2007 in Review: Amusement & Theme Parks

My first year as the Los Angeles Times theme park blogger has been a busy one.

The biggest news of 2007 — Disney’s $1.1-billion plan to reimagine California Adventure — promises to echo until 2012 and beyond.

While there are many rides and attractions to look forward to in 2008, here’s a look back at the year that was 2007 in the Funland amusement and theme park blog.

What was your favorite ‘07 theme park moment or development?

Most viewed stories
Disney Cars ride: thrills, sticker shock
“The $200-million E-ticket promises to bring to bear virtually all of the classic Disney ride components: theme, technology, animatronics, special effects, interactivity, story line and thrills.”

New monorail arrives at Disneyland
“Lead Disney Imagineer Scot Drake said the Mark VII design represents a ’streamline optimistic vision’ of a ‘fantasy future that never was.’”

California theme parks ring in New Year
“Shortly after Christmas, the same question arises every year: What are we going to do on New Year’s Eve?”

Keep reading after the jump to see the most commented on and editor’s pick stories.

Most commented on stories
Christmas Day tiger attack at SF Zoo
“I just think the whole thing is tragic for all concerned. Sad for the tiger, the boys, the family of the boys, the Zoo employees and the animal vets who work with the tigers.” — Derrick Mathis

Dearly departed — on Disneyland rides!
“I can tell you that the spreading of ashes has happened multiple times at Disneyland …” — David Michael

Magic Mountain to unveil X2 coaster
“X is nearly perfect, but the unique design makes loading and unloading really difficult.” — Jim Guy

Riders too fat for Disneyland’s Small World
“Those poor boats. Maybe Disneyland could charge a surcharge for those who occupy extra seats, similar to some airlines.” — Rich Gordon

Editor’s pick stories
First look: Knott’s Pony Express
“Of all the theme park rides making their Southern California debuts in 2008, I’m most excited about Knott’s Berry Farm’s Pony Express.”

Exclusive: Legoland to add Land of Adventure
“Lost Kingdom Adventure looks like Legoland’s biggest addition — an interactive dark ride through ancient temple ruins where visitors blast targets with laser guns.”

Halloween ’scarecard’: SoCal theme park showdown
“And the winner is … Knott’s: It’s tough to beat the reigning champ. But the granddaddy of Halloween theme park events better watch its back. Universal Studios Hollywood is creeping up fast.”

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

[Image: Disney]

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This entry was posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 9:43 pm by Brady MacDonald and is filed under Disney's California Adventure, Disneyland, Family & Kids, Knott's, Legoland, Los Angeles, Magic Mountain, San Diego, Theme Parks, Universal Studios Hollywood. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.