Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in revenue management solutions, is making a significant mark this May with its presence at six international trade shows across three continents.

Representatives from Sacoa’s offices will be available to share insights and expertise at the following events:

• Roller Skating Show 2024, May 5-9th, 2024 | Orlando, USA | Booth #511
• Saudi Entertainment & Amusement Expo (SEA) 2024, May 7-9th, 2024 | Riyadh, Saudi | Booth #3C-351
• FIJMA 2024, May 7-9th, 2024 | Madrid, Spain | Booth #A30
• Sindepat Summit 2024, May 08-10 | Foz do Iguazu, Brazil
• Asia Amusement & Attractions Expo (AAA) 2024, May 10-12th, 2024 | Guangzhou, China
• IAAPA Expo Asia 2024, May 28-30th, 2024 | Bangkok, Thailand | Booth #756

This remarkable presence underscores Sacoa’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to amusement, entertainment, and leisure operators worldwide.

SAN DIMAS, Calif. — Raging Waters Los Angeles, California’s Largest Water Park, is set to open on Saturday, May 18, debuting numerous parkwide enhancements aimed to make the visitor experience even more thrilling and chilling. After more than 40 years of providing Southern California with summertime memories, the water park has gone through a parkwide facelift including a new entry experience, more seating, upgraded Wi-Fi, upgraded cabanas and so much more.

“As we head into my first full year as Raging Waters Los Angeles’ General Manager, we wanted to touch every part of the park that we could in the off-season to welcome our guests with numerous new experiences,” said Donald Spiller, general manager, Raging Waters Los Angeles. “From the moment you enter, ride and dine, guests are invited to choose their own adventure – from the chilling to the thrilling – and will be reminded at every touchpoint why Raging Waters is everybody’s favorite spot to soak up summer fun.”

 What’s New at Raging Waters Los Angeles:

• Renewed Entry Experience – Upon entering guests will be welcomed by a brand-new, wide open entry experience. The park will offer more improvements including upgraded metal detectors and a streamlined tram system to seamlessly move guests from the parking lot to the Main Gate.
• Refreshed food stands – The delicious and beloved Sharkey’s and Funnel Cake & Ice Cream food and beverage locations have been outfitted with an all-new look featuring a new Sharkey, and fresh paint on both buildings.  
• Upgraded Cabanas – The 61 cabanas throughout the park will be equipped with new furniture for guests to relax on in between rides; and safes to offer visitors peace of mind when leaving their cabanas to experience the park. The 24 cabanas in front of Splash Island will be equipped with new eco-conscious and water-saving turf.
• Upgraded Wi-Fi System – Thrill-seekers can access the upgraded Wi-Fi system throughout the park making mobile food orders and riding more rides via H2GO even easier.
• And so much more …

Rated one of the top ten water parks in the nation for the summer 2024 season by Newsweek (source: newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-outdoor-water-park), Raging Waters Los Angeles will open for the season on Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m. With over 50 rides, slides and attractions from the high thrills of Aqua Rocket to the big drop from Bombs Away, this 60-acre Southern California water park is a timeless summer tradition. The whole family is invited to enjoy a wide variety of tube and body slides ranging from mild to wild, a 30,000-square-foot water playground, a one-million-gallon wave pool and a lazy river.

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wisc. — The countdown to summer is officially underway, as Noah’s Ark Waterpark opens its gates in just one month. After being named the top Best Outdoor Waterpark by Newsweek earlier this month, America’s Largest Waterpark promises an unforgettable experience for guests in 2024. The Wisconsin Dells staple is gearing up for Memorial Day weekend, and visitors can expect a wave of new dining options, extended hours and exciting events in addition to the more than 50 attractions. 

Embracing Wisconsin’s cheesemaking heritage, the park is introducing the all-new Wisconsin Cheese Stand, offering a mouthwatering selection of cheesy delights. The stand will feature locally sourced cheese curds from Water’s Edge Cheese Curds, winner of both the Wisconsin and Minnesota Cheese Curd of the Year Awards and has been featured in Man vs. Food and Food Paradise. Menu items include Mozzarella Wedges, Garlic Cheese Curds and rotating cheesy menu features by Kahuna Wave Pool. 

