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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year Everybody!!



Happy New Year Everybody!!

Thank you so much for your support and comments over this year of 2009!

As the year is coming to an end, a bright big beautiful new year is about to happen in the next few hours from now (for the states) and some other countries are soon to be celebrating the new year in few moments.

We appreciate you guys alot and thank you for your feedback from the projects that we've created in this year!

From the staff of "Themagical", Happy New Year!!

See ya real soon in 2010!!

Until Then,

Reighard

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas: Big Thunder Mountain Released!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Here in the states its Christmas! As announced a few days ago, Big Thunder Mountain Beta 120309.003 was the current beta simulation at the time as you see the picture above.

Well, Themagical Simulation Academy website will be featuring the new updated simulation of Big Thunder Mountain version!! Play it today! Only at: http://simulations.themagical.nl/

Currently, the weather system is still not functional but all other updated features are ready to be released.

We would like to hear your feedback from playing the new updated simulation.

Thank you for your support this year and Merry Christmas!!

Happy Holiday's!!

Have a magical day!

Reighard
Simulation Development Team

Email: sdt@themagical.nl

P.S. Be sure to post your stories about how you came to themagical and the impact it had on you. You can join the discussion here. (*You must have an account with us to post on our forums.) You can always email us your stories too! Email us at: sdt@themagical.nl ! :D


Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Big Thunder Mountain Christmas Gift! ^^

Hello everybody,

Just got word from the Webmaster that Big Thunder Mountain (updated version)
will be release at http://simulations.themagical.nl, on Dec 25th. Stay tuned for more info.!!!

Just a quick update! ;)

Merry Christmas Everyone! :D



Merry Christmas EVERYONE!!

WOW! Already Christmas 0_O?! Time has been flying by so fast to me this year, (LOL I'm still waiting for thanksgiving to come) and now its the Christmas holiday season!

The wonderful Christmas festivities like cookie baking, Christmas meals with family, presents exchange, drinking cups full of Hot Chocolate and enjoying TV Christmas movies specials (as well watching Christmas DVD/VHS movies). :D

To all from the staff of "Themagical", We wish you 'Happy Magical Holiday's, Merry Christmas and a great Happy Blessed New Year!!"

Thank you for your wonderful support this year!

Merry Christmas,


Reighard

Email: sdt@themagical.nl

P.S. Keep those stories coming!! Thanks to those who posted/emailed your stories! :)

Monday, December 21, 2009

Cedar Fair L.P. bought out by Apollo Global Management


In a major announcement today, Cedar Fair has released that they've agreed to be purchased by Apollo Global Management. The $2.4 billion agreement will see Apollo assume all of Cedar Fair's debt, which leaves about $635 million as the premium price of the company. Apollo is a very large investment company, generally similar to Blackstone which just purchased the Busch Entertainment parks.

Cedar Fair's board has already approved the sale, though it is contingent on obtaining a 2/3 vote of the company's unit holders. If all goes as planned, the sale could close at the start of the 2nd quarter 2010, leaving Cedar Fair as a private company wholly owned by an affiliate of Apollo Global.

What does this mean for the parks? Too early to say. Apollo does have investments in entertainment companies such as Harrah's and AMC Movie Theaters, though this would be their first with amusement parks.

There are many variables that still need to play out for me to feel comfortable having a strong opinion on this. As of now, Cedar Fair certainly was struggling under it's current management in many areas, but strong as ever in others. The Paramount purchase mess really did create a debt load that was too much to sustain in these times, so something had to give.

If the sale goes though it will be some time before we see how much of Cedar Fair's current corporate mentality soldiers on, and that's the most important factor to me. Really, it could be fantastic news... or awful - as much as I hate to say it only time will tell on that one.

--------

The reason why I have posted this article is it hits home here for me (Reighard). Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, PA is owned by Cedar Fair L.P. company. Now, since Apollo bought Cedar Fair L.P. company the future of Dorney Park and the other 11 amusement parks owned by Cedar Fair L.P. is uncertain what will it bring under the new management of the new owners of the parks.

The video link provided talks about the future projects that is planned for 2010 season and the interview with Dick Kinzel CEO of Cedar Fair L.P. company.

