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Author: amusementtoday

Coaster Con rolls in with high-speed excitement

GURNEE, Ill. — More than 650 members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) — the world’s largest amusement park fan organization — are gathering this week for the adrenaline-charged 47th annual Coaster Con. This high-energy celebration immerses attendees in the heart-pounding world of roller coasters, offering nonstop rides, behind-the-scenes tours and exclusive events at some […]

The dinosaurs conquer Movie Park Germany: “World of Dinos” exhibition will be the place to go for the whole family and school groups from mid-June

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN, Germany — Prehistoric times are knocking on the Hollywood gates! Movie Park Germany is adding an interactive experience to its portfolio this summer. The “World of Dinos” exhibition brings a popular movie theme to life. From June 18 to August 24, a variety of 25 lifelike dinosaurs will be making their way into Germany’s […]

World’s first Festival Of Play ends on a high note with thousands of Legoland tickets to be donated to celebrate World Play Day

CALRSBAD, Calif., WINTER HAVEN, Fla. and GOSHEN, N.Y. — The LEGO Group and LEGOLAND Resorts are teaming up with Merlin’s Magic Wand to gift thousands of LEGOLAND tickets to children and their families facing serious illness, disability, or adversity. This donation follows the huge success of the first-ever global LEGO Festival, the world’s biggest celebration of play, where […]

Playdium teams with Intercard for Sri Lanka’s biggest and newest FEC

ST. LOUIS — Intercard’s latest cashless technology plays a crucial role at Playdium, the newest and biggest indoor FEC in Sri Lanka. Recently opened in the capital city of Colombo, the 16,000 square foot center features Brunswick bowling, a 34-game arcade, VR attractions, bumper cars, soft play and a full service restaurant. Playdium is revolutionizing out-of-home […]

Splish Splash Water Park opens all-new Stingray Bay water play area

CALVERTON, N.Y. — Seas the day, this Saturday, June 14 as the brand-new Stingray Bay officially opens to guests at Splish Splash Water Park. The thrilling water play area will offer families with smaller children a new way to beat the heat just in time for the temperatures on Long Island to rise for the summer 2025 […]

ETF: Benefits of trackless dark ride systems in theme parks

Dark rides have become an increasingly popular way to engage a wider audience. These indoor attractions offer experiences for all ages and operate reliably regardless of weather and with high uptime. A trackless ride system expands creative potential even more and brings extra tangible benefits in cost, flexibility, maintenance and safety. Creative freedom and storytelling […]

Meet Baby Evie! New character arrives at Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — PEPPA PIG fans have a new reason to celebrate as Baby Evie makes her official debut at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida, PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth, and PEPPA PIG World of Play locations in Michigan, Chicago and Dallas. Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George, Evie and Peppa posed for a […]

Intercard Bowl Expo test drive and win big

ST. LOUIS — Intercard will be at Bowl Expo in Washington D.C. July 1-2 with an opportunity for one lucky showgoer to win big. Visitors to the Intercard show booth #929 who test drive the iTeller PlusXL kiosk will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 Visa gift card and a customized Intercard […]

Ghost Boat — when multimedia innovation meets an iconic fright attraction

Moment Factory is stepping into the world of scare attractions with an innovative collaboration on Ghost Boat in Wisconsin. The after-dark experience undergoes a major multimedia transformation, intensifying the journey for both new and returning guests. Drawing on its expertise in creating outdoor multimedia environments, the studio joined forces with Dells Boat Tours to reinvent the almost 20-year-old fright attraction, featuring […]

Legacy Entertainment to create Loco Waterpark at Perfect Day Mexico

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Royal Caribbean has pulled back the curtain on the game-changing Perfect Day Mexico, revealing the first details about what vacationers can expect upon its debut in Fall 2027. Spanning over 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, the destination will feature seven distinct neighborhoods, complete with 12 dining options, 24 bars, and […]

Prime Video’s hit series “Fallout” blasts its way into Halloween Horror Nights with all-new haunted houses at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. and ORLANDO — For the first time ever, horror fans will step into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Prime Video’s “Fallout,” in an all-new terrifying haunted house at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. The unimaginable terror becomes a reality starting Friday, August 29 at Universal Orlando Resort and Thursday, September 4 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Based on […]

Dollywood named to Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 List

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood’s recent run of awards continued this week with Newsweek adding the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park to its America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 list following the results of a recent survey. Dollywood is part of the “Entertainment Providers” grouping of companies and is one of only three theme park companies to be featured […]

SeaWorld Orlando’s all-new drone show begins June 7, lighting up the night sky with the park’s signature Ignite Fireworks

RLANDO — As part of its signature Summer Spectacular event, SeaWorld Orlando is excited to unveil a groundbreaking new dimension to its nighttime entertainment: the debut of an all-new, first-of-its-kind at SeaWorld drone show. Seamlessly integrated with the park’s iconic Ignite Fireworks Spectacular, this new drone show transforms the nighttime celebration into more than just a finale—it is a sky-dancing […]

