2023 in the Theme Park Industry - The Stories that Defined the Year

2023 was a wild year in the industry that had its ups and downs. Let's run it down in this video and find the most impactful stories of the year.
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[@508mns]

biggest year for amusement industry in a long time id say

[@ThoosiesCorner]

True

[@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters]

HOLLYWOOD DRIFT WAS THE BEST NEWS EVER💙💙💙💙

[@coastingalong]

in america yea biggest year since the pandemic. for the whole world not really

[@ThoosiesCorner]

I have a question, do you eat fabric or electrical cords? Just asking if anyone has the same food taste as me.

[@ThoosiesCorner]

True​@@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters

[@ChuckE.CheesesIllinois]

Splash Mountain getting removed from both Disney Parks is probably the most depressing thing to happen this year, and the biggest thing to happen alongside the Six Flags and Cedar Fair merger

[@MattMcIrvin]

Splash Mountain was a well-done ride, and they shaved the most insensitive edges off the source material... but I think it was still time. My position on how problematic the ride was is... I'm not the right guy to judge it, and the people who are qualified were more bothered than I was. I'd love a good Princess and the Frog-themed rework of the ride. The only trouble is, I don't really trust today's Disney to do right by The Princess and the Frog. They do "a small number of really impressive animatronics" instead of "a huge number of simple animatronics", and the second way is better.

[@ninjagirl226]

@@MattMcIrvinBut here’s the issue I have if someone says that Splash Mountain is insensitive then why is Disney replacing it with an even more controversial IP? Like Facilier in that movie is considered an offensive stereotype as voodoo is closed religion and they get really mad when it’s used in a negative light as was done in this movie. Then you have the slur in his name which I still can’t believe got past Disney’s censors. Like I said you can’t avoid controversy nowadays. We’ll see how long this ride lasts.

[@CZsWorld]

This was an insane year for coaster news. Top Thrill Drama, Falcons Flight, the merger...

[@OneOne7Rih]

Idk If My Goal Is To Ride a Rollercoaster W You Or Go Watch A Scary Movie lol

[@AirplanesAndAirtime]

Dude I watch ur videos I had no idea u likes coasters

[@seanmce8132]

Good gravy it's been crazy

[@landonmj7263]

I AGREE.

[@just-dashin]

@@seanmce8132the first 2 words is the name of the next coaster at holiday world.

[@onastur]

“We got through 2023 in mostly one piece” Fury 325:

[@zacg_]

I think the Cedar Fair and Six Flags merger might be the biggest announcement in the theme park industry since Walt Disney announced the Florida project. Maybe even since he announced he was building a park in Anaheim. Most other major parks or park chains have made gradual incremental change to become what they are. This merger is way bigger than moments like the Cedar Fair acquisition of the Paramount Parks, the Cedar Point and Valley Fair merger or Dolly Parton buying a stake in Silver Dollar City East. This is certainly going down in the history books.

[@jeffslote9671]

Silver Dollar City announcing its biggest expansion ever this year. That’s huge

[@ItsSiebay]

The SF/CF merger was by far the biggest news of the year. Honestly though, I didn’t think after 2020 that we’d be seeing so many new parks popping up int the US. Even if they turn out to be false promises, that’s still more than I would’ve seen coming. There’s definitely a boom in the theme park industry around the world that can’t be ignored.

[@Interfacement]

The park in Croatia is actually called Legendland not Legoland. Apparently it will include coasters such as an S&S 4D coaster, an RMC and an Intamin Multi Launch.

[@themeparksofamerica]

thank you for telling, otherwise, I would of thought we are getting another Legoland lol

[@AirtimeThrills]

I'll snip that part out, I either misread the story or the story was wrong

[@alexmills9223]

Sounds like quite the stacked lineup.

[@HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od]

A RMC?? I Dont Want To Go To Croatia Though 😪

[@ShortVidsOfficial]

For missed news, I think that a big thing was universal UK being basically confirmed

[@AirtimeThrills]

yeah that slid in after i finished this video

[@benwinegarner4797]

Didn't get to travel much in 2023, but I did make it to Lost Island. I really can't express how much Matugani impressed me. I hope that park can get a couple more good coasters to extend its line up in the next 5 years. It's a nice little park IMHO.

