard Rock Park, the rock n’ roll themed amusement park named after the popular restaurant chain, would close it doors forever, it seems as if the park has found a buyer. A bankruptcy judge on Tuesday approved the sale of the park for $25 million to FPI MB Entertainment. They plan to reopen the park by Memorial Day.

Failing to find a buyer in a recent quest to find a buyer to take over the failing Hard Rock theme park, owners asked a Delaware bankruptcy court Friday for permission to liquidate, signaling once and for all that it will not be able to reopen.

Cedar Fair, the company that owns and operates some of the greatest amusement parks in the world including Knotts Berry Farm and the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point, has announced $62 million in new attractions, roller coasters and family rides to debut in 2009.

Okay I admit that I may opt from time to time to write about news happening in other amusement parks besides Disney, especially if I have personally visited the park. This is one of those times so if you are in a monogamous relationship to Disney parks and Disney only, please forgive me this liberty with the announcement of a new wooden roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Terminator: