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    Knott's Berry and Scary Farm update 

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    August is usually a transition period for Theme Parks and nowhere is this more evident that at Knott's Berry Farm. Not only are they wrapping up the summer of the rebuilt Ghostrider, but also wrapping up the run of the WILDLY successful and amazing Ghost Town Alive (be sure to catch it before it ends). But this also means that Knott's Scary Farm is coming and so you've got the winding down of things and new things springing up all over the park. 
    Pictures by Matthew Nelson
    Written by Gregg Condon
    We'll start off with some amazing pictures of Ghost Town and around the park. Nothing really "update" here, just enjoy. 
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    Be sure to catch the Hoedown in Ghost Town
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    Knott's is still one of VERY few parks in the US with a Stagecoach attraction. Actually, off the top of my head can't think of any other ones. If you know of one let us know in the comments. 
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    One of the most beautiful rides ever. (no, not that green thing)
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    Xcelerator!! 
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    Looking at this picture it's hard to tell if Silver Bullet was going forwards or backwards. Note ... let's have Silver Bullet Backwards, that would be amazing. 
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    From the Sky Cabin 
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    Seriously, how about a golf clap for Matt's amazing pictures. Go ahead, do it at your desk. Nobody is looking. 
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    The new stage, going to be quite interesting to see this decked out for The Hanging soon. 
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    Ghostrider was running great!! 
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    Alright, let's move on with Scary Farm stuff. A new maze is being built near Xcelerator. This is definitely not Black Magic. 
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    At first it appeared that they were maybe building one of the Skeleton Key rooms here, but it's definitely two sides of the same maze (using the warehouse in the middle). And it looks to be a very good sized maze. 
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    Some very tall walls here
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    Moving over to the Windseeker spot, something is being built here, not big enough to be a full maze, but looks like one of the Skeleton Key rooms. 

    Considering the normal Dia De Los Muertos maze we are thinking this is maybe ZoZo? But we'll certainly have to see. 
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    I know a little German ... he's sitting right over there
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    Remember, the Scary Farm preview is next Thursday and we'll be there to bring you all the news for Knott's Scary Farm 2016 including new and returning mazes. 

    Also don't forget, Scary Farm Tickets are on sale NOW and this includes the Scare Pass which is an amazing value. 
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    Coaster Crusade at Busch Gardens Tampa and Sea World Orlando

    Today is National Roller Coaster Day and we were invited to take part in the Coaster Crusade at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Sea World Orlando. 

    Follow along with Steve all day as he takes on the coasters of these amazing parks. 
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  • Published on

    Colombian Adventures with Chris: Part Three

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    With the Olympics finishing up this week in South America we figured it was time to also bring you the last part of Christopher's amazing trip to Colombia.
    Today we wrap up with Parque del Cafe and take in some of the amazing sights (and coffee).

    ​If you missed the first two updates be sure to check them out. 
    - Colombian Adventures with Chris: Part One
    - Colombian Adventures with Chris: Part Two 
    Written by Christopher DeRosa 
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    They had go-karts, and you didn’t have to be explosion-proof, so we rode it.

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    I totally won lol.

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    This whole part of the park was kind of hidden.

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    And I was super tempted to ride my first enterprise,

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    But I didn’t because sometimes, I can be lame like that.

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    We went back up to the top of the hill to walk down the Coffee Trail.

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    See? Learn all about coffee. You know. When in Rome and all.

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    The trail zig-zagged its way down the hill past various different types of coffee.

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    Wait, What? (we've seen this movie)

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    About halfway down, there was this bizarre exhibit that displayed the various ways that indigenous people were buried back in the day.

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    Coffee and Krater

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    Random chickens were kind of all over the place.

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    And cats, just kinda chilling in random areas.

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    They harvest the coffee grown at the park, and the next part of the trail was all about that. This part of the coffee process smelled terrible, so, we kinda rushed through without pictures.

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    They had this cool looking bridge in a jungle.

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    So we found it, and took some pictures.

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    So gangsta

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    While you can’t see it here, it turns out that the ‘Tren del Cafe’ actually WAS running, but we never rode it. I know what you’re thinking…

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    More Montaña Rusa!!

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    It’s hard to believe it’s relocated. It fits in so well here.

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    The queue was well organized, and they didn’t allow the individual rows to crowd up. Actually, every coaster in the country was like this…where they only let one trains worth of people into the station at a time.

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    It was a sweaty and gross process getting into those snuggle seats.

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    And these girls thought we were just hi-lar-i-ous squeezing into one section.

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    It’s a beautiful coaster, well landscaped.

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    Danny asked why I took this picture, and I told him that some enthusiasts get excited by footers. So here ya go, footer freaks. (you know who you are)

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    Everybody SCREAM!!!

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    It was getting late, so I took a random picture of a flag and we got back in the teleferico for the last time.

