AMC Theatres partners with Dippin’ Dots to offer popular frozen treats to moviegoers through a nationwide launch at every U.S. AMC location
LEAWOOD, Kan. — AMC Theatres, the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and the world, today announced that moviegoers seeking a frozen treat can now enjoy Dippin’ Dots, America’s original and number one beadedice cream brand, during their movie at AMC theatres across the country. This announcement and rollout follow a highly successful test of Dippin’ Dots products in select AMC markets […]
MSC Cruises sails into the record books with longest line of Lego ships at sea
GENEVA, Switzerland — MSC Cruises has officially sailed into the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS books, with crew onboard its latest flagship, MSC World America, setting a new record for assembling the longest line of LEGO ships. The record attempt took place during MSC World America’s journey from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – where she had been under […]
Slick City Action Park celebrates highest average unit volume and growth in 2024, plans more aggressive expansion in 2025
CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Slick City Action Park, the world’s first indoor slide park featuring proprietary dry-slide technology, has disrupted the active Family Entertainment Center (FEC) space. The company has achieved rapid growth in 2024, becoming the fastest-growing business in the active FEC industry, with the highest Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $4.96 million AUV and 41.04% average […]
Viva La Fiesta! Cultural celebration returns to Six Flags Over Texas April 5
WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: Viva La Fiesta at Six Flags Over Texas is ideal for making memories with friends and family in a vibrant atmosphere filled with captivating sights, lively sounds and mouthwatering flavors while experiencing your favorite rides and attractions.
Vortex unveils Vectory: a new Splashpad collection
MONTREAL, Canada — Vortex Aquatic Structures International (Vortex), a manufacturer and world leader in aquatic solutions, is proud to announce the launch of VECTORY, a groundbreaking Splashpad collection designed to ignite movement, creativity, and engagement through dynamic play. This strategic move underscores Vortex’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and its leadership in the aquatic structures […]
Proposed Amusement Rides Standard to cover dry slide systems
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — ASTM International’s amusement rides and devices committee (F24) invites all interested parties to join in developing a proposed standard covering dry slide systems. The committee is particularly interested in participation from designers and operators of both older and new slide systems. ASTM member William Bussone says that, while dry slides are […]
Fort Wayne Zoo welcomes new African lion, Kiume
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne Zoo is excited to introduce a new African lion in our care, Kiume (Pronounced as Cue-MAY). Thirteen-year-old Kiume is welcomed from John Ball Zoo as a companion for Ina, the female lioness in our care. “We have been working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival […]
JW Winco: Precise attachment and reliable sensing
For position sensing of vertical and horizontal toggle clamps, JW Winco offers cleverly designed and extremely practical sensor holders. Compatible proximity sensors can optionally be ordered from JW Winco at the same time using the corresponding identification number. Often the most easily overlooked things turn out to be among the most useful. The sensor holders […]
Six Flags Great Adventure to launch America’s first Super Boomerang Coaster this Spring: The Flash: Vertical Velocity
JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure is set to launch a highly anticipated addition to its collection of world-class attractions: THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity. Opening this spring, the park’s newest roller coaster promises to deliver an unforgettable ride, combining forward and backward launches, four intense inversions, 10 “airtime” (negative-gravity) moments and a top speed of 60 mph. […]
IAFE announces new legal counsel and honors industry legend
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) announces that it has appointed Foster & Fuchs as its new legal counsel, replacing industry legend Jim Tucker, who has retired after an extraordinary career serving IAFE for more than four decades. Tucker has been an integral part of the IAFE, providing legal counsel […]
Gaylord Texan Resort unveils first-ever DC-themed “Universe of Light” super heroes lantern attraction
GRAPEVINE, Texas — Gaylord Texan Resort and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) today announced exciting plans to produce an out-of-this-world summer entertainment experience celebrating DC’s legendary stories and characters. The all-new, walkthrough attraction, Universe of Light, will feature multiple worlds and 40 iconic DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains in more than 1,000 glowing lanterns […]
The Embed Ecosystem begins a new erain the Middle East family entertainment
DUBAI, U.A.E. — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, is set to bring the freshest updates to its breakthrough innovations to the Middle East for back-to-back tradeshows DEAL Expo (Dubai World Trade Centre, 8 to 70 April, booth #ZS-770) and the SEA Expo (Riyadh International Convention […]
Lake Compounce announces ultimate season of family fun headlined by new entertainment all season long
BRISTOL, Conn. — The countdown is on to Opening Day at America’s First Amusement Park as Lake Compounce gears up for it 179th season. Celebrating its most robust lineup of entertainment yet, this year promises to provide the Ultimate Season of Family Fun as the park debuts its first-ever pirate themed stunt show, adds spectacular drone shows, introduces an all-new […]
Intercard will feature the award-winning IQ Reader at DEAL Show April 8-10
ST. LOUIS — Intercard will exhibit at this year’s DEAL, the Dubai show that has been guiding the theme park and amusement industries in the MENA region for more than 30 years. Intercard will feature the latest version of its award-winning iQ reader at the show, which runs from April 8-10, 2025 at the Dubai […]
