Knott’s Berry Farm said it is not planning to build a Hyper (meaning 200 feet or taller) or Giga (300 feet or taller) roller coaster, despite rumors circulating among coaster enthusiasts. 

The denial came from unnamed Knott’s officials via the Orange County Register. 

There were two supposedly leaked plans for the coasters: one that showed a Giga coaster running along the southern edge of Knott’s property and, more recently, another showing a smaller Hyper coaster traversing the busy (and public) Beach Boulevard. Knott’s told the Register that neither came from the park or parent company Cedar Fair.

Adding to the evidence against the coaster plans being legitimate, the city of Buena Park has repeatedly said no such plans have been presented by the park. 

Knott’s tallest coaster is currently the 203-foot-tall Xcelerator, but that sits at the northern edge of the property farther away from residential areas.  

Disney chair Susan Arnold: Bob Chapek has ‘support and confidence’ of board

After The Walt Disney Company fired Peter Rice, chairman of its General Entertainment Conte division, the Disney board of directors issued a statement that it backed Disney CEO Bob Chapek — a move that is bound to raise more doubts than quell them. 

The New York Times reported that Rice’s firing was blamed on “an ill fit with Disney’s corporate culture.” In a statement, Disney board chair Susan Arnold said:

“The strength of the Walt Disney Company’s businesses coming out of the pandemic is a testament to Bob’s leadership and vision for the company’s future. In this important time of business growth and transformation, we are committed to keeping Disney on the successful path it is on today, and Bob and his leadership team have the support and confidence of the Board.”

Chapek took over as CEO just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted much of the company’s major revenue streams in theatrical films and theme parks. Since then, his tenure has been marked by political feuds with the governors of California and Florida, announcing a move for Walt Disney Imagineering to Florida, and new upcharges at the theme parks. 

It’s also Disney-centric news sites and podcasts, like WDW News Today and The DIS, to openly root for Chapek’s firing. His contract is up for renewal in February 2023. 

Free beer promotions return to SeaWorld parks

Free beer is returning to SeaWorld parks, but the summer promotion comes with a limit, of course. 

Visitors will receive one complimentary 7-ounce beer per visit — and only SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are offering the free beer to all guests. At SeaWorld San Antonio and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the promotion is limited to members and annual passholders.