First, if you have a lot of time and you want to know more about the purchase of Cedar Fair by Apollo, you can read their filings with the SEC - but it's a bazillion pages long so be warned.

On the flipside, the Sandusky Register has an article with a video up that's of a quite long conversation with Kinzel himself. Lots of items are covered, such as Kinzel staying at head of the company for a while still, headquarters staying in Sandusky, how the deal went down, and more. You can check out that video and article here.

This is my home park and seeing how it improved over the years, I'm quite uncertain what will Apollo do with the parks it now owns (including my home park: Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom).

Special thanks to NewsPlusNotes to provide more details of this buy out of Cedar Fair L.P. company and Apollo Global Management.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Roy E. Disney Passed Away, died aged 79

December 16, 2009, Disney Parks cast members worldwide are mourning the loss of Roy E. Disney. He was a Disney Legend who played an important role in many of our lives. Here are some of our favorite images of Roy over the years:







Roy Edward Disney, son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney, and nephew of Walt Disney, passed away today (12/16/09) at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California, following a year-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 79 years old. Disney was a successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker, and award-winning sailor, who played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney’s animation legacy. He was associated with the Company over a 56-year period, and from 1984 – 2003, served as vice chairman of the Company’s board of directors, and chairman of the Studio’s Animation Department. In recent years, he held the title of director emeritus and consultant for the Company.

As head of Disney Animation, Disney helped to guide the Studio to a new golden age of animation with an unprecedented string of artistic and box office successes that included “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.” He personally executive produced “Fantasia/2000,” a sequel to the 1940 Disney classic, and served in a similar capacity on a number of recent animated shorts, including the 2004 Oscar®-nominated “Destino,” based on storyboards and original art by the iconic artist Salvador Dali. In the area of live-action films, Disney and his wife, Leslie DeMeuse Disney, most recently executive produced the 2008 feature documentary, “Morning Light,” which followed a group of young sailors as they competed in the grueling Transpac race from Los Angeles to Honolulu.

His philanthropic activities included sponsorship of the Roy E. Disney Center for the Performing Arts at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, part of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, is scheduled to open in spring, 2010.

Commenting on the announcement, Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said, “On behalf of everyone at Disney, we are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Roy E. Disney. He was much more than a valued 56-year Company veteran – Roy’s true passion and focus were preserving and building upon the amazing legacy of Disney animation that was started by his father and uncle. Roy’s commitment to the art of animation was unparalleled and will always remain his personal legacy and one of his greatest contributions to Disney’s past, present and future.”

John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, added, “I first met Roy when I was still an animation student at CalArts. Not only did I consider him a personal friend, but he was a great man who believed deeply in the art of animation. He put his heart and soul into preserving Disney’s legendary past, while helping to move the art of animation into the modern age by embracing new technology. Roy was a visionary and passionate supporter of the art form, and he was all about quality. I was always impressed that he would make time for someone like me when I was fresh out of college, and he continued to support and encourage me throughout my career.”

Stanley Gold, president, Shamrock Holdings, said, “Roy and I enjoyed a 35-year friendship and partnership that was simply special. We faced many business challenges together, had fun in the process, and enjoyed a wide variety of professional successes. Roy was a man who was steadfastly loyal to his principles and to his friends. He was a gracious, humble gentleman who could make the tough decisions life sometimes requires. He carried the torch high and proud, and the world is a better place for his tireless efforts. I will miss him greatly.

Roy Edward Disney was born in Los Angeles on January 10, 1930 to Roy O. Disney and Edna Francis Disney. His father and his uncle, Walt Disney, co-founded the Disney entertainment business in 1923.

After attending Harvard School and Pomona College, Disney launched his entertainment industry career in 1952, working as an assistant film editor on the “Dragnet” TV series.

He joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1953 as an assistant film editor, where his credits included the landmark Academy Award®-winning True-Life Adventures features, “The Living Desert” and “The Vanishing Prairie.” As a writer and production associate, he received Oscar® nominations for his work on the short subject, “Mysteries of the Deep” in 1959, and in 2003 for his work as executive producer for “Destino.”

Disney produced and directed some 35 other TV and theatrical production, including the landmark 1968 documentary, “Varda, the Peregrine Falcon,” before leaving in 1977 to become an independent producer and investor.