International Rides Management offering classic 1979 Schwarzkopf Enterprise
This may just be the deal of the summer! International Rides Management (IRM) is offering an INCREDIBLE deal for one of our clients. It’s a classic 1979 Schwarzkopf Enterprise, sold through Intamin as a ‘Wheelie’. We have listed this ride for about a year, and now the owner’s replacement ride has arrived and is ready […]
Universal Terra Luna Resort celebrates its first guests on the grand opening day of Universal Orlando’s newest hotel
ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort’s newest hotel, Universal Terra Luna Resort, is now officially open, inviting guests and clients to step onto a new planet that has yet to be discovered. Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, the hotel joins Universal Orlando’s current collection of […]
AMOA transitions to new leadership for 2025-2026
CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — During its 2025 Annual Membership Meeting in Las Vegas, AMOA elected a new class of directors. The new Class of 2028, consisting of eight operators and distributors from around the country, are: In addition, the following 2025-2026 AMOA Principal Officers, elected at its Mid-Year Board Meeting in September 2024, took the […]
Setting industry standards: Embed Named AAMA Supplier of the Year at Amusement Expo International 2025
DALLAS, Texas — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, makes it big at the Amusement Expo International 2025 with a successful innovation launch and prestigious industry achievement. MAJOR AWARDSEmbed is the AAMA Supplier of the Year Award winner, a testament to the company’s commitment to layering value […]
Adventureland Resort introduces new events ahead of 2025 season
ALTOONA, Iowa — Come on over to Adventureland Resort this summer as Iowa’s Favorite Theme Park celebrates 51 seasons with a full summer of new entertainment and events. In addition to the already announced, Hyperlight Water Slide experience, the park is adding even more newness for 2025 as it introduces four new events slated to roll out […]
Bavarian Inn Lodge unveils Bavarian Blast Waterpark – Michigan’s biggest indoor waterpark & family fun center
FRANKENMUTH, Mich. — The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge team is thrilled to announce the soft opening of their newest development, the Bavarian Blast Waterpark, Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark and Family Fun Center. The highly anticipated attraction brings 170,000 square feet of expanded fun to Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Lodge, including 16 waterslides, a not-so-lazy river, a […]
Bellevue Bay Indoor Water Park breaks ground, ushering in a new era of tourism and economic growth
American Resort Management, in partnership with the City of Bellevue, NE, is proud to announce an exciting new project: the Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark. On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the City of Bellevue celebrated the official groundbreaking of the highly anticipated indoor waterpark. This project represents a transformative step forward for the region. As the […]
Amusement Today’s 2025 What’s New Guide
Amusement Today will be publishing its annual amusement industry preview in the May 2025 issue. To make certain your new-for-2025 installs are included, send a list of your 2025 projects to jseifert@amusementtoday.com. The deadline for inclusion is April 15, 2025. AT is looking for any new ride or attraction at parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, traveling carnivals […]
Rob Gavel joins AIMS International’s board of directors
AIMS International announced the election of Rob Gavel to its board of directors, effective April 1, 2025. Gavel, president of LJM & Associates and owner of GCS Safety, brings 17 years of industry experience to the board. He succeeds departing member Dr. Kathryn Woodcock of Toronto Metropolitan University, who served on the board since April […]
Bob Geschine and Peter Betti inducted into 2025 AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame
LAS VEGAS — Betson Enterprises is proud to announce that President Bob Geschine and former Chairman and CEO Peter Betti have been inducted into the 2025 AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame. The prestigious ceremony took place during the opening night of the Amusement Expo in Las Vegas, celebrating a lifetime of achievement and contributions […]
Splish Splash Water Park unveils new water playground name – Stingray Bay
CALVERTON, N.Y. — Water you waiting for? The summer season is just around the corner at Splish Splash Water Park, as it gears up to open on Saturday, May 24 with its all-new water playground. To celebrate its 35th season and new water play area, the park hosted its first ever naming contest earlier this month for […]
Merlin Entertainments unveils groundbreaking indoor coasters coming to Legoland Florida and Legoland California in 2026
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. CARLSBAD, Calif. — Merlin Entertainments, a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, is excited to reveal a new indoor roller coaster that’s truly out of this world coming to LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND California Resorts! This first-of-its-kind new ride will launch at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND California Resort in 2026. Merlin […]
AAMA announces 2025 category winners at Beers and Cheers
CARY, Ill. — The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 industry awards during the annual Beers and Cheers event, held at AEI on March 19th. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding contributions to the amusement industry, with winners selected by fellow AAMA members. This year’s honorees are: Additionally, the 2025 […]
Huss Park Attractions celebrates opening of Toxicator at Alton Towers Resort
BREMEN, Germany — Huss Park Attractions, the German ride manufacturer, is celebrating the opening of Toxicator at Alton Towers Resort in the UK. Standing at 78 feet high, with a 16-foot elevated platform, the new ride is the highest Top Spin ride of its kind, and the company worked in partnership with Merlin Magic Making […]
The world of movies comes to life again: Movie Park Germany kicks off the new 2025 season in April!
BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — After a short break from production, the world of film at Movie Park Germany is waking up from its winter sleep! Germany’s largest movie and amusement park starts the new season on April 4 and has a colorful mix of entertainment and events on the schedule. “Once again this year, our aim is to […]
Gardaland Resort the 50th season: from Saturday 5 April a journey through tradition and innovation
An extraordinary achievement: 50 years of adventures, emotions and innovation that have made Gardaland Resort an icon of entertainment in Italy and in Europe. Since 1975, it has welcomed millions of visitors, becoming a place where every generation, young and old, has been able to create unforgettable memories. Today, it continues to be the protagonist […]
Kids bowl free at Strikz Entertainment this summer
FRISCO, Texas — If kids in North Texas have any “spare” time this summer, they can head over to Strikz Entertainment every day for two games of free bowling. Strikz Entertainment, North Texas’ premier entertainment venue, is participating in Kids Bowl Free, a program that allows free bowling all summer long to kids ages 14 […]
Coral the giraffe calf reunited with herd
JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure Resort is excited to announce that Coral, the giraffe calf born on December 15th, has been successfully reunited with her family at Wild Safari! After spending some time in a giraffe barn for care and recovery, Coral is now back with her parents, Conan and Mariah, and the rest of […]
Exclusive hard hat tour at Legoland Florida Resort’s Sea Life Aquarium revealed first look at aquarium designed for kids
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Hard hats, steel beams, themed coral and heavy machinery all took center stage at an exclusive hard hat tour of SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort today. This first look at the Resort’s newest addition, opening on May 23, 2025, introduces the world’s first “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience, […]
Newport Aquarium cuts ribbon for new $1.5 million exhibit
NEWPORT, Ky. — The official ribbon cutting for Newport Aquarium’s new exhibit, Jellies: Go with the Flow was held today in partnership with local and state elected officials. The new $1.5 million, 1,700 square foot exhibit represents the first physical expansion of the aquarium in more than 15 years. The space, designed to be a tranquil, […]
Malibu Jack’s will be Texas’ largest indoor theme park when it opens this summer
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — Get ready for an exhilarating experience like no other! Five Star Parks, the largest owner and operator of family entertainment centers in America, is excited to announce the opening of its new Malibu Jack’s location. The world-class indoor theme park, located in the heart of North Richland Hills, TX will […]
FACE Amusement Group receives 2025 Great Place To Work certification
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group today announced that it has received the Great Place to Work recognition for its company for 2025 for the third year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at FACE Amusement Group. “We’re proud to announce that FACE Amusement has earned the Great Place to […]
Edaville Family Theme Park announces a once in a lifetime ride auction on Wednesday, April 30, 2025
CARVER, Mass. — Edaville Family Theme Park today announced it will be hosting a ride auction on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as it prepares for a new exciting era in late 2025. The popular family amusement park is going to be reimagined with many wonderful things to come toward the end of the year. As […]
The Embed Ecosystem: marking a new era in the tech that powers the family entertainment industry
DALLAS, Texas — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, is set to introduce breakthrough innovation updates to its integrated hardware and software solutions at Amusement Expo International in Las Vegas, NV from 19 to 20 March. Like Embed’s award-winning Mobile Wallet virtual game card innovation — […]
Dollywood named to USA Today Top Workplaces 2025
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood Parks & Resorts has added another employment-related award to its list of recent honors by being named a 2025 USA Today Top Workplaces award winner. Dollywood made the list of organizations with more than 2,500 employees. Millions of employees were surveyed to recognize the top organizations across 65 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards. […]
Liseberg comments on the Swedish Accident Investigation Board’s report on the fire at Oceana
