Theme park news round-up - 2nd November 2012

Tokyo Disneyland has confirmed the opening date for its version of Star Tours 3D, just days after Disney bought out LucasFilm.

The big news today is Universal Studios Florida's confirmation that it will open a version of Transformers: The Ride - 3D in summer 2013. Knott's Berry Farm is also making several minor additions next year, while Tokyo Disneyland has confirmed the opening date for its version of Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida has confirmed that it will open a version of Transformers: The Ride - 3D in summer 2013, becoming the third park in the chain to do so.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Meanwhile, Inside the Magic has a great "lights on" look at several of the Halloween Horror Nights 2012 mazes, courtesy of the special "Unmasking the Horror" tours run by the park during the events.

Full story: Inside the Magic

SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa

SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa have pushed up ticket prices slightly, bringing them into line with Walt Disney World and the Universal Orlando Resort. This leaves single-day adult tickets priced at $89, with child tickets now costing $81.

Full story: Screamscape

Knott's Berry Farm

Knott's Berry Farm will add three new family rides to its line-up for the 2013 season, replacing the former Perilous Plunge water ride. The park is spending several million dollars on the new additions, which will be placed in the Knott's Boardwalk area. They will include a "wild mouse"-style roller coaster, a Flying Scooters ride and a classic scrambler attraction.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Disney California Adventure

With the park's revamped new entrance area, Buena Vista Street, now well established, it will be decorated for the Christmas season for the first time in the coming weeks. Expect to see the Yuletide displays from November 12 through January 6.

Full story: Disney Parks Blog

Silver Dollar City

The park has released a full, "point of view" animation for its under-construction new roller coaster, Outlaw Run. The hybrid wood-steel coaster's circuit features three inversions, as well as the steepest drop of any coaster of its type in the world. It stands at some 162 feet tall, with the near-vertical first drop plummeting towards the ground below at an 81-degree angle.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland's version of Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will make its official debut on May 7, 2013. It will be identical to those at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios, featuring the same 3-D projection techniques and updated simulator ride system.

Full story: Stitch Kingdom