In 1978, Disney founded Shamrock Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned family enterprise headquartered in Burbank, California, which specializes in private equity, real estate, and public equities investing. He served as chairman of the company, which has approximately $1.5 billion of capital committed to funds.

An avid competitive sailor, Disney holds several elapsed-time records for offshore races in the Pacific Ocean, including multiple wins in the 2,225-mile Transpac.

Among his many professional and philanthropic activities, Disney served on the board of trustees of California Institute of the Arts, the advisory board of St. Joseph Medical Center, and the board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, Inc. Additionally, he was an advisory member of the board of directors of the United States Committee for UNICEF, chairman emeritus of the board of directors of the Peregrine Fund, a member of the board of trustees of Ronald McDonald House charities, and a member of the board of trustees of the American Ireland Fund.

In 1993, he received the Winsor McCay Award (a special “Annie Award”) from ASIFA-Hollywood (The International Animated Film Society). The McCay Award is for lifetime achievement in animation. In 1997, Disney was awarded the first “Mort Walker Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Cartoon Industry,” by the Boca Raton International Museum of Cartoon Art.

Disney received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from his alma mater Pomona College in 1998. In 2002, he received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Mercy College in New York. The following year, he was presented with the Trustees’ Award and honorary Doctor of the Arts degree from CalArts.

Among his other honors, Disney was named a recipient of the 1999 National Catholic Education Association Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to children and education. In April 1999, Disney received the Henry Bergh Humane Award from the ASPCA, and in spring 2000, he was awarded the Inaugural Environmental Leadership Award from the Audubon Society.

Disney is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four children from his marriage to Patricia Dailey Disney – Tim Disney, Roy Patrick Disney, Abigail Disney, and Susan Disney Lord. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private, followed by cremation. His ashes will be scattered at sea. Plans for a Life Celebration will be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.

Source:
- Disney Parks Blog

Friday, December 18, 2009

How were you introduce to 'Themagical' website?

Hey Everybody!

Reighard here to want to ask you guys (& gals too ) a question. "How were you introduce to "Themagical" website?"

I want to hear your stories how you found us online and what was your expressions when you played our simulations.

I was wondering how you all found us online and hear how this site made an impact to you while you were on our site.

It's kinda neat to hear the stories of how we found 'Themagical' and the impact it has made on us.

Here's a great story: Carteerio from themagical.nl SDT Research Team

Q1.) How did you hear about themagical.nl site?

A.) Well... it's a funny story. it was early December of 2007 when I was waiting around the airport with my mom's coworker who was on the computer at the time..

he and I hung out for a little bit in the baggage office (as he worked for the airlines) and he showed me the Tower of Terror simulation.

Right when he showed I was very very excited to see a Disney sim that was just so.. awesome.
A little bit later on (about a day) I soon discovered to other three simulations (as there were only four at the time) and was completely amazed.

After finding all four, I soon joined the great community of themagical.nl to get a bit more attached to these sims. ... finding out that the next one would be so far away... four months.

You can post here and/or email us!

You can email us at: sdt@themagical.nl

Let the stories begin!!

P.S. You can post your story here on the forums! Click here to post your story!
(**You must have an account with us to post on the forums.)

--------

Hey Everybody!

Reighard hier te willen vragen jullie (en ook) een vraag gals. "Hoe was je kennismaken met" Themagical "website?"

Ik wil je verhalen horen hoe u ons gevonden online en wat was je expressies wanneer u gespeeld onze simulaties.

Ik vroeg me af hoe je alle gevonden ons online en horen hoe deze site maakte een invloed op je terwijl je op onze site.

Het is een beetje netjes aan de verhalen van horen hoe we gevonden 'Themagical' en de impact die het heeft gemaakt op ons.

Hier is een mooi verhaal: Carteerio van themagical.nl SDT Research Team

Q1.) Hoe heeft u gehoord over themagical.nl site?

A.) Nou ... het is een grappig verhaal. Het was begin december 2007 toen ik zat te wachten rond de luchthaven met de collega van mijn moeder die op de computer op het moment ..

hij en ik hing uit voor een klein beetje bagage in het kantoor (als hij werkte voor de luchtvaartmaatschappijen) en hij toonde mij de Tower of Terror simulatie.

