VANCOUVER, Canada — With IAAPA Expo 2024 completed, WhiteWater reflects on the impact the company’s new products made at the show; receiving two Brass Ring Awards as runners up in the following categories: Best New Product: Class A (over $2M) for Walhalla and Class B (under $2M) for Mini Blaster. In addition to award wins, WhiteWater unveiled more new products this year than in any year prior.

Walhalla—Fastest 6-Person Raft Ride in the World
A fusion between two eye-catching attractions—first, Boomerango and then Manta—Walhalla is a unique 6-person ride that combines the highest climbs, the fastest speeds, and the biggest thrills in WhiteWater’s portfolio.

Showcased at Meryal Waterpark in Lusail, Qatar, the secret to Walhalla’s popularity is that it checks all the boxes:

• Fear-inducing plunge at 11.4 meters (37.4 feet)
• Ludicrous lateral high speed at 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Up to seven exhilarating oscillations
• Maximum Gs and weightless sensations
• An experience to be enjoyed face to face with friends and family
• A viral ride proven to garner over 286 million views from a single Instagram reel

Beyond the thrills, Walhalla is designed to operate with low energy and low water consumption, and therefore, low operating cost for an attraction of this size.

Mini Blaster—Pint-Sized Master Blaster Thrills for Kids
This shrunken down version of the iconic Master Blaster allows children 36 inches (91.4 cm) and taller to enjoy the exciting uphill blasts and stomach-tickling drops of a water coaster, just like the big kids.

Compared to the adult version, Mini Blaster’s accelerations are less abrupt, the speed is at an enjoyable 25 km/h (15.5 mph) versus 48 km/h (30 mph), and the ride duration is shorter, at just over 20 seconds. With the run-out lane intentionally placed at the entrance to the ride, kids can line up to ride again and again for high throughput. This layout and its slide path are also ideal for a park with a very limited available footprint.

The first Mini Blaster opened this past season in the new kids’ area at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels in Texas, who declared, “The ride is a winner to us.”

“The contrast between these award-worthy products couldn’t be greater, but they are both proven to thrill their target audiences,” said Doug Smith, Global Head of Sales. “Kudos to everyone involved for the careful thought and hard work that went into making these attractions a reality.”

Record Number of New Products and Innovations Unveiled
Last year at IAAPA Expo, WhiteWater launched Wall Runner, which will bring a sensational ride experience to Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Tennessee next year, with its first-of-its-kind lateral acceleration that extends the zero-G feeling.

This year, the company revealed the following new products:

Topspin – Embrace the Downward Spiral
The latest addition to WhiteWater’s compact footprint features, Topspin’s high-banking corkscrew descent makes a standout attraction on its own but can also be combined with other features to create a high-thrill slide sure to please guests. It is available either as an open or an enclosed model. Topspin will debut at Parrot Island Waterpark in Arkansas.

Nautilus – Flashiest 90° Turns
Over, under, around, through, Nautilus is a novel way to take 90-degree turns. It makes for an ideal fusion slide because of its adaptability to differing incoming slide paths and speeds. Nautilus is available in two models: one enclosed, and the other with a center opening for a flume-thru-flume slide or even a walkway or crawl-through. Nautilus will also debut at Parrot Island Waterpark in Arkansas.

Slingshot – Rapid Drop and Return
Slingshot gives riders a rapid change of direction for high-banking curves that can be as fun to watch as it is to ride. With an intimidating sawtooth finish, Slingshot’s curves not only heighten the physical presence of any slide but also work well in tight environments where space is a minimum while also helping to contain water effectively. Slingshot will debut at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi.

Covered Boomerango – Outdoor Feature for Indoor Water Park
The iconic zero-G Boomerango wall can now be covered to extend outside the building of an indoor water park. This not only saves precious footprint inside, it also creates an optimal roadside billboard. Covered Boomerango will debut at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Fiesta Slide – Large and In Charge
Simple and irresistible, Fiesta Slide allows up to six adults to slide down an undulated ramp side by side. It is available in varying heights and thrill levels, and its wide surface allows for creative theming or a park’s branding. Fiesta Slide debuted at Evermore Resort in Florida this year and has proven to be a laugh generator.