“2024 is shaping up to be a big year here at America’s Largest Waterpark,” Noah’s Ark General Manager Christopher Mortensen said. “This season, our guests are in for a summer of thrills and tasty delights as we add renowned Wisconsin cheese to our menu. We wanted to celebrate the cheesy traditions of Wisconsin by bringing a variety of cheesy treats to Noah’s Ark. The Wisconsin Cheese Stand is the perfect addition to our lineup of delicious dining options you can find throughout the park.” 

In addition to the Wisconsin Cheese Stand, Paradise Funnel Cake will join the culinary lineup, satisfying guests’ sweet cravings with every bite. For those looking to quench their thirst, the park will introduce refreshing new drink options, including cocktails, mules, mojitos, margaritas and dessert martinis, providing the perfect refreshment on a summer day at the waterpark near Guest Services. 

Noah’s Ark has been hard at work during the winter months, upgrading several attractions to elevate the guest experience. The Dells’ first-of-its-kind slide, Chameleon returns with even more dazzle, featuring new music, light shows, and brighter lights for an exhilarating ride. Meanwhile, the Paradise Ziplines have been updated for an adrenaline-pumping adventure and the Congo Bongo family raft ride shines new after receiving a fresh coat of paint this spring. 

The fun continues all summer with a full slate of fan-favorite events returning for 2024, like Father’s Day Flop, Kids Fest, Sunday Fundays and Salute to Heroes, promising fun-filled memories for the whole family. With so much to offer, Noah’s Ark Waterpark invites guests to dive into an unforgettable summer adventure Memorial Day Weekend, starting May 25. Daily operations begin May 30 and run through Labor Day. 

CARLSBAD, Calif. — LEGOLAND California Resort, operated by Merlin Entertainments, reveals new costume characters for North America’s First LEGO World Parade, set to launch this summer. The parade will feature a vibrant cast of five costume characters, each bringing their unique LEGO charm to their floats along with more than 50 entertainers who will dance and march along as the Parade makes its way through the west side of the Park.

• Fire Chief Freya: Leading the parade on a LEGO City Firetruck float, Fire Chief Freya is a brave and dedicated firefighter who embodies the spirit of heroism.
• Scuba Diver: This fearless explorer of the ocean depths is ready to share her underwater adventures with guests while aboard the LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure inspired float. Her vibrant costume and engaging personality will add a wave of excitement to the festivities, and she may even bring along some underwater friends!
• Scallywag Pirate: Next, prepare to set sail with the Scallywag Pirate, a swashbuckling adventurer who’s ready to bring a dash of high-seas excitement to the Parade on his treasure-seeking pirate ship float. With his charismatic charm and pirate swagger, he’s sure to make a splash.
• Lloyd: Joining the lineup is Lloyd the ninja who will stealthily make his way through the Parade aboard an impressive LEGO NINJAGO Dragon float. Known for his agility and bravery, Lloyd is a favorite among LEGO NINJAGO fans and is sure to add an element of mystery and excitement to the lineup.
• Hopsy: Hopsy, the bright red LEGO DUPLO bunny, will hop along at the tail end of the Parade on the LEGO DUPLO inspired float. Hopsy’s playful energy will captivate the hearts and imaginations of the theme park’s youngest guests.
• LEGO Friends: In addition, a LEGO Friends inspired float will make its way ahead of Hopsy, spreading friendship, fun and togetherness through the love of imagination!

In honor of LEGOLAND California’s 25^th birthday, Fire Chief Freya, Scuba Diver, Scallywag Pirate, Lloyd and Hopsy will star in The LEGO World Parade with an all-new original soundtrack that will have visitors bopping along throughout the summer.

The Parade will be the perfect finale to a day spent riding, climbing, splashing, and building throughout the theme park’s 60+ rides, shows, and attractions.

LONDON, U.K. — Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, today proudly unveils an electrifying partnership with U.S. and UK-based media company Wheelhouse. The partnership will bring together Merlin’s iconic attractions with Wheelhouse’s creative and production expertise to create a range of entertainment content, including original non-scripted TV programmes that entertain and inspire audiences of all ages across the globe.

