Attractions news …
Universal Beijing Resort unveils seven themed lands; Gardaland Resort releases first-look video and concept images of Legoland Water Park; MoMA reveals its $450m expansion; Mattel’s American Girl launches in-store retailtainment experiences; Universal Beijing and Alibaba partner to digitise operations; tech startups in Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator make their pitches; Alton Towers announces The World of David Walliams; Universal Orlando announces The Bourne Stuntacular; Entertainment One shareholders vote to approve Hasbro acquisition; Dream Cruises announce theme park and coaster at sea; and Meow Wolf shares Halloween events.
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Theme parks
Alton Towers Resort is launching a new attraction based on the children’s books written by David Walliams. The World of David Walliams will bring some of his most popular characters to life.
Universal Beijing Resort has unveiled seven themed lands coming to Universal Studios Beijing, which will include those inspired by Kung Fu Panda, Jurassic World, Transformers and Harry Potter.
Universal Beijing also released a video showing designs of the themed lands at Universal Studios Beijing. The video has comments from Mark Woodbury, vice chairman of Universal Parks & Resorts.
Disney has provided an update on Disney Skyliner, which malfunctioned earlier this month, not long after opening. The new transportation system has now reopened at Walt Disney World.
Dream Cruises has announced the first ever theme park at sea, called Dream Park at the Pier. The ship, named Global Dream, will boast the world’s longest roller coaster at sea when it debuts in 2021.
Universal Orlando Resort revealed a new stunt show based on the Bourne film franchise is debuting in spring 2020. The cutting-edge live-action attraction is called the Bourne Stuntacular.
Water parks
Gardaland Resort in Italy has released a first-look video with concept images of the new Legoland Water Park. Opening in 2020, the attraction will have slides, pools, rafts, and a water play complex.
Baha Mar resort complex in the Bahamas has announced a $300m expansion, which will include a major water park and entertainment development, called Baha Mar Bay. The project is expected to complete within the next two years.
Museums
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York has unveiled its $450 million expansion, which includes a ‘remixed’ collection, and 40,000 square feet of expanded galleries and spaces for performance and art.
The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco has raised $100 million for its ongoing transformation and expansion project. The attraction surpassed its initial goals for the capital campaign.
The UK government has launched a new £250 million fund for the culture and creative sector, which will benefit innovative cultural projects. More than £125 million of the fund will be invested in regional museums and libraries.
Fáilte Ireland is investing a record €6.64 million to develop a new state-of-the art museum in Galway. The Galway City Museum will be redeveloped and rebranded as the Atlantic Museum Galway.
Trends and brands
Meow Wolf has released an ultimate guide to its spooky events, workshops and parties for Halloween. Meow Wolf Freek Week will kick off on October 17 and run until October 31.
Mattel’s American Girl has launched new in-store retailtainment experiences at its NYC and Chicago flagship shops. These include an immersive space called Julie’s Groovy World, a doll hospital and a salon.
Hasbro has announced Entertainment One shareholders have voted to approve the proposal for Hasbro to acquire eOne in a $4 bn (£3.3 bn) all-cash takeover. Hasbro’s board of directors has already voted to back the acquisition.
Endemol Shine China is partnering with IP Lab and The Big Things to open the first MasterChef Academy at The Mills in Hong Kong. The attraction will be an immersive cooking academy.
Technology
The tech startups in Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator pitched their companies during Demo Day, marking the finale of the second class. 8 of the 11 startups have landed partnerships with Comcast NBCUniversal companies.
The VOID, a leader in immersive virtual reality experiences, has announced strategic investment from Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Lupa Systems, in order to expand globally and propel growth.
Universal Beijing Resort and Alibaba have partnered to digitise operations at the upcoming attraction. From facial-recognition entry to app-based food ordering, the companies hope to provide the ultimate guest experience.
