Fun Spot’s annual Birthday Sale returns with huge savings

ORLANDO — HUGE summer plans start with HUGE savings. In honor of its 28th birthday, Fun Spot America Theme Parks has a gift for its guests: Single Day Passes for only $28. This exclusive, single-day offer has no blackout dates and is a savings of 59% per Single Day Pass. “Each year we hold a special event for our […]
Periscope Equity makes strategic investment in Amusement Connect, a specialty payments platform for the amusement industry

CHICAGO — Periscope Equity, a Chicago-based private equity firm, announced today it has invested in Amusement Connect, a leading cashless specialty payment solutions provider, purpose-built for the amusement industry. This investment represents the first platform in Periscope Equity’s third fund, which closed last year. Amusement Connect was co-founded by industry veteran Frank Licausi and automotive executive […]
Community Partners help fairgoers celebrate savings together for the 175th anniversary of Wisconsin State Fair

The 2026 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by T-Mobile, will take place August 6–16, 2026. The State Fair offers a unique experience to all who attend and is an exceptional value. Enjoy dozens of FREE entertainment stages, exciting rides and games in SpinCity, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, shopping vendors, and culinary delights. […]
Carida Capital Group announces Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark coming to North Carolina as part of new entertainment district

ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — Carida Capital Group announced today that Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina will be home to one of the first Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks, becoming a key attraction within the planned Weldon Mills Resort. Located along the I-95 corridor, Weldon Mills Resort is the forthcoming evolution of the Weldon Mills brand, which currently […]
Semnox Powers new entertainment venue with Scalable Solutions

BACĂU, Romania — Semnox Solutions, a global provider of integrated technology solutions for the entertainment and leisure industry, has partnered with Funzy Playground, a new indoor family entertainment destination located inside Arena Mall in Bacău, Romania. As its first venture into the entertainment industry, Funzy Playground sought a technology platform capable of supporting arcade operations, […]
EXTRA! EXTRA! The JUNE 2026 issue is now available!

In this issue:
OpenAire announces development of retractable roof enclosures for Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks with American Resort Management

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — OpenAire, the worldwide leader of all-aluminum large span structures with retractable roofs today announced collaboration with American Resort Management to provide retractable roof enclosures for the Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks™. As previously announced, these waterparks will be a series of aquatic destinations to create a new form of entertainment featuring Mattel’s beloved […]
Movie Park Germany’s Parade Of Celebration is conquering the Hollywood set

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — A spectacle that truly brings a new era of Hollywood to life is on the way! Under the title “Movie Park’s Parade of Celebration,” Germany’s largest movie and amusement park is giving its popular parade a new big stage in its 30th anniversary year. More parade floats, more walking characters, and more show segments than […]
Alterface powers next-generation interactivity in Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare at Kings Island

WAVRE, Belgium — Alterface announces its contribution to Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, designed and manufactured by Sally Dark Rides and opened at Kings Island. The attraction features Alterface’s new generation interactive pointing system, delivering ultra-low latency performance and high-precision tracking to support a fully immersive flashlight-based gameplay experience. With response times as low as 30 […]
Intercard IT Director praises IAAPA LATAM Caribbean Summit

ST. LOUIS — Kelly Blanchard, Intercard’s director of IT and customer service, attended the IAAPA Latin America Caribbean Summit that took place April 20-24 on a cruise to the Bahamas. The event was held aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, one of the largest and most modern cruise ships in the world. Royal Caribbean is […]
Virginia Beach’s Wavegarden at Atlantic Park Surf becomes the new epicenter of aerial surfing

This past weekend, Atlantic Park Surf in Virginia Beach hosted Stab High, one of surfing’s most anticipated events of the season. With 56 surfers and 440 air sections and around 3,500 spectators attending across the event days, the surf world will be talking about what happened here for years to come. For two days, Virginia […]
Pacific Park celebrates 30 years on the Santa Monica Pier with Birthday Light Show

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is celebrating its 30th anniversary today, marking three decades as one of Southern California’s most iconic oceanfront destinations. Pacific Park opened on May 26, 1996, as the first amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier since the 1930s, helping reestablish the Pier as a hub […]
Wisconsin State Fair will be the Midwest debut of the America 250 Wheel

