Latest news with #Disney-level
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
American Heartland theme park deal 'falls apart': Will Legends Tower still happen?
Roughly two years after the developers announced plans to construct a Disney-level attraction in Vinita, Oklahoma, investors now say the effort to build American Heartland Theme Park has "fallen apart." Though the theme park would've brought attention to the northeast corner of the state, it wasn't the only big-ticket attraction coming to Oklahoma. Announced in December 2023, the Boardwalk at Bricktown development caught national attention and appears to have slowed, which was expected to start construction in 2024, but has yet to have any permits filed with the city. After the news broke that American Heartland's lead investor filed a lawsuit against the park's developers and the project was apparently kaput, posters on social media were quick to ask if the Boardwalk at Bricktown project might meet the same fate. Here's where the project stands today. Legends Tower marked to be tallest in nation The height of Legends Tower is set to be 1,907 feet tall, surpassing the One World Trade Center in New York City. When the tower was announced, the Federal Aviation Administration opposed the tower's height, following warnings from local airports, pilots, and at least one airline that it would jeopardize flight operations in the area. Julie Morgan, manager of the FAA's Obstruction Evaluation Group in Fort Worth, notified developer Scot Matteson in a Dec. 4, 2024, letter that if the building is built at 1,907 feet high, it will be a "hazard to air navigation." "The study disclosed that the described structure would have a substantial adverse effect on air navigation," Morgan wrote. "This determination becomes final on January 13, 2025, unless a petition is timely filed." Nonetheless, developers said that they are working through some of the threats that the FAA has raised. Matteson told The Oklahoman he is "working through the issues" with the FAA and local and state authorities to mitigate concerns. With the tallest tower being part of phase 2, Matteson said, "We have time to work through those issues." How tall would Legends Tower be? If built as planned, the 1,907-foot-tall Legends Tower would be the fourth tower at the Boardwalk at Bricktown, and the tallest in the country, surpassing One World Trade Center's 1,776 feet. First announced in 2023, the tower would consist of apartments and a hotel. Developer says 'there's more to come' for the tower's future In a statement to The Oklahoman, Matteson said the project has not been abandoned and instead is still being developed. Matteson also said there has been talk about "doing more" and expanding the project. "There's more to come, that's all I can say," Matteson told The Oklahoman in July. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: American Heartland theme park falls apart: Is Legends Tower still on? Solve the daily Crossword
Metropolis Japan
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Water-Themed Summer Events in Tokyo 2025
Tokyo's summer is all about water—rituals, festivals and splash-filled fun. By Katie Dicken and Kamille Jahncke Credit: Ocean Peoples Official Website From centuries-old rituals calling on dragon gods to keep the skies clear, to Disney-level splash zones and river sports for the bold, Tokyo and its nearby regions are soaked in summer culture. Several of the local festivals center around one unifying element: water. Cool off with a traditional mikoshi parade, drift through lantern-lit nights, or paddle down rivers with fellow SUP fans. This summer's lineup is bursting with chances to get drenched—both in water and in wonder. Dive into these refreshing experiences, which blend nature, community and culture in the most unforgettable ways. River SUP Festival July 14 – 15 Stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts of all levels can embrace an opportunity to get out on the water together at this event, which includes still water practice, running water sessions and downriver courses. Set against the scenic backdrop of local rivers, the festival provides a supportive environment for participants to learn, improve and connect with fellow SUP aficionados. English speakers are welcome, and certified SUP badge holders enjoy special benefits during the event. When: July 14 – 15 Ocean Peoples July 5 – 6 Ocean Peoples'25 is set to make waves at Chiba's SUNSET BEACH PARK INAGE, a unique venue where a sprawling pool facility meets the sandy coastline. This urban beach festival blends music, sustainability and seaside culture under the banner 'Save the Beach, Save the Ocean.' The 2025 lineup features a diverse mix of artists: chelmico, MFS, KZA, YonYon, SAMO, RUI, Def Tech, Rickie-G, BAGDAD CAFE THE trench town, DJ HASEBE and DJ KAWASAKI. Lounge by the pool, or explore a vibrant market of curated shops and brands. Mizudome-no-mai 2025 July 13, 1pm – 3pm Experience a centuries-old tradition at the Mizudome-no-mai, a ritual dance believed to 'stop the rain.' The ceremony begins with a procession where two young men representing dragon gods are carried in straw-wrapped barrels