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board has concluded the investigation of the fire at Oceana on February 12, 2024 and has today presented its final report. It is a thorough and well-founded report with important lessons for all parties involved. The Accident Investigation Board states in its report that the fire probably started in connection with […]
Queen Bey takes center stage as Madame Tussauds Orlando debuts stunning new Beyoncé wax figure
ORLANDO — Grammy-winning icon Beyoncé is set to make her mark in Orlando with a stunning new wax figure at Merlin Entertainments’ Madame Tussauds Orlando, debuting on March 29 – exactly one year after her groundbreaking album Cowboy Carter. For one evening only, fans will have an exclusive opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the new figure […]
Exciting enhancements coming to Allevity Entertainment
ABERDEEN, S.D. — Allevity Entertainment is excited to announce a major expansion of its offerings, introducing a new sports bar, an upgraded restaurant and menu, and additional arcade games. Since opening in 2020, Allevity has remained committed to delivering a unique “eatertainment” experience in the Aberdeen area. As guest expectations evolve and industry trends shift, […]
Six Flags Great Adventure announces Jeremy Hacker as first Executive Chef in park’s history
JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure is proud to introduce Jeremy Hacker as the park’s first Executive Chef. Chef Hacker’s leadership and culinary expertise marks a new chapter in Six Flags Great Adventure’s commitment to elevating the park’s dining experience. Chef Hacker’s career has been defined by a passion for creating innovative, high-quality dishes at popular establishments […]
Atlanta firm acquires neighboring mall of Elev8 Fun Sanford
The Seminole Towne Center Mall, an enclosed shopping center originally owned by Simon Property Group and later owned and operated by Hollywood-based 4th Dimension Properties, that serves as the first location for Elev8 Fun, has been sold. Atlanta-based “The Ardent Companies”, an asset-management firm with multiple divisions including real estate development, has acquired The Seminole […]
New act set to bring more entertaining energy and excitement To Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — The swashbuckling and adventurous crew from Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge veer slightly off course this spring and find themselves docked in an unknown port in their never-ending search for more treasure. This new experience for the pirates, “South Pacific Celebration,” adds even more excitement and fun to […]
Gilroy Gardens opens 25th Anniversary Celebration this weekend (March 22-23)
GILROY, Calif. — Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park opens on Saturday, March 22, kicking off the park’s 25th Anniversary year with exciting new live musical shows, nostalgic exhibits, fun character meet-and-greets, and specialty food and drinks throughout the park. The Gilroy Gardens 25th Anniversary Celebration includes an energetic “Welcome Party” at the Clubhouse as guests […]
Herschend to acquire Palace Entertainment’s U.S. attractions from Parques Reunidos
ATLANTA, Ga. — Herschend and Parques Reunidos have signed a definitive agreement under which Herschend will acquire all of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. entertainment properties from Parques Reunidos. This agreement represents a significant milestone for both organizations—supporting Herschend’s strategic expansion in family entertainment and hospitality while allowing Parques Reunidos to reinforce its strategic focus on its core European market. “This […]
Ann-Kathrin Mack to become Managing Partner of Europa-Park
Ann-Kathrin Mack, daughter of Marianne and Roland Mack, has been appointed as an additional Managing Partner of Europa-Park. The 35-year-old architect, who has held a leading position in the company for nine years, is already responsible for the Mack Solutions/Construction Management division. In her new role as Managing Partner, she will additionally take on responsibility […]
Universal Orlando Resort unveils official first look inside Universal Epic Universe
ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort is sharing an official first look inside Universal Epic Universe – the destination’s fourth incredible theme park grand opening on May 22, 2025. The new theme park will present a level of immersion and innovation that is unmatched as it unlocks the portals to five astounding worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding […]
Fort Wayne Zoo opens Friday, March 28
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo will kick off its season-long 60th birthday party on Friday, March 28. The season opening festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Entrance Plaza with musical performances and a ribbon cutting at noon with Mayor Sharon Tucker, Zoo Executive Director Rick Schuiteman, and Zoo Board President […]