WEST ALLIS, Wisc. — Wisconsin State Fair officials are thrilled to announce a new milestone attraction is coming to the 175th celebration of the Wisconsin State Fair, presented by T-Mobile. Make no mistake, this will be the largest wheel to make its way to State Fair Park. The America 250 Wheel, presented by Meijer – topping out […]
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort invite Warner Bros. Pictures’ Academy Award-winning film Sinners into their iconic gates for Halloween Horror Nights

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. and ORLANDO — Following an over $370 million global box office run and earning widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike, Warner Bros. Pictures’ Sinners adds “haunted house” to its repertoire as it joins Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights lineup of immersive experiences beginning Friday, August 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and Thursday, September 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Since […]
Royal Oak becomes official charcoal partner of Dollywood

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — With grilling season on the horizon, Dollywood Parks & Resorts today introduced a new partner that will help the award-winning theme park turn up the heat on summer fun. Royal Oak is now the official charcoal partner of Dollywood, working with the park on cooking demonstrations with Royal Oak ambassadors, special themed […]
Aviktas arrives: Pleasure Beach officially opens its record-breaking new ride to the public

A new ride at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has officially opened – and it’s the tallest of its kind in the UK. Today (21 May), the iconic theme park officially launched its newest ride, Aviktas, welcoming its first riders after much anticipation since its announcement in May 2025. Thrill-seekers travelled from across the country to […]
All-New Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice opens May 23 exclusively for annual pass members

ORLANDO — SeaWorld Orlando’s all-new Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice exclusively opens to SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members on Saturday, May 23, inviting families to embark on a breathtaking Arctic adventure unlike anything else. The highly anticipated attraction opens to the general public on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 at 2 p.m. The all-new Expedition Odyssey: […]
AlignOps BusyBusy Safety Module helps contractors develop stronger, more consistent heat safety programs

INDIANAPOLIS — As temperatures rise, and enforcement ramps up, contractors can ensure that their safety programs are effective and OSHA inspection-with the new Safety Module for AlignOps BusyBusy. This new tool allows contractors to create stronger, more consistent safety processes that are always OSHA inspection-ready. This new module helps users create heat-specific jobsite inspections, create […]
Morey’s Piers kicks off the 2026 season with exciting openings and major renovations

WILDWOOD, N.J. — Morey’s Piers is launching the 2026 season with exciting new experiences, refreshed attractions, and major improvements across the boardwalk. The iconic Giant Wheel has officially returned to its rightful place on the Wildwood skyline following a significant winter refurbishment. Guests can expect the attraction to begin welcoming riders the weekend of May […]
Enjoy Memorial Day weekend from Amusement Today

The Amusement Today staff hope you and your families will enjoy Memorial Day Weekend together! Our offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, as our staff spends the holiday with their families. EXTRA! EXTRA! Your Desktop Edition will not publish that morning as a result. Desktop Edition will resume normal publication on Tuesday, May 26. Thank you!
Dorney Park helps deliver smiles through donation of approximately 5,000 Squishmallows

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom recently partnered with Emily’s Hug Mee Drive and HeroBuds Lehigh Valley to donate approximately 5,000 Squishmallows that will help support local children throughout the region. Following the donation, the team from SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem and Whitehall assisted with the large-scale pickup and transportation effort and will securely store the donated items until the organizations […]
Dollywood once again named favorite theme park by National Amusement Park Historical Association

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — With Memorial Day just around the corner, families are ready to hit the road to visit the nation’s top attractions. Those looking for the best theme parks should look no further than Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Dollywood Parks & Resorts. The National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) once again has named […]
Carida Capital Group announces Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark coming to North Carolina as part of new entertainment district

ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — Carida Capital Group announced today that Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina will be home to one of the first Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks, becoming a key attraction within the planned Weldon Mills Resort. Located along the I-95 corridor, Weldon Mills Resort is the forthcoming evolution of the Weldon Mills brand, which currently […]
Wild Water Adventure Park celebrates ribbon cutting for new Lost River Adventure opening Memorial Weekend

CLOVIS, Calif. — Wild Water Adventure Park celebrated the official ribbon cutting for its brand-new Lost River Adventure attraction on Tuesday alongside members of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, community leaders, and park representatives ahead of the attraction’s Memorial Weekend debut. The Lost River Adventure marks one of the largest additions in the park’s history […]
North Carolina State Fair’s Midway Event Center taking shape

