Sneak Peek: January 2010 FUNWORLD

It's a new year and (slightly) new look for FUNWORLD in 2010. The January issue probably isn't in your mailbox yet, but the digital edition is available right now here.

On the cover this month is 2010 IAAPA Chairman of the Board Chip Cleary, who spoke with News Editor Keith Miller about his career and his thoughts on leading the association in the coming year.

This issue also features a 22-page special section highlighting IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009 in Las Vegas. Included is coverage of educational seminars, keynote addresses, new products from the trade show floor, and much more.

We've redesigned the front of the magazine a little bit this year. Departments Editor Marion Hixon’s Quick Hits section is now one page bigger, to include even more news items and fun photos from throughout the industry. Out & Back, meanwhile, is a new section that takes our previous section, Industry Notes, to another level of depth.

As always, thanks for reading FUNWORLD. If you have any questions or comments regarding anything about the magazine, feel free to e-mail me.

Happy New Year!

Roy E. Disney (1930-2009)

From The Walt Disney Company:

Roy Edward Disney, son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney, and nephew of Walt Disney, passed away today (12/16/09) at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California, following a year-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 79 years old. Disney was a successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker, and award-winning sailor, who played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney's animation legacy. He was associated with the Company over a 56-year period, and from 1984 – 2003, served as vice chairman of the Company's board of directors, and chairman of the Studio's Animation Department. In recent years, he held the title of director emeritus and consultant for the Company.

You can read the rest of the Disney statement here.

There is also a lengthy piece by the Los Angeles Times here.