Gelijk toen hij toonde Ik was heel erg enthousiast om een Disney sim dat was gewoon zo te zien .. ontzagwekkend.
Een beetje later (ongeveer een dag) Ik ontdekte al snel naar andere drie simulaties (als er maar vier waren op het moment) en was helemaal verbaasd.

Na het vinden van alle vier, ik al snel lid van de grote gemeenschap van themagical.nl om een beetje meer verbonden aan deze Sims. ... erachter dat de komende een tot nu toe zou zijn weg ... vier maanden.

U kunt hier en post / of e-mail ons!

U kunt ons mailen op: sdt@themagical.nl

Laat de verhalen beginnen!

P.S. U kunt uw verhaal hier op het forum! Klik hier om je verhaal!
(** U moet beschikken over een account bij ons te plaatsen op de forums.
)

Monday, December 14, 2009

Big Thunder Mountain Simulation Update

Hi everybody!

As you already may have heard here or on the website, "Big Thunder Mountain" simulation is getting an upgrade!

Below you'll notice alot of new things in this new upgrade.

(BTM Simulation Version: 12.13.09.003)

(*Click on the picture to see in a larger view - December 13, 2009 BTM Simulation Version)

Currently the new features (Beta version 12.13.09.003):

-A new and more realistic version of Big Thunder Mountain that's based in Disneyland Paris
- Climate Weather System Engine (more details later)
- Fast Pass Line introduced
- Fast Pass and Stand By queue line rows active

Stay tuned for more further updates here and on the website ;)

Merry Christmas!! :D

Reighard
Simulation Development Team
Email: sdt@themagical.nl

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Adobe Flash Player Update


Adobe® Flash® Player 10
(version update! 12/09/09)

Adobe Flash Player (formerly Macromedia Flash Player) lets you view the best animation and entertainment on the Web. It displays Web application front-ends, high-impact Web site user interfaces, interactive online advertising, and short-form to long-form animation. Since it is free of the design restrictions of more traditional Web display options, you can use it to clearly and exactly express your brand and company identity.

Adobe Flash Player is the client runtime that delivers powerful and consistent user experiences across major operating systems, browsers, mobile phones, and devices.

Adobe Flash Player is the standard for delivering high-impact, rich Web content. Designs, animation, and application user interfaces are deployed immediately across all browsers and platforms, attracting and engaging users with a rich Web experience.

Adobe currently released a new flash player update to version: 10.0.42.34.

Critical vulnerabilities have been identified in Adobe Flash Player version 10.0.32.18 and earlier. These vulnerabilities could cause the application to crash and could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.


Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Big Thunder Mountain Update 2009

Hi folks,

The Big Thunder Mountain Simulation is being prepared to the switch to the TSA simulations spot. I thought it was a easy transfer, but I was wrong.

I had to change a lot of coding so, decided to extend the sim with some new possibilities.

The BTM is getting a update with: improved scripting, a fastpass row, new sounds en and weather system

Please stay tuned for more information.

~Martijn Leseman (Webmaster of 'Themagical)
Email: webmaster@themagical.nl

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Happy Birthday Themagical!! Dec. 1, 2009



December 1, 2009 marks the 9th birthday for "Themagical" website! 9 years its been faithfully being online and showing an impressive online simulations that continues to grow.

Even to the surprise of the webmaster himself, was surprised that his simulations and website are a huge popular hit online to this day.

Quote from Interview of Webmaster/Founder of "Themagical" website:

"No, really did not, surprises me a little bit. Thought that the Sims never is popular, but it turned out to be a great spot for simulation lovers."

Themagical team is happy for your support over the years and wishing that this site to continue to bring more smiles and enjoyment of playing the simulations. We are glad you can give us feedback on how to improve the simulations and as well suggest new simulation ideas for a possible future simulation.

Thanks to you guys we are still online and as well hoping more years to come for 'Themagical' website community!

I leave you with this personal quote from the Webmaster/Founder of 'Themagical':

"I really hope everybody loves to play the simulations as much as I still do, and I am glad I am not the only one who loves them. Thanks for all the support!" ~Martijn Leseman

Until then,


Reighard
Simulation Development Team

Email: sdt@themagical.nl