North Carolina State Fair Director G. Kent Yelverton provided Amusement Today with an exclusive media preview of the new 30,000-square- foot Midway Event Center taking shape on the Raleigh fairgrounds. Details in an upcoming issue of AT.
Dollywood’s Splash Country School’s Out Promotion, Sevier County Days take place this summer

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — The mercury in the thermometer is rising, school is almost out and two popular promotions at Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country mean summer is on the way. Last season’s popular School’s Out! Promo returns to Dollywood’s Splash Country, celebrating kids for their hard work all school year! From May 23-June 14, kids […]
The America 250 Wheel to headline West Virginia 250 Celebration

JUST ANNOUNCED! The America 250 Wheel will be the centerpiece of the official West Virginia 250 Celebration, July 2-5 at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, WV. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced today that the America 250 Wheel will be the beacon of liberty that will shine across the entire Charleston skyline, and will be FREE TO […]
RWS Global accelerates UK presence with major Milton Keynes Investment

LONDON, U.K. — RWS Global, the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, today announces a landmark acceleration of its UK operations with the opening of a state-of-the-art global production hub in Milton Keynes. Set to launch in January 2027, this move reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the UK, where live […]
Kings Dominion kicks off summer with Military Days & Memorial Day Weekend thrills

Kings Dominion invites guests to kick off the summer season during Memorial Day Weekend, featuring thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions and special Military Days offerings honoring those who serve. As a token of appreciation, all active and retired U.S. military members will receive free single-day admission during Military Days. YEAR-ROUND MILITARY OFFERS:Kings Dominion proudly offers discounted admission year-round for military members. […]
Michigan’s Adventure celebrates 70 years of family fun

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Michigan’s Adventure is celebrating its 70th anniversary! Michigan’s largest amusement park, Michigan’s Adventure is inviting guests to take part in a season that is honoring nostalgia, introducing new experiences and ready to provide summer fun for all ages. The park officially opens for its 70th season this Friday, May 22. “For 70 years, Michigan’s Adventure has been a summertime tradition. To […]
SeaWorld reaches milestone of 43,000 animal rescues, underscoring the ongoing need to help animals in need

ORLANDO — SeaWorld through its SeaWorld Rescue team has surpassed the milestone of rescuing 43,000 injured, sick and orphaned animals, underscoring the continuing need to help animals in the wild. Early in May, SeaWorld Rescue in San Diego rescued six birds, along with a young, orphaned California sea lion pup that was found on the […]
Fort Wayne Zoo announces special “price freeze”discount as summer approaches

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — As temperatures begin to rise and summer approaches, the Fort Wayne Zoo is giving the community a reason to celebrate – with a cool twist. Starting May 19 and running through June 19*, the Zoo will implement a special “Price Freeze” promotion, offering reduced General Admission pricing for a full month*. […]
Six Flags Over Texas kicks off daily operations May 21 with new live entertainment and more summer fun

DALLAS — With school out and warm weather approaching, all roads lead to Six Flags Over Texas as it opens for daily operations May 21. The park will welcome guests for the summer season with brand new live entertainment, thrilling world-class roller coasters, summer food and beverage specialties and more family-friendly fun for all. Six Flags Over Texas will host one of the largest new […]
Six Flags Over Georgia kicks off summer this weekend with Water Parade

MABLETON, Ga. — Six Flags Over Georgia kicks off summer this Friday, May 22, with daily operations, the opening of Hurricane Harbor Atlanta, and a full slate of new and returning events. From heart-pounding rides and water slides to immersive entertainment for all ages, guests have more reasons than ever to visit all summer long. “Summer […]
Dorney Park splashes into summer with Wildwater Kingdom opening Saturday, May 23

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom officially kicks off water park season on Saturday, May 23, welcoming guests back to one of the region’s premier summer destinations for thrills, slides and family-friendly fun. From towering water slides to relaxing rivers and splash-filled play areas, Wildwater Kingdom offers something for guests of all ages. Families can cool off together at Wildwater […]
Intercard celebrates fifteen years powering The Sky Games FEC chain in Latin America

