Theme park news round-up - February 20, 2013

Cedar Fair succeeded in attracting more season passholders to its theme parks during 2012.

SeaWorld Orlando's Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin promises to be one of the most unique and original rides to open in 2013, and the park has now confirmed that it will officially debut on May 24. Get your hats, scarves and gloves ready for the "world's coldest theme park ride". Elsewhere, Disneyland has dropped its usual SoCal resident discounts for 2013, while Cedar Fair has reported a huge increase in profits for 2012.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando has confirmed that its ambitious new dark ride, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, will open in time for the Memorial Day weekend on May 24, 2013. The attraction is being billed by SeaWorld Orlando as "the world's coldest theme park ride", and will also host a new penguin exhibit.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Disneyland

Disneyland has released a new video offering a behind-the-scenes look at Fantasy Faire, the new area that will open at the park on March 12, 2013.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Disneyland Resort

Meanwhile, Disneyland's monorail was forced to close on Monday after a short circuit. With the power shut off, a train was stranded for around 45 minutes.

Full story: Orange County Register

It seems that the Disneyland Resort has decided that Cars Land is a big enough draw for guests this season, and has scrapped any plans to offer discounts on tickets for locals this spring. In recent years, the park has offered "2fer" deals that have drastically cut the cost of visiting for Southern California residents.

Full story: Orange County Register

Cedar Fair

Cedar Fair has announced its financial results for 2012, posting a 43 percent increase in profits to $101.2 million. It cited increased season pass sales at its North American parks as a major reason behind the uplift, with some 40 percent of visitors holding passes.

Full story: Toledo Blade