Trainer at Sea World Orlando killed today, when, at around 2pm EST, a killer whale attacked her in the holding tank at the stadium of the Shamu show, a very popular show at the Sea World Adventure Park. The trainer was said to be 40 years of age. LINK

I just spoke with Danielle Swords from Carowinds Public Relations. At around 3:45pm EST to 4:00pm EST today, Thursday, and she informed me that they will be testing a train on Intimidator, the new coaster of course for the park in 2010. A few coaster enthusiasts have been invited out there to get video of the ride in action as it makes its first test run, so as soon as we obtain video, we will pass it along. WEBCAM VIEW

From Danielle Swords:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 25, 2010) —Carowinds, the 122-acre amusement park located on the border of the Carolinas near Charlotte, will debut Intimidator™, the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in the Southeast, inspired by racing legend Dale Earnhardt. The massive new scream machine will open to the public on March 27 and include a Victory Lane, Winner’s Circle, and Wall of Fame Tribute to Dale Earnhardt and his illustrious career. To further celebrate the addition of the roller coaster and the life of the legacy it was inspired by, the Park is launching the Dale Earnhardt Legacy Experience Sweepstakes. Guests have the chance to win the experience when they purchase a 2010 Carowinds Season Pass at www.carowinds.com between 1/25/10- 3/14/10.

The Grand Prize winner will be awarded the following:

4 copies of the video documentary Dale
Exclusive private behind-the-scenes tour for four (4) people of Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
This Private and exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at Dale Earnhardt Inc. is not available to the public and will highlight the life of the legendary NASCAR seven-time champion, Dale Earnhardt, and the building, teams and people that he touched. The tour includes visits to engine and race shop areas in addition to the executive level of the complex.
Lunch for four (4) people in The Trophy Room – the private dining room of Dale Earnhardt Inc., inspired by Dale’s love of fine food, wine and dining.
This prestigious dining room has hosted exclusive events for celebrities, entertainers, NASCAR and many Fortune 500 companies, and now has gained a reputation for providing the very best in both service and cuisine. Trophies from Dale’s illustrious career are also on display, making this room a very unique experience.
“Our partnership with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and the new addition of Intimidator™ has given us the opportunity to award coaster fans and race fans alike,” said Bart Kinzel, Vice President and General Manager of Carowinds. “This sweepstakes allows us to say ‘Thank you’ in a big way!”



To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, free methods of entry and prize descriptions, visit carowinds.com. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Open to legal U.S. residents. Ends 03/14/10.

John Pagel, the public relations manager for Kings Dominion theme park in Doswell, Virginia, invited World Cast News up to the park today to get a tour of their new coaster for 2010: Intimidator 305. This coaster stands 305 feet, and will go over 92 mph!!! REPORT.[/

From Danielle Swords:


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 14, 2009) – The most anticipated new thrill ride in the country, Intimidator™ at Carowinds, the 122-acre amusement park, opens to the public on Saturday, March 27, 2010. As a kick-off to the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in the Southeast, the Park is partnering with the Dale Earnhardt Foundation to host a charity auction for the first rides on this spectacular $23 million steel roller coaster, inspired by racing legend Dale Earnhardt.



“Not only are we thrilled to debut this mammoth scream machine to coaster enthusiasts and Dale fans alike, we are also very excited to partner with the Dale Earnhardt Foundation to make a difference in our communities,” said Bart Kinzel, Carowinds’ General Manager and Vice President.



The mission of the Dale Earnhardt Foundation is to “Continue The Legend™” and legacy of Dale Earnhardt through charitable programs and grants that sustain his lifelong commitment to Children, Education and Environmental/Wildlife Preservation. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from the first ride auction will go directly to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation to benefit key organizations in the community that focus on children and education, such as JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central & Western North Carolina, and the American Red Cross. The funds raised will also benefit charitable programs headed by the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.



"We are delighted to partner with Carowinds to commemorate Dale's legacy with the Intimidator roller coaster," said Teresa Earnhardt of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. “As we ‘Continue The Legend’ with the Dale Earnhardt Foundation we are especially pleased that through our efforts several other worthy charities stand to benefit as well.”



Carowinds has a strong commitment to working with local charitable organizations. The Park annually hosts the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, celebrating its 20th year at Carowinds this April, and is the Charlotte Chapter’s largest walk of the year. The Park also hosts the Make-A-Wish Family Reunion Picnic, an event for Make-A-Wish children and their families that includes park admission, parking passes, a picnic, and more—celebrating its 10th year at Carowinds this October. It is the organization’s largest in-kind donation of the year. In addition to these two events, the Park holds an American Red Cross blood drive each fall that continues to raise the most donations each year in the Charlotte region.



For more information and to participate in the Intimidator™ First Rider Charity Auction visit www.intimidator.carowinds.com. The bidding will begin at $50 per seat from the first three trains to leave the station on March 27, opening day. For corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Danielle.Swords@Carowinds.com.