In a year of ups, downs, loops and scoops, Attractions Management looks back at some of the biggest stories to hit the headlines, giving possible indicators at what’s still to come in the year ahead.

The year started with a bang and the fireworks continued long after midnight on New Year's Eve. Iron Man took flight at Disney, while Hull celebrated as it kicked off festivities as the UK City of Culture. Elsewhere, plans were unveiled for a major redevelopment of the first theme park to come to Dubai.

Iron Man takes flight

At Hong Kong Disneyland, the world-first Iron Man Experience made its debut. Complete with flight simulators, 3D projection, surround sound and other special effects, the 4D attraction takes guests on a journey through the world of Tony Stark, including a tour of the Stark Expo and a virtual flight over Hong Kong with Iron Man as he battles Hydra.

The opening was the precursor to a major expansion of the Hong Kong Disneyland – a six-year plan worth HK$10.9bn (US$1.39bn, €1.18bn, £1.05bn) aiming to make the park profitable again.

The year of HULLture

The first of a number of installations to come up through the year, Hull kicked off its year as UK City of Culture with artist Nayan Kulkarni who installed a 75m-long (250ft) rotor Blade in the centre of Hull.

Commissioned in partnership with Siemens and with the support of Green Port Hull, the 28-tonne Blade installation was part of ‘Look Up’ – a year-long programme featuring artworks designed to help visitors look at and experience the city in new ways.

The city wrapped up a 12-month programme of public artworks by using light and sound to turn The Deep aquarium into a giant art installation. Called Floe, images were projected onto the side of The Deep, exploring the structure’s inspiration, while also taking into account its position as a major visitor attraction, and international conservation and research charity.

A Wonderland in the sand

Wonderland – Dubai’s first theme park, which closed its doors in 2013 – was given new life in January after developers revealed plans for a AED1.8bn (US$490m, €460m, £402m) redevelopment of the abandoned attraction.

Ento Capital Management is in charge of the redevelopment, with three phases spread over three years. As part of the masterplan, the park will be redeveloped to include amusement parks, apartments, retail, restaurants and a cultural centre.

Check back with Attractions Management tomorrow for a look back at the highlights from February