[@cpdragster420]

Steel curtain closing for the year mid season is news🤣, thought that was just tradition

[@olig5964]

As a UK coaster enthusiasts with Thorpe park being my home park, hyperia becoming official has to be the biggest standout news for me

[@rockintylerj9349]

2024 about to be an insane year

[@vortexluigirosalina5557]

Cedar Fair and Six Flags merging was the biggest news imo

[@timk9847]

Biggest news of the decade lol

[@jzckvsn]

I was so excited when Flash V2 opened back up. That’s one of my favorite rides at the park

[@dindog22]

I like these year in review videos. you get reminded of things you forgot about

[@73gr]

The biggest shock was the merger, I really jumped out of my seat reading that. I got actually really surprised due to the merge, but I hope it can bring us good things!

[@captainofthedogs6940]

This was an insane year for me. In January I went to Disneyland and was super scared of the small rollercoasters like goofy's sky school. Later in April my school band had a concert at a high school before going to six flags discovery kingdom. I didn't go on any rollercoasters because I was scared but I decided to go to Discovery Kingdom again so that I could face my fears of rollercoasters. I went back in June to ride my first ever looping coaster which was the vekoma boomerang. I also rode on joker. After this trip I kept going on a regular schedule of about once a month. Soon I started loving rollercoasters that I went to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and rode every roller coaster there except for Alpingeist because it was closed the day I was there. I also went to Six Flags Magic Mountain and rode pretty much every big roller coaster. I didn't ride X2, Wonder woman or superman escape from krypton. Tatsu is the scariest roller coaster I've been on. Tatsu was also my first inverted and flying coaster. My favorite coaster now is Twisted Colossus followed by Pantheon. I still can't believe that at the beginning of 2023 I was really scared of roller coasters but now I'll go on pretty much every rollercoaster.

[@ThePirateprincess23]

I was at Disneyland 2 weeks before Splash Mountain closed for it's transformation. Getting to ride it for the last time and say goodbye was actually bitter sweet. Right now, it is a little hard to go to Disneyland (and Disney World too) and knowing that I won't get to hear the running waters from that ride for at least a year.

[@RoryCoasters]

It’s nice to see lake compunction be included. I’m super excited to get back on wildcat after the refurbishment.

[@MattMcIrvin]

Aside from the unknown effects of the Six Flags/Cedar Fair merger on Six Flags New England, the biggest regional story was probably the retracking projects at Lake Compounce. Boulder Dash had been getting unpleasantly rough and I haven't been back to ride it after the Titan Tracking, so I don't know how that affected it if at all. But Wildcat getting reworked by Gravity Group is exciting. I like that it's still going to be a woodie. The dog that didn't bark: Canobie Lake Park supposedly bought a Zamperla NebulaZ and they were supposed to install it for the 2023 season, but it never materialized. I do not know what's up with that or if it portends anything bad for the park.

[@hmsverdun]

I think the major one is the Universal announcement of plans for a full theme park in the UK but it was only last week so its not really a surprise for it not to be in here and it needs a lot of hurdles to be built. Wow how do you still have breath after having been through so much news this year.

[@AirtimeThrills]

It just takes me a long time to get these voiceovers done lol. It was a TON of stories to run thru

[@codeblue0076]

What an eventful year for coasters!! 😊

[@HiCaballo]

As a wrestling and coaster fan, man what a year.

[@cleonituk]

Its been a crazy year for sure.

[@mitchellries256]

The most exciting announcement of 2023 has got to be the merger of Cedar Fair and Six Flags into one company. I am thinking of getting an all park pass (whatever they'll be calling it) next season and using it to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain, Cedar Point, Knott's Berry Farm, Michigan's Adventure, and Valleyfair.

[@weightlessfilms5651]

Thanks for this fantastic overview! Can't wait for the new Fire in the Hole. I hope Cedar Fair / Six Flags will offer some sort of All Access pass option. I'd love to do a U.S. roadtrip and hit all the majors.