Themed Entertainment Association announces Entertainment + Culture Advisors (ECA) and The Park Database (Park DB) join Storyland Studios as strategic research partner for the 2024 TEA Global Experience Index

BURBANK, Calif. — The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is pleased to announce Entertainment + Culture Advisors, LLC (ECA) and The Park Database (Park DB) as its research partner for the 2024 TEA Global Experience Index™, formerly the Theme Index and Museum Index Report. The annual report has served as the definitive study of attendance at the world’s top theme parks, water parks, and museums […]

Dorney Park Cares Team volunteers support at Camelot for Children

ALLENTOWN, Pa. —  In a heartwarming show of community spirit, the Dorney Park Cares Team recently volunteered their time and talents at Camelot for Children, a nonprofit in Allentown, Pennsylvania, that provides social and educational opportunities for children with disabilities and those facing chronic or terminal illnesses. The team tackled a range of facility improvement projects, including landscaping, painting, minor […]

The reopening of Legoland Water Park Gardaland launched Gardaland Resort’s summer season

LEGOLAND Water Park Gardaland, the first LEGO-themed water park in Europe, officially reopened its gates on the 31st of May, launching the Gardaland Resort’s summer season and is ready to welcome families and young visitors for a new summer season packed with play, creativity and fun. Just a few kilometres from the shores of the lake, LEGOLAND Water Park […]

RES Rides launches world’s tallest Roller Ball at Conny-Land Switzerland

ALTENDORF, Switzerland — RES RIDES AG, the Swiss ride manufacturer known for its unique rider thrilling attractions, has set another record with the opening of the world’s tallest Roller Ball at Conny-Land, Switzerland’s largest theme park. The Roller Ball, named Antares rises to 34 meters and is perched on top of the new building that houses the bumper cars, creating a unique combination of rides […]

Carowinds debuts new family launch coaster

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new family launch coaster is now open at Carowinds’ Camp Snoopy. Snoopy’s Racing Railway takes riders through giggle-inducing twists and turns while launching them from zero to 31 mph in a matter of seconds. Riders complete two laps on its 804 feet of steel track. With a heigh requirement of just 36 inches, it is the […]

Nike and the Lego Group unveil play arena at Legoland California Resort: a basketball-themed experience for children and families

BEAVERTON, Oregon and CARLSBAD, Calif. and BILLUND, Denmark — Get ready to play! From June 7 to 11, 2025, the Nike and LEGO Play Arena will open its doors at LEGOLAND California Resort, the family theme park operated by Merlin Entertainments. This limited-time experience is part of Nike and the LEGO Group’s exciting global multi-year partnership, dedicated to […]

Europa-Park opens the Western city, Silver Lake City

The Wild West is making moves into Rust: Europa-Park is bringing an impressive expansion of its former Camp Resort to fruition. ‘Silver Lake City’ has grown to become an authentic experience area. The further 36 new, detailed Western Houses and 68 new caravan comfort pitches ensure relaxing nights. Guests can enjoy culinary delights at the […]

Paultons Park reveals £12 million expansion for 2026 opening — plus, the family theme park’s first indoor dark ride, Ghostly Manor, is now open

Award-winning Paultons Park in Hampshire, has today simultaneously opened its£3.5 million dark ride, Ghostly Manor, and announced its plans for a new £12 million themed world. Valgard – Realm of the Vikings is Paultons Park’s largest investment to date and is aimed at families with older children and teenagers. The new Viking-themed world, which opens in spring 2026, […]

Universal Kids Resort reveals immersive themed lands

FRISCO, Texas — Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, revealed the themed lands kids and families will experience at Universal Kids Resort – a first-of-a-kind resort specifically designed and developed for families with young children. Opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas, Universal Kids Resort will feature lands themed around beloved characters including […]

Six Flags Over Texas welcomes summer with live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and new food offerings

ARLINGTON, Texas — Guests can enjoy the hottest celebration of the summer at Six Flags Over Texas with exclusive, limited-time entertainment filled with high-energy performances, a breathtaking display of fireworks, themed merchandise and enhanced dining options at two refreshed restaurants that are part of the latest food and beverage transformation at the park. “Summers are special at Six […]

Brand new roving attraction “Turbo The Talking Tractor” by Jolley Entertainment

Introducing Turbo! A brand-new agriculturally based roving attraction just launched this spring. Packed full with stories from the farm and enough good, clean jokes to be a stand-up combine..(Err, we mean comic). He brings the fun with a hilarious southern drawl and has a memorized encyclopedia of Ag facts to interact with fairgoers of all […]

Sacoa expands presence in Cinemex’s Knock Out locations across Mexico

Sacoa Cashless System, the world leader in cashless management solutions for the entertainment and leisure industries, proudly announces the successful installation of its system in 13 Knock Out venues, the new entertainment concept by Cinemex, with more locations set to open soon. These installations showcase Sacoa’s comprehensive range of innovative technology – featuring Spark RFID Card Readers, EZ […]

Lake Compounce introduces largest Kids Fest ever this June

BRISTOL, Conn. — Lake Compounce, The Official Park of Family Fun,introduces new pint-sized thrills this June with its beloved Kids Fest event series. Complete with meet and greets with beloved characters and family entertainment every single Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of June, the largest and most interactive Kids Fest ever will offer entertainment all […]

Calling all builders! Are you the next Lego Master? For the first time ever… Lego Masters Audition episodes will be filmed at Legoland California Resort!

