Saturday, October 9
Wednesday, October 6
Disneyland Sued Over Fatal Accident on Ride
The three separate lawsuits, filed in Orange County Superior Court, seek unspecified general and punitive damages for the death of 22-year-old Marcelo Torres and injuries suffered by other passengers in the Sept. 5, 2003, accident.
The lawsuit accuses Disney of failing to provide enough training for ride operators and of cutting costs so deeply that maintenance on rides has been dangerously neglected. The suit says Big Thunder Mountain operators were afraid to take the train out of operation, even after hearing unusual noises, because of an "atmosphere of intimidation" created by Disney management.
In a statement, Disney said it had "offered a fair and just settlement and it's regrettable that the plaintiffs have resorted to making false charges."
"The safety of our guests and cast member has always been our top priority, and Big Thunder Mountain was reopened only after it was found by the state to be safe for operation, and after verification that all corrective actions and retraining had been fully completed," the statement said.
Yuh huh. And the similar but non-fatal accident ten months later was "a fluke."
Tuesday, October 5
Hooray for Dollywood!
Dollywood Announces Major Expansion Project
Dollywood announced plans today for an expansion project in the park's Country Fair area that will add 10 new rides and a new look for the park's 2005 season with a special emphasis on rides that families can ride together.
"This exciting new project will allow more guests to enjoy Country Fair, one of our most popular areas," said Dollywood General Manager and Vice President Barbara Joines. "I think families will especially appreciate the many rides we've selected with them in mind."
The new rides will increase the Country Fair area's capacity by more than 2,000 passengers an hour. They include a mix of traditional favorites and unique experiences that are brand new to the industry including a 70-foot high airplane-style ride in which passengers are involved in creating their own flight experience. Other themed family-ride experiences will offer twists, turns, spins and dips. Most will allow parents and children to experience the ride together. There are also several rides just for small children.
In addition to the new rides, the Country Fair project includes plans for new restrooms and Baby Care Center developed specifically with Moms in mind. Construction is slated to begin in November and will be completed prior to the park's 2005 opening on March 26th.