[@ryanj8292]

Bit late to this but you missed a few things in the UK, Valhalla reopening at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in April, Alton towers announcing the reopening of nemesis subtera and the announcement of Nemesis Reborn

[@jtbowman132]

This video is blowing my mind because it’s made me realize just how quick this year has passed… all of the January/February news felt like it was announced just a few months ago 😅

[@ianmortimer5325]

You missed out on the PNE Playland announcement of the brand new launch roller coaster Lightning Volt in 2023.

[@ChairmanChico]

I honestly cant wait until Voltron, but I’m not gonna lie, every time I hear that name, my mind goes straight to robot lions.

[@KristineAlise]

You should do a update on the 25 worst coasters because opinions might change and some are now defunct.

[@AirtimeThrills]

I may do a new list after the 2024 coaster season. As of now there hasn't been much change

[@joelmoore886]

That’s an amazing list. It must be a challenge to compile that much information. Thanks for your great work!

[@AirtimeThrills]

Big assist to Coaster Hour's instagram and Screamscape

[@orlandoorange7755]

You missed the pipeline the surf coaster opening in may

[@Galistia]

I didn't hear about Tokyo Disney doing a massive reimagining of Space Mountain. That should be quite the experience.

[@MattMcIrvin]

Hard not to think that this is applying experience from the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster.

[@timk9847]

You missed Pipeline! at SeaWorld Orlando opening in May.

[@78konjo]

The only end of year bit of news I think got missed was universal plans to open up a UK park

[@AirplanesAndAirtime]

I can’t get enough of this channel

[@AirplanesAndAirtime]

Let’s go another heart!

[@ThoosiesCorner]

Can't wait for 2024, I'm glad that so much has been opened/announced! I'd love to ride Wildcat's Revenge soon. I'm like 2 hrs away. Also, I've heard Boulder Dash is good. I'm going in 2024

[@katashworth41]

I’m so excited for Hyperia, as partner and I are moving to London next year so it’ll be far easier to get to (though I will miss Blackpool Pleasure Beach being 10 miles down the road).

[@AirtimeThrills]

Hyperia is interesting. Very odd layout. But it's huge

[@katashworth41]

@@AirtimeThrills Mack seem to be trying to out RMC in odd inversions and I’m here for it.

[@Jman3302]

I didn't hear that Coney Island was closing, what a bummer.

[@sterospa]

Great list. Didn't darkoaster open at BGW? Did I miss this in video?

[@COASTER_CHASER_1]

Definitely lots of interesting exciting news this year. And I’m sure 2024 will be another shocking year for announcements.

[@alex33952]

Wow what a year! 2023 was a good year overall for the industry.

[@extro-order]

Also in December we discovered about a potential Universal park in the UK

[@CoasterGuy95]

So, ryes volare is unconfirmed to be closing. During ace preservation con, the park president was considering scrapping or refurbishing it.

[@ThePirateprincess23]

I went to Super Nintendo World for the Passholder Preview 2 weeks before it officially opened to the public. It was a lot of fun and we were lucky enough to get a reservation for Toadstool's Café before entering the park. My sister and I did do 3 of the mini games to get the three keys needed for Bowser Jr's Shadow Showdown but had to leave that line due to how crazy slow it was (thankfully our keys didn't reset, so we got to go face off against Bowser Jr during our next trip).

[@OneOne7Rih]

" Two Titties" I'm Dead Bro 🤣🤣3:41

[@asudevil316]

Only things I can think you missed were the opening of the Frozen Land in Hong Kong Disneyland and Zootopia in Shanghai Disneyland

[@Cat3465]

I'm honestly glad that SFOG as my home park gets a new coaster in 2024 even if Kid Flash didn't reset their clock. The Ultra Surf is a much needed edition as it fills in both their missing launch and spining coasters in the lineup and gives them a new water ride to cool off guests in the summer

[@bigc1280]

You missed another Vekoma story, you missed the announcement for Midnight Flyer coming to Santa's Village in Jefferson NH to replace Rudy's Rapid Transit.

[@BlueJeanBaby]

Episode suggestion: What we know about Universal's Epic Universe.