while blowing conch shells, symbolizing a plea to end the rainy season. Upon reaching the temple, performers don lion masks and execute a sacred dance accompanied by traditional music, offering gratitude for clear skies. This unique festival, a designated Tokyo Intangible Folk Cultural Property, offers a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Enoshima Lantern Festival Mid July While Enoshima is often associated with summer swimming, a limited-time event offers a more tranquil way to enjoy the season. Around 1,000 lanterns light up the island from mid-July to the end of August, creating a cool and breezy evening atmosphere unique to Shonan. This year also introduces a new feature at Enoshima: Starting late July, Hetsunomiya Shrine will glow with soft blue lighting inspired by the ocean breeze. Chichibu Kawase Festival July 19 – 20 Set along the Arakawa River, this lively festival fills the streets with color and sound as ornate floats and stalls are paraded to traditional Chichibu yatai-bayashi music. At its heart is Chichibu Shrine, where a ceremonial welcome honors Susano-no-mikoto, its enshrined deity. As night falls, the shrine grounds glow with lanterns and bonbori lights, creating a dreamlike scene that leads to the dramatic finale–the Mikoshi Wash Ceremony, where sacred wooden shrines are carried into the river as a powerful display of tradition and devotion. Kibune Festival July 25 – 26 A designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and one of Japan's three major boat festivals, this event features boats adorned with colorful flowers and lanterns, towed by traditional Kaidenma rowboats across Manazuru Port. Daytime processions showcase these ornate vessels accompanied by traditional music and Kashima dancing, while the harbor is illuminated at night in a mesmerizing spectacle unique to this coastal town. This event offers a captivating glimpse of maritime traditions and community spirit. Sumida River Fireworks Festival July 26 See the skies light up over the Sumida River at Tokyo's most iconic summer event. This historic celebration dates back to 1733, and continues to dazzle with approximately 20,000 fireworks launched from two riverside sites near Asakusa and Ryogoku. The festival is renowned for its competitive spirit, where rival pyrotechnic teams showcase their latest designs—from traditional chrysanthemums to innovative shapes like hearts and cartoon characters. Spectators often cheer with shouts of 'Tamaya!' and 'Kagiya!' honoring the historic fireworks guilds. Viewing spots fill up quickly, with yukata-clad crowds arriving hours in advance to secure prime locations along the riverbanks. For a more relaxed experience, areas around Ueno such as Shinobazu Pond offer less crowded vantage points. Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri Mid August Nicknamed mizu-kake-matsuri meaning ('water-throwing festival'), this event lives up to its name as people splash water on the mikoshi (portable shrines) carried through the district. From locals to firefighters, everyone joins in the fun: some throw water, while others watch the mikoshi procession or enjoy street food. The five-day celebration also features taiko drumming, koto performances, and traditional dance. Tokyo Disney Resort Summer Cool-Off July 2 – September 15 At Tokyo DisneySea, the new 'Dockside Splash Remix' show at the American Waterfront's Dockside Stage features Mickey Mouse and friends in a high-energy dance fest, complete with spraying water and upbeat music, including a special collaboration with Mrs. GREEN APPLE. The 'Get Soaked' Harbor Splash show debuts in the Mediterranean Harbor, where water jets erupt and drench guests during six daily 'Splash Time' performances. For thrill-seekers, Aquatopia's 'Get Soaked' version returns. The Caldera Corridor also transforms into a mist-filled 'Get Soaked' Zone, providing a cool respite as guests move between attractions. Tokyo Summerland All Summer Tokyo Summerland in Akiruno offers a refreshing escape just over an hour from Tokyo. This expansive water and amusement park features the Adventure Lagoon, home to Japan's longest lazy river, the 650-meter 'Great Journey'. Thrill-seekers should head to the exhilarating 40-meter free-fall waterslide, while families with children can hang out at the indoor Adventure Dome, with its wave-generating Cobalt Beach pool and various kid-friendly attractions. The park also boasts the new 'Monster Stream,' a fast-flowing river-like pool. Beyond water attractions, the amusement area has rides suitable for all ages, including the Tornado roller coaster and a Ferris wheel. All Summer (Mission Uchimizu especially encourages people to take part on August 1st) The Japanese custom of uchimizu —sprinkling water on the ground—is a traditional way to cool streets and show hospitality. In 2003, this simple act inspired Mission Uchimizu, a social experiment to reduce urban temperatures by two degrees. It worked, and the idea grew. Now, thousands of people join in by sprinkling water to cool cities and connect communities. As the climate heats up, this tradition continues—simple, symbolic, and powerful in its call for collective climate action.