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    By the time we got to the top, we were in the middle of a torrential downpour and had 45 minutes before we were to be picked up.

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    Fortunately, there was a very comprehensive museum at the top. It was about coffee.

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    You have to have serious face when posing with these guys. It’s the only way.

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    This is a Colombian Coffee vending machine found in Japan, apparently.

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    And then we stumbled upon this. What?! A 4D theatre?!

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    Score!!! Well, not really. There was definitely no “4th dimension,” and the 3D was some of the cheesiest I’ve ever seen. But to me, that made it all the more awesome.

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    The last order of business was to climb up the tower at the front of the park that I’ve seen in so many pictures. I mean right? Thunder, lightning, climb a tower!

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    View out to the street. Yes, this is the “major” street the park is on.

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    View back into the park and beyond.

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    That’s the museum, coffee shop, and in the distance, the upper station of the teleferico.

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    And that about does it for Parque del Cafe. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip. I wouldn’t say ‘Come to Colombia for this park’ but I would definitely say ‘Come to the park if you’re in Colombia.’

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    That about does it as far as parks go. If that’s all you’re here for, you’re done. I’ll quickly go through some other Colombia highlights for those of you that are curious about the place. This is a famous statue in Pereira. It’s on trip advisor as the #1 attraction and it was right in front of our hotel.

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    There was a protest here the next day. The US Embassy sent us an email to steer clear. Kinda hard when you’re staying across the street.

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    BIG STATUE!

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    We made sure we followed the rules when we went out…

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    We marveled at the ridiculous looking prices of things…

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    …bought beer through a fence at 2:30am…

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    …stayed at an apartment right on the ocean in Cartagena…

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    Checked out a town that inspired the sets for Pirates of the Caribbean.

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    It’s called The Walled City. At least to the gringos.

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    We walked on top of the wall built to keep the pirates out GYARR!

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    We went to night clubs…

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    And thought this church looked really cool late at night.

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    We ate amazing food…

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    And wondered in the middle of the street in Bogota during Ciclavia.

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    They do it every week on Sundays, and on Holiday Mondays as well. Every. Week.

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    We finished out the trip in true Colombian fashion, with slabs of meat.

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    I thought their armored vehicles looked like the Child Detection Agency from Monsters Inc. Yeah? Nah?

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    And that’s it! Finished with Colombia! I got really good at sleeping on airplanes.

    Colombia was an awesome place, and I’ll definitely be going back. As far as safety is concerned, we felt good the whole time. It all depends on how you carry yourself and your confidence when in public. We loved Colombia, and I hope my trip report maybe showed you a perspective you didn’t know about! 

    Thanks again to Chris for the awesome report from Colombia. We truly enjoyed putting it together and thank you for think of us to share it. 

    If you have any updates you'd ever like to share with us drop us a note on our social media or send an email to admin@parkjourney.com 
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    Rage of the Gargoyles Media Day at Six Flags Great America 

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    Yesterday we were invited out to Six Flags Great America for the media day for the newest VR coaster. 
    JoAnna was on hand for the festivities and for another in our string of awesome VR coaster Reverse POV's. (seriously, if you haven't seen Randy's POV of Dare Devil Dive and Matt and Gregg's POV of The New Revolution you really need to check them out. 
    Written by Joanna Galayda 
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    Quick Review: 
    It's fun. It makes Demon a completely different ride. However Demon is a short ride, so I wish it was a bit longer. Can't really do anything about that. I do wish the whole fighter pilot thing was not there. That maybe you're the Gargoyle wreaking havoc. Ted and I both agree that it may work with XFlight. Still it's a fun ride and I'll ride it again.

    We've got our credentials and are ready to head in ... 
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    Love that they give riders the option of VR and Non-VR. 

    ​We'll be back at the park this weekend so we'll be able to see how they actually have this set up. 
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    We've got 2 video's from the event, one with me and Ted with some amazing commentary (it was our first ride on the VR so we had NO idea what to expect) 
    And some awesome B-Roll that may or may not contain a bonus coaster in there. =) 
    Just like some of the other VR coasters, you start in a hangar
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    But that's where the similarities end, not only are you attacked by Gargoyles, but you actually get to shoot throughout the entire ride. 
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    That's gonna hurt in the morning 
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    Shoot Her!!! Shoot Her!!! 
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    As you can see, the Gargoyle's have kind of destroyed the city 
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    Missile through the gut 
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    So what do you all think? Is this a good addition to the Six Flags VR lineup? Are you excited for this version of the VR coaster coming to other Six Flags parks for Fright Fest this year? Let us know in the comments below. 

    We'll be back at the park this weekend and will have more pics and fun. 

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    Summer fun at Luna Park at Coney Island

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    Last weekend while spending some time in New York Renée stopped by Coney Island and Luna Park. 

    Home to some unique coasters and rides with a great seaside setting. Lots of wackiness and good food. 