The partnership will leverage Merlin’s expertise in creating immersive and engaging experiences for millions of guests across its 140+ attractions spanning 23 countries globally, which includes more iconic landmarks than any other entertainment destinations company, alongside Wheelhouse’s talent in developing and producing compelling content for television and other platforms. The partnership will explore the potential of Merlin’s renowned brands, such as SEA LIFE and others from its iconic Gateway Attractions brand portfolio including the London Eye and Warwick Castle, as well as its famous locations, such as Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Chessington World of Adventures Resort to develop exciting TV programmes that will span a diverse range of genres, including reality, documentary and game show, promising something for every viewer’s taste.

Led by Founder and CEO Brent Montgomery, Wheelhouse is behind original hit series for Netflix, Hulu and Max, as well as a wide variety of U.S. cable and broadcast networks. Prior to launching Wheelhouse, Montgomery was CEO of ITV America, which produces international hits including “Hell’s Kitchen”, “Queer Eye” and “Alone”.

Glenn Hugill (Deal or No Deal, The Mole), Wheelhouse chief content officer and president of the company’s UK division, will drive and oversee the Wheelhouse-Merlin slate.

In addition, the Merlin-Wheelhouse collaboration will integrate talent and digital strategies through Wheelhouse DNA – the company’s creator-focused division – and its talent-management arm Additive Creative. The partnership is also expected to create synergies and strengthen brand awareness for both parties through strategic cross-promotion, offering audiences an immersive entertainment experience like never before.

Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments said: “Currently our guests have to come visit us in person to enjoy the immersiveness of our 140+ theme parks and attractions in 89 cities around the world, but our ambition is to amplify how we bring joy, create connections and make memories for even more than the 62 million guests who visited us in 2023. Through creative innovation and storytelling, our partnership with Wheelhouse will allow us to bring a new dimension to our stories, characters and IP on the largest platforms in the world: TV and entertainment programming. Wheelhouse understands and loves our brands as much as we do, and our partnership will help to create entertaining TV programmes that spotlight our diversity of experiences to iconic landmarks.”

CEO of Wheelhouse, Brent Montgomery, said: “It’s a great privilege to develop a roster of new programming around Merlin’s world-famous and iconic attractions, and we’re eager to deploy Wheelhouse’s full arsenal of creative and business capabilities in this partnership,” said Montgomery. “This is what we’ve built Wheelhouse to do, and with Merlin the possibilities are endless; we’re excited to get to work.”

MAITLAND, Fla. — Ellis & Associates, Inc. (E&A), the world leader in aquatic safety since 1983, is proud to announce the promotion of two key members of the office leadership team as well as a new Director of Operations for Jeff Ellis Management (JEM), the E&A company that provides full aquatic facility management for leading resorts, cruise lines, municipalities and leisure destinations utilizing the highly regarded comprehensive aquatic risk management program provided only by E&A.

Brandy Mobley has served E&A for more than 20 years holding increasingly responsible positions ranging from inventory and invoicing to payroll and human resources compliance. In her new role of Director of Human Resources, Brandy will continue to maximize office efficiency and seamlessly continue to facilitate company grown by providing resources for more than 100 fulltime and 600 seasonal employees.

Nicole Pisarri joined E&A in 2021 and went right to work implementing processes to ensure the growing company manages invoicing and billing in a way that delivers impeccable service for both our Clients and our vendors. As E&A has grown, Nicole filled a critical role leading to her promotion to Director of Business and Finance. Both Brandy and Nicole serve all Ellis & Associates, Inc. business entities including Jeff Ellis Management, Ellis Aquatic Innovations, Ellis Education Services and Jeff Ellis Swimming.

“I can’t thank Brandy and Nicole enough for their service,” said Ellis & Associates VP of Business and Finance, Jonathan Hartman. “These two professionals have significantly improved our business operations and efficiency.”

Bethany Brown, a seven year E&A team member who began her aquatics industry career as a lifeguard, has been promoted to Director of Operations for Jeff Ellis Management (JEM). Bethany has successfully held increasingly responsible roles within JEM including leading all aspects of facility operations as Manager of the Aulani resort aquatic facilities. In 2022 her role in the company expanded to include traveling to JEM locations across the country providing leadership, direction and training.