SmartPay – Flexible Tokenization
SmartPay by Vantage empowers a venue’s customers through shared payment access with their friends and family, e.g. for corporate events or for teenage children, and the ability to set personalized spending limits per person. A smarter way to pay, this feature is perfect for managing charging privileges across groups of guests while providing both security, autonomy, and the opportunity to increase purchases. The first implementation of SmartPay will be at San Antonio Zoo in Texas.

“These awards and new products demonstrate WhiteWater’s continued commitment to providing both unique attractions and clever solutions to serve diverse market needs,” said Onno Meeter, WhiteWater’s President, Water Parks. “As we head into 2025, we are excited to bring these new innovations to life.”

Lake Compounce is making spirts bright all week long as it continues its Holiday Lights tradition. Beginning today, Giving Tuesday, America’s First Amusement Park will donate one 2025 Single Day Ticket for every 2025 Season Pass sold on December 3 to the Alzheimer’s Association of CT.  

The park is currently offering up to $70 off on 2025 Season Passes during its Cyber Week Sale. Select passes include FREE admission to Holiday Lights and bonus perks like free friend tickets, free soda, free parking and more.  

The park’s week of giving continues with the most paw-tastic time of the year at Lake Compounce as the park hosts its annual Pawliday Lights this Sunday, December 8. Families and their furry family members are invited to the park to join in the joy of the season from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Those that bring pet food, toys, or treats to the park as a donation to the Meriden Humane Society will receive one free 2025 Single Day Ticket to enjoy the park any one day next summer. The Meriden Humane Society will also be at the park throughout the day with adoptable dogs for those looking to add to the family this holiday season.  

Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce runs weekends now through December 29 with a bonus day on Thursday, December 26. The timeless holiday tradition features more than 500,000 lights, meet and greets with Santa, a variety of family friendly rides, CT’s Tallest Christmas Tree, festive foods and more. 

SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari will be celebrating its 25th anniversary of Free Unlimited Soft Drinks throughout the 2025 season. The park is launching an art contest for youth aged 5 to 12 to commemorate this milestone. Five winners will be selected by the Holiday World team, who will each receive two Season Passes for the 2025 season and inspire the artwork for Holiday World’s 2025 souvenir cups.

“25 years ago, I thought introducing Free Unlimited Soft Drinks was crazy,” said park President & CEO Matt Eckert. “It turned out to be a genius, creative idea that showed how passionate we are about delivering an exceptional Guest experience. We’re excited to invite our young fans to use their creativity with us now.” 

The winning art will be showcased on Holiday World’s official website and their social media accounts. Entrants must be between the ages of 5 and 12 at the time of submission and use the official template found on the Holiday World Website. Parental or legal guardian consent is mandatory, and participants must be residents of Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio, or Missouri. The final date to submit is January 6, 2025. More submission details and full contest rules can be found at HolidayWorld.com/cupdesign.

“Free Unlimited Soft Drinks put Holiday World on the map 25 years ago,” adds Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Fourth-Generation Owner and Director of Communications. “My dad, Will Koch, was a brilliant visionary who dreamed it up. Even after a quarter of a century, people still can’t believe we really offer every Guest free soda, water, lemonade, and more!” 

Sacoa Cashless System is proud to announce its latest installation at Coool! by Kiddieland, the first of its kind in Germany. Located in the Mercaden Böblingen shopping mall, this brand-new entertainment venue is redefining the game room experience with cutting-edge technology and exceptional design.

At the heart of this transformation is Sacoa’s state-of-the-art technology, featuring the EZ Kiosk, the industry’s FIRST self-contained and self-installed cashless payment server system which helps reduce labor, storage, and general server costs.

With an area of 300 sq. meters Coool! Arena is a true, all-in-one entertainment destination, specifically designed to enhance the shopping mall experience, which had its grand opening last November. Kiddieland, together with Sacoa, has transformed the space from the ground up in record time, creating a vibrant environment that promises endless fun for visitors of all ages.

“We are very happy with the system. It works reliably, it’s less work with the logistic of the coins, etc. The people like it very much as well,” said Eline Hutten, owner of Kiddieland.

Discover a new era of family entertainment at Coool!, where Sacoa’s pioneering technology meets fun.

