Theme park news round-up - March 12, 2013

Has Shanghai Disneyland's line-up of themed lands been revealed?

It's hardly been a closely-kept secret, but Universal Studios Hollywood has finally confirmed that it will open a clone of Universal Studios Florida's Despicable Me Minion Mayhem in 2014. Meanwhile, we have an in-depth review of the updated The Swarm at Thorpe Park, which now features two rows of backwards-facing seats, and Lightwater Valley is the latest theme park to try to cash-in on the popularity of the Angry Birds.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood has confirmed that it will open a clone of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem in 2014, replacing the shuttered Terminator 2 3-D: Battle Across Time.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Disney's Magic Kingdom

Inside the Magic has posted some images of the new Tangled-themed rest area that recently opened in Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Full story: Inside the Magic

Shanghai Disneyland

Screamscape has posted an "unofficial" list of lands that will feature at Shanghai Disneyland when it opens in 2015. These are: Mickey Avenue (taking the place of the usual Main Street, USA as the park's entranceway), Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove and Adventure Isle. Notably absent is a version of Frontierland.

Full story: Screamscape

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park has reversed the back two rows of The Swarm roller coaster for the 2013 season. But has the change paid off?

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Alton Towers

Alton Towers is seeking to entice guests to the park for Easter 2013 by promising them that they can return for just £1 to ride new roller coaster The Smiler in May.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Lightwater Valley

Lightwater Valley has revealed that it will open a new activity area based around smash-hit mobile game Angry Birds in late spring 2013.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Flamingo Land

Flamingo Land has confirmed the names of the new dinosaur-themed attractions that will open at the park in 2013. Dubbed Cyclosaurus, Twistosaurus and Hero, all three rides will be manufactured by Italian firm Zamperla. The first wo rides will be will be located in a new land, Dino-Stone, which will also incorporates the Pterodactyl spinning tower ride than opened last year.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist

Fun Spot America

The Fun Spot America amusement park in Orlando has released a new image of its under-construction wooden roller coaster, White Lightning.

Full story: Theme Park Tourist