“Bethany has become an invaluable member of the Jeff Ellis Management leadership team,” said JEM Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Jerica Cyr. “Her depth of experience and passion for our commitment to safety and operational excellence make her highly effective in her new role.”

“I am incredibly proud of Brandy, Nicole and Bethany,” added Ellis & Associates Founder and CEO, Jeff Ellis. “Every member of the E&A team is dedicated to continually improving aquatic safety and we, as a company, are dedicated to elevating and advancing those that live our commitment every day. Well done, team!”

WEST ALLIS, Wisc. — As the year-long 100^th Anniversary Celebration of the iconic Cream Puff continues, the Wisconsin State Fair and Original Cream Puffs are proud to unveil the newly imagined Original Cream Puff brand, just 100 days away from the best 11 days of the summer – Wisconsin State Fair, August 1-11, 2024.

The Cream Puff is one of the most popular food items among attendees at the State Fair and there is no better way to celebrate than to highlight this Wisconsin staple 100 days until the Wisconsin State Fair.

The Original Cream Puffs’ refreshed brand showcases a sophisticated feel while encompassing a historical dairy feel, pulling fonts and colors from the history of milkmen and vintage farm signage. The new logo symbolizes Cream Puff’s rich history while looking forward to the future. To celebrate Original Cream Puff’s 100^th Anniversary, this year’s logo features a “100 Years of Delicious” addition near the bottom right-hand corner. Fairgoers will see this new brand and logo rolled out across the State Fair Park this year.

Fairgoers are encouraged to count down the final 100 days until it’s time to dig into Cream Puffs once again. Don’t miss out on the last chance to save $5 on State Fair admission tickets and unbeatable prices on Cream Puff 6-packs. Save big with all deals available at WiStateFair.com.

Sacoa is proud to announce the successful installation of its cashless PlayCard system in Sould Park’s latest venture, Sould Park Game, located in the Rosaleda Shopping Center in Malaga, Spain.

Miguel Angel Notario, CEO of Sould Park Corporate, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “We are very happy to have Sacoa’s collaboration to carry out this new Game project; working with them is a pleasure. For more than 10 years, they have been providing us with their products and customized solutions, according to the specific needs of each of our FECs.”

Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International, expressed his gratitude: “Sacoa Cashless System is used in more than 20 Sould Park stores in Spain and Portugal. We are delighted to be part of the growth of the industry and support Miguel and his great team in all their endeavors.”

The newly inaugurated Sould Park Game covers an area of 600 square meters and features an arcade area with various games and attractions, as well as immersive, virtual reality experiences.

ST. LOUIS — Intercard, which has been bringing its leading amusement technology to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for more than 25 years, will exhibit at the sixth Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo in Riyadh on May 7-9, 2024.

Intercard’s CEO Scott Sherrod and Alberto Borrero, senior vice-president of international sales, will be at the show in booth #2B141. They’ll be showing the company’s popular technology including the iQ reader, which will make its debut in the KSA market.

“The increasing acceptance of the QR (quick response) code world-wide prompted us to introduce our iQ readers and kiosks that read QR codes,” says Sherrod, “setting the new standard for unattended amusement center payment technology.”

The iQ reader can scan customer presented QR codes for payment and redemption point collection. This will enable customers to use mobile devices or printed receipts instead of play cards to active games, reducing costs for route operators and owners of unattended arcades.

Intercard’s other new products include an iTeller PlusXL kiosk for water parks, trampoline parks and other active attractions that dispenses wristbands. Guests can use it to buy gate passes, timed play and package deals in addition to arcade play. It improves customer throughput and frees up staff for other tasks.

Visitors can find out why leading family entertainment centers in the KSA and around the world rely on Intercard for innovative and dependable payment and management technology that boosts revenues and improves customer service.

“Intercard has been working in Saudi Arabia since 1997 when Adventure Land opened up in Jeddah. Since then Intercard has been installed in over 500 amusement centers in Saudi Arabia,” says Borrero. “Intercard’s innovations and renowned customer service have made its technology the most used in the KSA and the MENA region. Our forward-thinking customers in KSA, including Al Hokair, Al Othaim, Abdullah Fouad, Al Mogren and SALA Entertainment have always been receptive to innovative technology that makes doing business easier.”