The staff at Amusement Today wants to wish you and yours a happy Thanksgiving holiday!

So our staff can celebrate the upcoming holiday with their families, the AT offices will be closed November 28 to December 1, 2024. They will reopen on Monday, December 2. EXTRA! EXTRA! Your Desktop Edition will not be published on November 27 through November 29, 2024. It will resume normal publication beginning Monday, December 2.

Thank you and we hope you have fantastic holiday!

WILDWOOD, N.J. — Morey’s Piers, a premier amusement destination on the Jersey Shore, is excited to announce an exhilarating upgrade to one of its most beloved attractions, The Great White. In preparation for the 2025 season, this iconic wooden roller coaster will be receiving brand new coaster trains, along with other enhancements designed to improve the rider experience.

A fan favorite for nearly three decades, The Great White is known for its dramatic drops and scenic seaside views. This classic wooden coaster will soon offer an even smoother ride thanks to the addition of two new Millennium Flyer trains from Great Coasters International, Inc. (GCII), a leading expert in wooden roller coaster design and engineering based in Sunbury, PA.

The new Millennium Flyer trains feature twelve 2-passenger cars, each supported by a single axle. This innovative axle configuration allows the trains to more fluidly adapt to the track’s curves, reducing the lateral “shuffling” associated with the previous train design. With these new trains, riders can expect a smoother, more exhilarating ride along The Great White’s track.

Stay tuned for more updates and special events this summer as we celebrate The Great White‘s exciting return.

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain — Located in the Basque Country, the original Wavegarden Cove prototypehas recently been transformed and extended to provide an increased variety of waves and new design features to ensure thorough testing of the upgraded technology before commercial use. The full-sized prototype had been pivotal in modelling the leading wave generation technology that makes waves successfully at eight commercial facilities worldwide. However, its small footprint had placed limits on research and development. Until now.

“We have been redesigning and rebuilding the demo center by extending the existing wave generator to produce longer ride times of up to 14 seconds and larger waves up to 2.2m high. We have improved the take-off and end sections, created a 7-second barrel, and new air sections,” said Josema Odriozola, Founder and CEO of Wavegarden. “We adjusted the bathymetry, updated the areas along the shoreline, added glass panels behind the take-off area, and removed some unnecessary walls to provide a more natural environment and improve the aesthetics.”

With investment in a surf park currently running between 15 million and 30 million euros, there is zero room for error when it comes to the construction and provision of technology at new facilities. With the Wavegarden Lab being the first private, full-size test center for the R&D of artificial wave generation in the industry, it means every possible component of the civil works are tested. With a continuous cycle of waves that can run 24/7, the engineers can test the mechanical parts, water treatment, filtration, coating and cleaning systems and changes in bathymetry. This makes Wavegarden Lab the most advanced R&D centre for artificial wave generation technology.

The transformation has aided the development of the world’s best artificial waves. Extensive computer modelling and scale model R&D over several years has dramatically increased the flexibility. The left and right sides of the Wavegarden lagoon can now work independently, without increasing the energy consumption per wave This means that Wavegarden’s technology can now be delivered with single or double sides and can be adapted to any shape and size of lagoon.

A significant advancement in the technology is the ability to program solitary waves every 15–30 seconds throughout the entire duration of a session, instead of grouping them in sets with 7-8 second intervals.

The Wavegarden Lab has also introduced a new Reef that has improved the Turn, Barrel and Air waves. For the turn mode, this means adding a close-out section, where a surfer can choose between finishing with a foam, a lip or a small barrel section. The steepness of the take-off can now be adjusted. A less vertical face makes it easier for beginners to pop up and enjoy the wave. The barrels are easy to read as there is an ideal balance between width, or throatiness of the tube, and power. There is now a constant speed grower mode, a heavier bowl with a turn set up and a slab-style wave, where surfers can backdoor the peak. Finally, the air sections have been boosted with different launch pads for specific manoeuvres like alley-oop and double aerials. The result is the most varied wave menu of any wave pool.