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Have you ever wanted to compete on LEGO Masters? Season five of the hit competition series airs Mondays at 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT on FOX and the next day on Hulu. For the first time ever, LEGO Masters will not only be filming audition episodes at LEGOLAND California Resort, but park guests will be able to check out the action and be inspired […]

Viva La Fiesta! event starts May 31 at Six Flags America

BOWIE, Md. — Six Flags America released today the details for its annual Viva La Fiesta! event – an immersive, vivid celebration of Latin American and Caribbean cultures. The festival, full of spirited traditions amid a vibrant atmosphere of captivating sights, lively sounds and succulent flavors, will provide lasting memories for the whole family at Hurricane […]

Lost Treasure Mini Golf celebrates 30 years of adventure, fun, and family memories across the U.S.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf, the beloved adventure miniature golf company that began with a single course in North Myrtle Beach in 1995, is proudly celebrating 30 years of family-friendly fun! This year marks several exciting milestones for the company: the 30th Anniversary of its first-ever location at Lost Treasure Golf North Myrtle Beach, 25 […]

Record-setting thrills return to Kennywood Park as The Steel Curtain roller coaster opens May 24

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Here we go!The highly anticipated Steel Curtain Roller Coaster will make its grand return to Kennywood Park. Beginning this Saturday, May 24, triple record-setting coaster will officially reopen to the public during a grand opening ceremony. Attendees are invited to join park officials, representatives from the Steelers including current and former players, Miss Pennsylvania, and elected officials at the entrance […]

Fort Wayne Zoo to unveil Coastal Cove on Friday, May 23

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the Fort Wayne Zoo proudly announces the grand opening of the eagerly anticipated Coastal Cove on Friday, May 23! This exciting event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., featuring the Zoo’s Executive Director & CEO Rick Schuiteman and dedicated members of […]

Hall U Need and Intercard partner again near Paris

ST. LOUIS — Hall U Need, the award-winning French urban entertainment chain, has chosen Intercard cashless technology for its latest location near Paris. The new FEC opened in April at the Westfield Carré Sénart mall in Lieusaint southeast of the French capital. It is Intercard’s second installation for Hall U Need, which already uses the […]

Universal Rocks marks an exceptional 2025 season with immersive creations across Europe

SAINT-PIERRE-DU-PERRAY, France — Universal Rocks, a recognized leader in themed decoration and architectural sculpture, is contributing to several major projects for the 2025 season in leisure parks across France and Europe. Leveraging its expertise in shotcrete, sculpting, and painting, the company is enhancing immersive environments that elevate visitor experiences. Parc Astérix (France)Expansion of the Egyptian […]

May 2025

The MAY 2025 issue includes:

25 Years and still growing: Gilroy Gardens’ 25th Anniversary Season starts March 22

GILROY, Calif. — Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park will celebrate the start of its 25th anniversary season on Saturday, March 22, with a full slate of special events planned throughout the year, including exciting all-new guest experiences like the 25th Anniversary Celebration in spring and Cherry Jubilee in the summer. Since it first opened in 2001 […]

Construction is underway for Kings Island’s new water coaster, RiverRacers

Construction crews at Kings Island are taking advantage of the warmer temperatures this week by installing the first pieces of steel for its new watercoaster, RiverRacers.  Opening in Soak City waterpark this summer, the ride will be the first and only dual-racing water coaster in Ohio.  Also opening is Splash River Junction, a new kids […]

Donald Lee DiGirolamo, former and longtime O.D. Hopkins employee, dies at 80

PHOENIX, Arizona — Donald Lee DiGirolamo, a former partner in then N.H.-based O.D. Hopkins died in Phoenix with his family on November 5, 2024. He was 80. Don, as he was known by his friends, was born in Springfield, Ill. On May 31, 1944, to Cathryn and Gladstone DiGirolamo. He was the youngest of three […]

Grammy winner T-Pain, pop superstar Joe Jonas and Colombian singer Juanes to headline live concerts on select nights during Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras 2025 Celebration

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to celebrate 30 years of Mardi Gras from February 1 through March 30 during Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, featuring an all-new menu of mouth-watering international cuisine, a spectacular parade with colorful floats and – on select nights – live concerts by the biggest names in music. And guests can […]

Deborah Eicher appointed to European Manufacturers & Suppliers Subcommittee 2025

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Deborah Eicher, International Sales & Marketing Director at Swiss based RES RIDES, has been selected to serve on the IAAPA European & Middle East (EMEA) M&S Subcommittee beginning in January 2025. The EMEA M&S subcommittee is a constituency volunteer committee of industry leaders that represents manufacturers and supplier members of IAAPA. “I am honoured to be selected […]