    Written by Renée Girard 
    ​Click any of the pictures below for a larger version
    We're at Luna Park at Coney Island on this hot summer day in Brooklyn, NY!
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    Had to check out Thunderbolt first!
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    Thunderbolt was more intense than I expected, a little rough, but a unique coaster to ride.
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    Remember the 9 hour+ waits for these at Fun Spot America? No lines here! 
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    I guess I'll brace myself for a journey on Soarin Eagle while we're here.
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    Yup, I'm good with just one ride on Soarin' Eagle.
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    Rode the Tickler several years ago, but it's a decent wild mouse coaster.
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    I remember riding WindstarZ at IAAPA last year, and here it is now at Luna Park. Fun ride!
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    Air Race is another one of a kind ride that you can find at Luna Park
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    Saddle up for Steeplechase!
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    Another fun and unique ride that you can find at Luna Park! We loved Steeplechase!
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    And of course Coney Island is home to the world famous Cyclone
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    Having already done the Cyclone several times, we skipped it this time around. But it's always good to see it!
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    It's pretty clear that you sit where you're told on the Cyclone at Coney Island
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    Checking out some of the sights along the Coney Island boardwalk
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    And if you're hungry, there's always the original Nathan's to grab a hot dog
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    Instead of hot dogs, we opted for fantastic beer and pizza at Coney Island Brewing Co
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    And our afternoon was complete with beer cup towers and sword swallowing at Coney Island Brewery.
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    Our summer afternoon was a blast at Luna Park at Coney Island
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    Busch Gardens Tampa unleashes an Evil Encore for Howl-O-Scream

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    HOWL-O-SCREAM PUTS ON AN “EVIL ENCORE” IN 2016
    Tampa, Fla. (Aug. 9, 2016– Mr. Karver put his heart and soul into his dolls. After the authorities came to close him down, Karver locked himself in his “Hall Of Dolls” and burned it to the ground. Now, the dummies are back and they insist the show must go on. It’s the encore no one asked for, and it’s about to bring down the house, forever. It’s the Evil Encore everyone is dying to see.
     
    This fall, for 21 select nights, no soul is safe from the Evil Encore at Howl-O-Scream 2016. Tampa Bay’s premier Halloween event returns with tormenting surprises and unexpected frights around every corner, two brand-new haunted houses and a bone-chilling storyline starring a disturbing cast of demon dolls.
     
    Howl-O-Scream 2016 returns with seven haunted houses, two of which are new and creeper than ever:
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    NEW! Motel Hell
    Nightmares become reality at this deserted motel once you realize why it’s conveniently vacant. The paranormal presence of its former owners still lurks on the untouched property, mysteriously preventing the brave souls who are attempting to tear it down. Guests who dare to enter will find themselves face-to-face with their worst nightmares and inescapable fate.
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    NEW! The Black Spot
    When Saw Tooth Silas, an infamous pirate, decides that one should no longer exist, he marks them for death. Victims are then sent to The Black Spot, where they meet their horrifying demise. The trick lies within the dimly-lit corners of the mysterious hideaway, holding the secret to escape… or demise.
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    Howl-O-Scream’s roaming hordes have heard the cries loud and clear. The infamous mobs are back and bigger than ever:
     
    NEW! Inescapable Roaming Hordes
    Throughout the park and in between haunted houses, every corner will be deemed unsafe.  This year, roaming hordes are infesting Howl-O-Scream at an unstoppable rate as the infamous scare squads return bigger and more horrifying than ever. From their screeching welcome at the front gates to the eerie traps in the depths of the park, no corner is safe from these merciless roaming hordes.
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    Guests can test their limits while braving thrill rides in the dark, including Cobra’s Curse, Busch Gardens’ new one-of-a-kind spin coaster. Plus, challenge North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower Falcon’s Fury®, Florida’s first and only triple-launch coaster Cheetah Hunt® and others.
     
    Freaky Preview returns this year and will open Howl-O-Scream 2016 on Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24.  The event then runs select nights from Sept. 29 through Oct. 30. Operating event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. 
     
    This year, 4-Pack Ticket Deals start at $35.99 per person, plus tax. Reduced advance-purchase rates are available online, and special offers are available for Busch Gardens Pass Members. Additionally, out-of-towners can take advantage of great vacations packages, like the Overnight Fright or Wild & Wicked Weekends packages. For more information, visit HowlOScream.com.
     
    Howl-O-Scream 2016 is a separately-ticketed night event. No costumes are allowed. For guest information, visit HowlOScream.com or call 1-888-800-5447
     
    Follow Howl-O-Scream on Snapchat, FacebookInstagramTwitter and YouTube where we will be revealing more haunted houses and event details. Plus, join the conversation using#EvilEncore.
     
    Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This year's event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore and blood.
     
     
    SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.
    SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world's foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 28,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.
    SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 11 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection of over 800 species of animals. The company's theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.
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