Of course, a world-class testing facility needs world-class surfers to test the waves. The Wavegarden Lab is located an hour’s drive from the surfing epicentres of Hossegor and Mundaka, and just 10 minutes from the Basque Coast. Some of the world’s best surfers were in France this September for the Quiksilver Festival, directed by Miky Picon. The break in the waves during the competition brought Kelly Slater, Kai Lenny, Shane Dorian, Bobby Martinez and many other surfers to the freshly renovated demo centre. They were joined by Olympic gold medallist Kauli Vaast, and a line-up of electrifying talents including Leo Fioravanti, Coco Ho, Mateus Herdy, Jackson Dorian, Noah Beschen, Milla Brown, and local surfers Kai and Hans Odriozola.

“I was really impressed,” said Kelly Slater after surfing for three hours and landing some huge alley-oops. “There are a lot of options and variability in the designs.” Although Slater has his own wave-making technology, he didn’t hold back from sharing his thoughts on Wavegarden’s new waves. “What we need most in wave pool design is ideas and people constantly working on them.” With surfing in the Olympics, facilities like this are even more relevant for the future. For example, Italian CT surfer and Olympian Leo Fioravanti has made regular visits in the past months to train and refine his repertoire of aerials, such as the Stale Fish, Backflip, and higher Alley Oops. Training is enhanced by a replay screen located at the take-off and CheckMySurf, the automatic recording system that captures every wave ridden.

Hawaiian surfer Noah Beschen pushed new limits and landed a slob full-rotation. “When you get such a good air section, you don’t even think about what you’re doing; you just go for it,” said Beschen after the session. Brazilian pro Mateus Herdy worked with technicians to design his own double air wave. Kai Odriozola, one of Europe’s outstanding surfing talents, landed his first backflip ever, surprising even himself, before landing another one on the very next wave.

The benefits from the sessions worked both ways. The surfers could operate in a private, controlled environment with cutting-edge technology that allows them to work on new training methods and raise their performance. For The Wavegarden Lab, who better to test and provide feedback on its new settings and waves than the best surfers in the world?

While the center remains the headquarters for the company’s R&D operations, where new innovations are constantly tested prior to commercial implementation, The Wavegarden Lab promises to be a venue where surfers will hone their skills, and many more epic sessions will unfold.

Wavegarden is the first company to have its own dedicated R&D facility for artificial wave generation and high performance surfing technologies and with 8 other surf parks operating successfully around the world, 10 projects currently under construction and over 50 projects in the development phase, Wavegarden remains the undisputed leader in the industry.

ORLANDO — Madame Tussauds Orlando has revealed its newest wax figure: global soccer legend Lionel Messi, celebrating his iconic legacy and recent arrival in Florida.

The reveal coincides with Messi’s latest move to the United States, where he continues to leave an indelible mark on the soccer world with Inter Miami CF.

Messi, frequently hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is depicted in his Inter Miami CF kit, embodying the spirit and passion he brings to the pitch. The figure captures Messi in mid-celebration, his arms bent and fingers pointing skyward—a tribute to his late grandmother who inspired much of his career. This iconic and deeply personal pose reflects his gratitude and remembrance with every goal scored.

Throughout his outstanding career, Messi has secured multiple accolades, including eight Ballon d’Or awards, leading Argentina to a 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, and clinching the Copa America title in both 2021 and 2024. At FC Barcelona, he became the all-time leading scorer, a testament to his skill and dedication. Now in Major League Soccer, Messi continues to captivate fans with his unmatched skills and leadership, enhancing the sport’s appeal across North America.

“Having Messi join us in Orlando is a monumental moment for soccer fans and sports culture in the region,” said Head of Marketing at Madame Tussauds Orlando Michelle Daniels. “His figure is an extraordinary addition to the sports icons immortalized here and we’re excited to see his fans interact with the figure.” 

The debut was celebrated by soccer enthusiasts at Madame Tussauds Orlando. Fans were invited for an exclusive first look to snap photos with the life-like representation of their soccer hero. 

DALLAS, Texas — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, sets a new bar at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida— holding an industry-first, TED Talk-style Embed Connect Summit as a testament to Embed’s customer-centricity and commitment to layering value for members of the Embed family, with peer- to-peer knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas before stepping on the IAAPA trade show floor, topped off with Embed’s annual after-party.

