FACE Amusement Group welcomes David Knight as Vice President of Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group, a leading operator of entertainment experiences and hospitality brands across the United States, today announced the appointment of David Knight as vice president of Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown. In partnership with famed chef, author and Emmy Award–winning television personality Guy Fieri, Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown is a 43,000-square-foot, immersive family entertainment destination designed to […]
Pop superstar Bebe Rexha, Grammy award-winning DJ and producer Zedd and more to headline Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2026 Celebration

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to let the good times roll from February 7 through April 4, 2026 with the return of the fan-favorite event, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. This year’s celebration will feature a spectacular parade that pays homage to The Big Easy, a selection of more than 40 mouth-watering […]
IB Parks & Entertainment to operate Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park beginning with the 2026 Season

ROSSVILLE, Ga. — IB Parks & Entertainment, a leading operator of family-oriented theme parks and attractions, announced today that it has acquired the rights to operate Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park under a long-term commitment, beginning with the 2026 season. The agreement reflects a shared focus on preserving the park’s heritage while ensuring its continued success for generations to […]
Play Playground Nashville offers mocktails, large-scale games for Dry January

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Play Playground, Nashville’s most playful social game experience and rooftop lounge located just off Broadway, invites guests to embrace Dry January with a focus on movement and connection. As a spirited alternative to traditional bars and nightlife, the destination features more than 20 larger-than-life physical games and a curated lineup of zero-proof […]
TEA and IAAPA announce collaborative partnership to bring themed entertainment and attractions industry professionals together in the Middle East

BURBANK, Calif. — Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the association for the global community of creators, innovators, and fabricators of themed experiences, and IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry today announced a collaborative partnership uniting two incredible industry experiences in the Middle East. For the first time, TEA’s signature global program SATE (Storytelling + Architecture + Technology = […]
Six Flags dominates USA TODAY 10Best Awards with Five of 10 Best New Theme Park Attractions of 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, is starting the new year with a major win: five of its new rides have been named among the Top 10 Best New Theme Park Attractions of 2026 in the USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. The winners include: Four additional Six Flags attractions earned nominations, […]
Blue Man Group returns to Orlando with new home at ICON Park May 1, 2026

ORLANDO — Blue Man Group is bringing back their multi-sensory theatrical experience to Orlando with a new resident production at ICON Park. Audiences will rock, laugh and party as the bald and blue trio explore the world through music, movement and cutting-edge technology, delivering a high-energy celebration of creativity and connection that engages guests of all […]
Bricks and Giggles

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Just in time for spring break and summer vacation planning, LEGOLAND California Resort announces its lineup of NEW and returning attractions, events and experiences for 2026. From the landmark opening of LEGO Galaxy, to the return of iconic experiences like LEGO Festival and Brick-or-Treat, there has never been a better year to visit LEGOLAND California […]
SeaWorld Orlando announces the return of “Inside Look,” featuring all-new behind-the-scenes Animal Care Experiences

ORLANDO — SeaWorld Orlando just announced the return of the park’s highly-anticipated Inside Look program. It’s an annual experience that brings guests behind-the-scenes to learn more about animal care at one of the world’s leading zoological organizations. Guests will be able to visit places and meet people who care for SeaWorld’s animals every day and […]
SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando offer 2026 Preschool Cards for free admission all year long

SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando are pleased to be offering their FREE Preschool Card. This card provides unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando through Dec. 31, 2026 to Florida preschool children ages 3 to 5. Registration for the SeaWorld Orlando + Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card is now open for a limited time. Parents […]
Martin Shapiro 1936-2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Martin Shapiro. Marty passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2026. Marty has touched the lives of thousands of people during his years in the amusement business. Dr. Martin Shapiro was a chiropractor who, when he graduated, was voted most likely to succeed. However, he […]
TEA announces new International Board President-elect

BURBANK, Calif. — TEA’s, the Themed Entertainment Association, membership has elected Stephen Thomas Cavit as president-elect of the TEA International Board of Directors. Cavit will assume the role of presidency beginning 1 January 2027 and will lead the global association’s Board and strategic focus of supporting the themed entertainment industry through education, community, and connection. Cavit began to […]
Family Entertainment Group’s Prizes with Purpose delivers over 2,000 holiday gifts to children

ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group (FEG) today announced the results of its 2025 Prizes with Purpose campaign, a holiday initiative that empowers guests to give back by donating Prize Tickets in support of children and families in need. From November 28 through December 15, guests across FEG’s nationwide network donated more than 2.6 million Prize […]
EXTRA! EXTRA! The January 2026 issue is now available!

In this issue:
“From Cold Waters To Warm Care” — a SeaWorld turtle rescue story

We’ve taken in 14 critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. The turtles were flown (by volunteer pilots) from Cape Cod (New England area) to Orlando after being “cold-stunned.” SeaWorld Orlando is providing medical care and rehabilitation before we can release them back to warmer waters. Multiple partners were involved in this rescue.
SeaWorld Orlando rings in tradition with the return of the Three Kings Celebration

Join SeaWorld Orlando in this joyous celebration, where the park becomes a festive haven for families to create lasting memories and embrace the magic of Three Kings’ Day. Dive into the vibrant tapestry of Latin cultures as SeaWorld Orlando proudly honors the age-old tradition of the Three Wise Men, offering an extraordinary celebration complete with […]
Electrocoin brings Intercard’s latest cashless technology to UK’s EAG Show 2026

ST. LOUIS — Electrocoin, Intercard’s UK distributor, will be at the 2026 EAG show at stand D46 in London January 13-15, 2026. They will showcase the Impulse Tap, the iTeller PlusXL kiosk and other great Intercard products. Visitors can learn why trend-setting UK amusement venues like Lane 7 rely on Intercard for innovative and dependable […]
DOF Robotics announces $20 million neocappadocia investment in Türkiye’s iconic Cappadocia region

DOF Robotics, a global leader in immersive entertainment technologies and robotic simulation systems, has announced a $20 million investment in NeoCappadocia, a next-generation experience destination set to open in Cappadocia, Türkiye, one of the world’s most iconic cultural and natural heritage regions. Designed to operate 12 months a year, NeoCappadocia is expected to welcome more […]
Six Flags Qiddiya City, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s first destination outside North America, is now officially open

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia’s first-of-its-kind theme park and entertainment destination, celebrated its grand opening Dec. 31 by welcoming guests from across the Kingdom and globe. The debut marks Six Flags Entertainment’s first theme park designed and built outside North America. The trailblazing new park blends immersive entertainment with innovative technology […]