[@fantaorange1356]

This year was wildin with news

[@michellethomassen9685]

The merger was crazy news. I’m hoping for some kind of mega pass then I could finally go to a six flags park 😅

[@HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od]

Nothing To Do With The Video But Good Gravy Is The Best Name On A Coaster

[@heatherblack9491]

😢 they started tearing out sunlite pool on Thursday (Yes, I'm very behind on your videos)

[@AirtimeThrills]

I never got to see it, but sad a piece of history is leaving

[@scotthenthorn]

I’d love for our family to join yours for their first ride on Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers - lmk when you plan on visiting Kings Island in 2024!

[@BrennanWhoLikesRollercoa-ki1uf]

You missed possibly the second biggest news this year - nine days ago Universal confirmed that they are planning o build a full on resort in the UK! This is huge for the UK, and will mean more much needed world class coasters should be making their way here over the next 7 years. Also, for a Buy or Sell episode: Universal Studios Great Britain will be better than Epic Universe

[@nv_spartan1771]

Sounds like a good year.

[@travispettipiece2331]

I dont know if youll ever see this but have you ever considered doing another prime ride time video but for arrow mine trains? To me that would be a cool video.

[@AirtimeThrills]

Might be an interesting one

[@Spike-sk7ql]

It was a pretty decent coaster season this year. There was also some bad news. Don Helbig leaving Kings Island (or getting pushed out) hopefully KI will continue Coasterstock since that was Don's baby. Everyone pray that KI does coasterstock next year.

[@jillsilfen5640]

I’ll be in Tokyo next December but although Space Mountain will be closed, at least we have Fantasy Springs.

[@CoastersAndWater]

Really random, but went to great adventure today, and the coaster on the nitro transfer track had no name on the front, and the front with the nitro name was on the ground, don’t know if that happens normally, but I also saw the log flume carts, looked super fresh and probably got a new paint job

[@VWdabug]

Americas heartland,if it goes through,will be in vinita oklahoma,a small town with a giant on the way through if your from okc or tulsa and are heading to missouri or other towns in northeastern oklahoma,it will put vinita on the map

[@AirtimeThrills]

Such an odd place for a park that big. I wonder where they're gonna get their workers from. Tulsa is kinda far for that

[@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters]

Some incidents you missed: On New Year's eve (technically last year) The Wheel at Icon Park Caught Fire. Then, a couple months later, Objectif Mars Caught fire. Then a, few months later, the Dragon at Fantasmic also... caught fire. Why so much fire at the start of the year?

[@AirtimeThrills]

I blame Schilke

[@jontiways]

Universal coming to the uk

[@Alonso479]

I cant wait for hyperia

[@dashkataey1740]

Chris, you're off by two years about Super Nintendo World opening in Japan.

[@ThePirateprincess23]

This was the opening for Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Hollywood, which did open up in February 2023. I'm guessing he used footage from the one in Japan for this video.

[@dashkataey1740]

@@ThePirateprincess23 He edited the video. He had accidentally included Super Nintendo World opening in Japan in March.

[@AirtimeThrills]

I must have misread something saying that the one in Japan also opened. I snipped that out

[@SharkBosssss]

RMC is the best manufacturer😊

[@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters]

Ok:)

[@bryancabrera2646]

Hey thrills can you make a video about b&m loppers by the numbers?(and idk if you already made one)

[@ThemeParkThrillsYT]

I believe you missed the opening of Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood in May.

[@ToastGhost]

Probably a timing thing but you missed the leaking then confirmation of new park Universal Studios Great Britain

[@ItsSiebay]

Also the hint of them buying Port Aventura World

[@user-vf1cf7xt8e]

Big Bear Mountain making its grand debut at Dollywood.

[@mitpatterson]

Maybe I missed it, but i didn't see/hear Pipeline mentioned as opening in may?

[@Sugerloadedgirl789]

So pretty much SFOT is completely wrecked once again. Thanks so much… *sigh*

[@sportsMike87]

Top thrill stole the headlines and it wasn’t even operating!