Embed Connect Summit
To kick off the IAAPA week, Embed hosted its premier Embed Connect Summit a day before IAAPA at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games to bring the industry’s best FEC operators, mavericks, and fun crusaders together: “We’re so humbled with the amazing turnout at our first-ever Embed Connect Summit exclusive to members of the Embed family of FECs!” shares Renee Welsh, CEO at Embed. “The participants had different reasons for attending, and everyone enjoyed the fantastic keynote speakers, freebies from our Bonus Bar, breakout sessions covering tips & tricks to maximise their Embed system, all-day complimentary food and beverages, and the magic of networking with the industry’s best of the best.”

Attendees learned from a wide range of topics—from Creating “Popsicle Moments” with Service Innovations in Hospitality (Darren Ross, TEDx Talks Speaker & Chief Executive at Service Freak Hospitality), Getting Big Savings and Cutting Losses on Payment Processing Systems (Mitchell Thompson, Enterprise Sales Manager at Windcave with Embed’s Payment Gateway Guru Jeremy Dickamore), to Tech & Sociological Trends in Media & Entertainment, Sports & Games (Jeff Zabel, Strategic Business Development – Immersive Experiences at Amazon Web Services).

The cross-pollination of ideas and best practices sharing also covered how to leverage the Embed system with key strategies for revenue growth and cashing in on cashless with Mobile Wallet adoption- to-advantage journey, with Sara Paz (Embed’s CMO & Growth Officer). And no training event is complete without the industry’s training and coaching icon, Beth Standlee (Founder and CEO of TrainerTainment and President of the AAMA Board of Directors) closing the grand event.

CMO & Growth Officer Sara Paz says: “The Embed family got to enjoy complimentary payment processing consultations, free GoTrain™ staff training, limited-time offers on SaaS solutions, Embed eSHOP access, and free game cards and wearables at our Bonus Bar. This is all thanks to the dedicated Embed Success Squad™— consultants, industry experts, payment gateway gurus, training professionals, and SaaS experts—who painstakingly work to continue layering value to our solutions so customers can maximise their Embed system for transformational growth.”

The Embed team helmed the Embed Family Speed Networking session where operators can rub elbows and knowledge transfer with industry giants like Dave & Buster’s, tech partners, and industry partners.

“It’s the first Embed Connect Summit, and for their first, it was world-class with excellent speakers — an exceptional event! I know the amount of work that goes into these types of events, so ‘WELL DONE, Embed!’ It was a balanced educational Summit of info you need about the Embed system and digital tech market trends (AWS), and TEDx Talk speaker and service expert. And the focus was on me, the customer,” shares Bo Summers of Red Apple Bowling Center. This event will not be possible without Embed’s network of strategic partners who sponsored every element and touchpoint: AWS and Windcave (Title Sponsors); MTL and OPP IOT (Silver Sponsors); Cirtronix, DFI, and Redyref (Bronze Sponsors); and InterGame, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, The Events Network, Sugar Pop Productions, Alpha Graphics, and Kobe Creations (Supporting Sponsors).

To continue the momentum started at the Embed Connect Summit, Embed conducted complimentary payment processing consultations on the show floor, helping operators cut costs on their fluctuating card processing fees and take advantage of the savings they can get by simply changing their payment provider. Payment Gateway Guru Jeremy Dickamore says: “We’re so privileged to be trusted by our operators to analyse their bank statements and see how we can help them avoid losing 40% of their revenue to payment processing fees. Our mission is to raise awareness in the industry that ‘thinking twice’ about their current rates will get them bigger savings for future expansions.”

Embed also showcased its roster of integrated hardware and software solutions, like the award- winning Mobile Wallet, the new smartTOUCH+, KIOSK+, BOOKINGS, STATS business intelligence dashboard powered by AWS, and its full range of game cards and wearable media at the Embed Bling Trunk. Prospects and customers enjoyed demos over drinks at daily Happy Hour events at the booth, plus unlocking IAAPA-exclusive offers with their visit.

Embed Mavericks capped IAAPA Day 1 with an after-party at long-time customer venue, Dave & Buster’s, sharing good food, drinks, trade secrets, and good times with members of the Embed family, new customers, prospects, friends, and industry partners. Catch the Embed team next at the EAG International Expo from January 14 to 16, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.