American Dream, NJ, USA

In a press release, DreamWorks representatives said most of the rides and attractions will feature its popular characters (Shrek, Kung Fu Panda etc), and that the park would be the first of its kind in North America.

In addition to the theme park, plans for the American Dream complex include a water park, indoor ski park, theaters and a skating rink to pair with massive space for retail and restaurants. The park is set to open in 2014.

Sic Flags Fiesta Texas, TX, USA

Six Flags Magic Mountain, CA, USA

At 400ft (122mtrs) high with a top speed of 85mph (137kph), the World's tallest and fastest freefall tower ride opened at Six Flags Magic Mountain today!

Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom is attached to each side of the Superman: Escape from Krypton rollercoaster towers. Riders are hoisted towards the Heavens before experiencing 5 seconds of intense freefall sat on floorless gondolas that will turn the underwear of the most bravest of riders brown!

Bonnie Rabjohn, Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President, said, "Six Flags is known as the industry leader in introducing innovative thrills and attractions. With more one-of-a-kind rides and attractions than any other theme park on the planet, [we are] proud to expand our status as the Thrill Capital of the World."

Liseberg, Göteborgs-Bohus, Sweden

Liseberg theme park will breathe life into their existing kiddie area of the park by adding new rides and retheming it. The revamped area, to be called 'Kaninlandet' (translates as 'Rabbitland'), will feature seven new attractions including a bike monorail, a mini free fall ride, a Ferris wheel and a family rollercoaster. The area will also several restaurants and a playing area with rabbits for kids to interact with. Kaninladet will open in 2013 as the parks special 90th anniversary investment. There are some rendered images of the new area below.

During the 38th annual Gothia Cup football tournament held in Gothenburg, there will be an attempt to break the “most nationalities on a theme park ride” world record at Liseberg Amusement Park. The attempt will take place on 17th July on the new Ferris wheel ride. To gain the record, at least 50 different nationalities need to ride at the same time. The 60mtrs (197ft) Ferris wheel has a capacity of 252 people.

Six Flags La Ronde, Québec, Canada

A 59 year old maintenance worker at a Canadian theme park was killed late-morning on Friday 6th July when he was struck by a ride within the restricted area of the Vampire ride at Six Flags La Ronde.

A park official said, "One of our esteemed colleagues lost his life after he entered a restricted zone and was struck by the train of a rollercoaster. His identity will be kept confidential until his family has been notified of his death,".

Several reports suggest that the emergency stop could not be activated in time to prevent the death. The park states employees are made are of the out-of-bound-areas during training and the death circumstances are unknown.

Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey, UK

The first proper "theme park" in the UK, Chessington World of Adventures, turned 25 years old today! Although it started as a zoo 1931, the theme park area was officially opened by Prince Edward on this day 25 years ago.

The popular theme park is home to over 30 attractions, including the first hanging roller coaster in Europe and a performance stage showing daily shows based on DreamWorks' Madagascar.

CoasterForce have been visiting Chessington World of Adventures every year as our final CF-Live meet-up of the year. The park have been gracious enough to give us exclusive ride time, a behind the scenes tour of Vampire and many other parks.

CoasterForce would like to wish Chessington World of Adventures a very happy 25th birthday! Below are our 25 of our best Chessington World of Adventures photos. Enjoy! Cheers!