[@CommanderCoaster]

We seem to be getting back into the swing of things after the whole 2020 incident

[@Gerald446]

I think you forgot to add the duck that rode Millie

[@AirtimeThrills]

I always said if i was a bird id just ride coasters all day

[@Apollosdemise]

i think you missed great adventure announcing their vekoma super boomerang

[@AirtimeThrills]

I did mention that in August

[@Laniwest200]

I don’t understand why would SF mistreat their original park if that’s what they started with before SFOG and SFSTL became a thing several years later. That park needs a new coaster and Aquaman does not count

[@coastingalong]

what month in 2024 will europa park have its yearly fire? i guess we will find out

[@AirtimeThrills]

put the matchsticks away please

[@BadCarDesigner]

The crack heard round' the world 💀💀

[@ytcomment4242]

Reminder that as much as I prefer Cedar Fair and Six Flags parks, Disney is playing in a whole different league. They're spending more to refurbish (not even build from scratch, just a remodeling) one freaking ride than the CF/SF combo will spend on all improvements at all their parks combined.

[@FAFO4wisdom]

Which is stupid considering how badly they are doing financially. 10 major film projects that bombed ......... In a row. A massive Star Wars expansion that cost how much? And it's not even found in Star Wars lore???? No wonder it hasn't made any money. Disney needs to control their spending because they are going massively in debt.

[@DoswarePictures]

⁠@@FAFO4wisdomapparently they still came out as number one in the domestic box office

[@asudevil316]

​@@FAFO4wisdom you are wrong...10 movies in a row did not bomb. They had a profit for the year too

[@asudevil316]

​@@FAFO4wisdom "going in debt" you are embarrassing yourself

[@FAFO4wisdom]

@@asudevil316 then why is their stock crashing? Why did millions of people end their Disney plus subscriptions, and why is park attendance dropping??? Hhhmmm It's precisely why I sold my shares and got out of that disaster of woke ideology and numbers fudging. We weren't seeing the yields that we should have based on reporting.

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

Yea… The Merge stands out the most this year

[@Artbyhurricanyounot]

I cant wait to see the final result of the Splash Mountain conversion to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! 😍😍

[@bluemo7253]

Pretty sure the real madrid world news was in November.

[@AirtimeThrills]

could have been. sometimes the screamscape news drops a few days later

[@fo-ef8qo]

did you forget darkoaster or did I lol

[@patrickomeara3700]

How on earth have I missed Real Madrid world hahahha what on earth

[@AirtimeThrills]

one of the more recent announcements

[@captainofthedogs6940]

since you posted this before 2024 what would happen to this video if something big happened on like new years eve?

[@AirtimeThrills]

I did miss a couple things, like the KD wing coaster being leaked and the Universal park coming to the UK. It's just how it goes, unless I waited til the first week of January to release it.

[@mendino1428]

Lisebergs 100 year anniversary??

[@cyrbuzz6615]

No Pipeline mention?

[@AirtimeThrills]

I didn't mention every coaster that opened, but that's one I missed

[@coasterinsanity5589]

zinger didn't open until june

[@notcaleb64]

Not going to lie, Primordial wasn't worth the 3 hour wait... Also, I'm coming for you Silverwood

[@Spike-sk7ql]

Cedar Fairs "all parks passport" is nothing but a platinum pass, and it was beyond stupid of them to do it. It confused people trying to buy them, and its gonna REALLY be an issue at CP at least for early entry. They should have just told platinum passes were $50 cheaper, and been done with it.

[@grobble8954]

1)It was probably done b/c they are likely switching to regional passes or in state passes like Sea World does with their FL pass for Sea World Orlando & Busch Tampa, while having Platinum if you want all the other parks too. They knew the merger was possibly tin he works. If you look at the SEC filings which gives a complete timeline of all meetings starting in July negotations thru the November announcement. CF/SF merger come 2025 could be buy a gold then add your regional pass..ie..Ohio pass for KI & CP, California Pass for Knotts, SFMM, CGA, SFDK, Texas pass, SFFT, SFOT & 2 Schlittebahn parks, Northeast Pass, Southeast Pass, Midwest Pass & MEGA PASS for all 27 parks. Also, if the merger was likely happening they didn't want a massive price difference between SF & CF passes in 2024 if they were going to be offering combined passes in 2025 2) It's not going to be an issue at early entry, When they scan your pass they know whether you have all park or not, just like they know if you a meal plan or any other add on linked to your pass. Early entry not being on gold passes is clearly stated for 2024 & that you need the passport or Prestige. Gold should have never been giving early entry, it should have always remained a Platinum or Prestige perk