Genting SkyWorlds (formerly Fox World Malaysia)
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In the theme park industry, it's always the later date!

There is one mention of a 2015 opening in the articles, and one of 2016. Which one is correct?

Wall Street Journal article excerpts:

The complex would be Twentieth Century Fox's second foray into branded theme parks, following a failed attempt in Australia more than a decade ago. For Genting Malaysia, the project is part of a major face-lift of Genting Highlands, its 42-year-old hilltop resort that draws more than 20 million visitors annually.

Genting Malaysia is optimistic that its latest project with Fox will double the number of visitors from three million people each year to the existing park. The move will also reduce its dependence on casino business in Malaysia—where gambling is outlawed for Muslims, who make up 61% of the population, according to Pew Research.

For Fox, the Malaysia project marks the studio's second attempt at the theme park business. Fox launched Fox Studios Backlot in Sydney, Australia, in 1999. That park, which was part of a $261 million development that included film and television studios, was closed in 2001 because of poor attendance.

"It's a new relationship between Fox and Genting…it wouldn't be a surprise if it grows beyond Malaysia," Mr. Godsick said.

Source:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324110404578629170152083726.html


From the New Straits Times:

Lim said the park, slated for completion in 2015, would double the number of visitors from 20.5 million a year currently.

He said prior to the construction of the theme park, the current outdoor theme park will be closed from Sept 1.

He, however, said the closure would have minimal impact to the company's financial performance as it would bring more international exhibitions to enliven the area during the closure period.

Godsick said the theme park would be using between 25 and 30 films' intellectual property rights

Source:
http://www.nst.com.my/latest/malaysia-to-get-twentieth-century-fox-theme-park-1.327096


And as earlier reported by the Malaysian Reserve:

Last month, Genting Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay announced that it is investing at least RM3 billion to renovate its Genting Highlands resort to compete with standards set at its newer operations in Singapore and the Philippines.

Genting Malaysia’s profits suffered a decline of 1.8% last year to RM1.4 billion compared to RM1.43 billion in 2011, while revenue for last year showed 7.1% year-on-year decline to RM7.9 billion.

Lim said the idea to renovate the resort was to double the group’s profits, adding that while the company has been making substantial investments abroad, it is time attention be drawn back to its homegrown resort.

Elsewhere, it was reported that Fox is looking for a location for a theme park and speculators had predicted China to be fertile ground.

Source:
http://themalaysianreserve.com/main/news/corporate-malaysia/4188--upgrade-for-genting-malaysia-theme-park

Jeffrey Godsick from Fox looks like he is impersonating Disney's Bob Iger. Same smile, same posture. Fascinating. Disney remains the king.

From the official Genting website:
http://www.rwgenting.com/en/themepark/fox/index.htm

Kuala Lumpur, 26th July 2013 – Resorts World Genting, the world’s largest destination resort operator, announces today a licensing partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products to develop the first international Twentieth Century Fox theme park. Opening in 2016, the new theme park at Resorts World Genting will fully immerse visitors in an entertainment experience featuring some of FOX’s most recognized and powerful film brands including ICE AGE, RIO, ALIEN, and NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM.

“For the first time, audiences will soon be transported into the worlds of their favorite Twentieth Century Fox properties,” said Godsick (President of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products). “Brought to life by our partner Resorts World Genting, this theme park marks the launch of our global location based entertainment strategy.”

Highlights from the park will include:
1) More than 25 acres of land, featuring more than 25 rides and attractions from media based rides, thrill rides, dark rides, to children’s rides, and water rides
2) Rides and attractions based on Twentieth Century Fox blockbuster titles like ICE AGE, RIO, LIFE OF PI, ALIEN, PREDATOR, and
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (additional film build outs to be announced)
3) The Dream Parade, featuring a one-of-a-kind, animatronics parade based on all characters and titles represented at the theme park
4) Retail merchandise and themed food and beverage outlets

Resort World Genting is investing more than RM400 million to develop the Twentieth Century Fox theme park.

The Genting Outdoor Theme Park will be closed beginning September 1st 2013 to facilitate the construction of the Twentieth Century Fox theme park. The projected soft opening is scheduled to take place in 2016 (...)

Source:
http://www.rwgenting.com/en/themepark/fox/index.htm

Malaysian casino operator Genting's resort unit will build a 400 million ringgit ($125 million) Twentieth Century Fox Theme Park near the capital Kuala Lumpur, it said Friday.

The park -- to open in 2016 -- will be the first Twentieth Century Fox theme park with rides and other attractions based on such blockbusters as "Ice Age", "Life of Pi", "Alien" and "Night at the Museum", Resorts World Genting said in a statement.

Built on more than 25 acres (10 hectares), the park will feature more than 25 rides and attractions, the statement said. It replaces an older outdoor theme park, which is part of Resorts World Genting located at the peak of an area known as Genting Highlands.

The resort, which also includes the country's sole casino and has attracted more than 20 million visitors per year since 2011, is undergoing a reportedly three billion ringgit refurbishment.

Source:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/26/malaysia-to-get-twentieth-century-fox-theme-park/

Status: announced