ST. LOUIS — Intercard recently celebrated fifteen years of its winning relationship with Sky Games. The Latin American chain has nine FECs in Paraguay and twelve in Bolivia with plans to expand into Chile and Brazil. The popular FECs offer a diverse array of active attractions for children including trampolines, soft play, educational play and […]
Hersheypark to host all-american summer kickoff during 120th year

HERSHEY, Pa. — Hersheypark amusement park today announced it will host an All-American Summer Kickoff event over Memorial Day Weekend in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and the Park’s 120th operating year. The multi-day celebration will feature a variety of patriotic events and activations as the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania transitions to summer operations […]
Talley Amusements’ Freedom 250 Wheel to anchor historic Great American State Fair celebration on the National Mall

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Taylor Talley of Talley Amusements has secured the contract to bring the “Freedom 250 Wheel” to the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of America’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration. The 110-foot Ferris wheel, formally known as the Levent Wheel, will serve as one of the […]
Massanutten Resort announces ShenandoaH2O as official name of hotel and waterpark expansion

MASSANUTTEN, Va. — Massanutten Resort, a premier family resort in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, today announced ShenandoaH2O as the official name of its highly anticipated new on-site hotel and indoor Waterpark expansion. Built directly into the mountain experience, ShenandoaH2O introduces a new way for guests to stay, play, and reconnect, all in one place. Designed for families, groups, and […]
Six Flags Great Adventure partners with Project Purple to turn coaster excitement into a greater purpose

JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure is proud to announce a new partnership with Project Purple, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding support for pancreatic cancer research and patient programs. As part of the partnership, the park’s highly anticipated 2027 coaster project, currently known publicly as “Project Purple,” will serve as more than just a […]
The thrills are back: Adventureland opens this Saturday May 16

ALTOONA, Iowa — Fun filled days begin this Saturday, May 16 as the Adventureland gates swing open for the 2026 season at 10 a.m. This year, visitors can expect a full lineup of thrills, new events, new food and beverage offerings, and a season that salutes members of the military in honor of America’s 250 […]
Kennywood serves up global flavors at Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Kennywood visitors can now thrill their taste buds as Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival takes over the Lagoon beginning Memorial Day Weekend. This year, guests will be delighted by two new countries, France and Germany, while also having the chance to enjoy returning fan favorites from Mexico, Poland, Italy, and more. In […]
Meow Wolf Houston to host its first-ever multi-stage EDM Festival Experience inside Radio Tave

HOUSTON, Texas — On June 20, Radio Tave becomes the site of a full-building electronic music takeover as Meow Wolf Houston debuts Monstercat Danceportation, an immersive late-night music festival bringing together internationally recognized electronic artists and Houston’s rising local scene for one unforgettable night inside the city’s cultural phenomenon. Doors open at 10 p.m. Born […]
Wainwright Family Enterprises names Matt Freed COO as Long Beach Island attractions portfolio expands

BEACH HAVEN, N.J. — Wainwright Family Enterprises (WFE), the company behind a growing portfolio of family attractions on Long Beach Island, including Fantasy Island Amusement Park and Thundering Surf Waterpark, has promoted longtime leader Matt Freed to Chief Operating Officer as the organization continues to expand its operations. Freed has been a leader within Wainwright […]
Six Flags Fiesta Texas launches daily operations, expands summer hours and debuts nightly drone spectacular

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Six Flags Fiesta Texas begins daily operations today, inviting guests to experience more thrills, entertainment and summer fun. From June 15 through Aug. 9, the park will extend hours, remaining open until 9 p.m. each evening, giving guests more time to enjoy rides, attractions and entertainment day and night. As part of […]
New look: Pleasure Beach Resort release 10 images showing new rides development ahead of opening

With under two weeks until Pleasure Beach Resort launches its record-breaking new ride, the park has shared fresh updates – including an exclusive look at the final stage of construction, taking shape on site. Aviktas will swing into action on Thursday May 21, launching its riders 138 feet into the air at angles of up […]
American Coaster Enthusiasts kick off 2026 flagship events at Six Flags Over Texas

ARLINGTON, Texas — On May 15 and 16, a huge turnout of 439 members of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) will travel from around the globe to descend upon Arlington for the 2026 ACE Spring Conference. The collective of aficionados will have members from 40 states, the District of Columbia and three international countries. “This year […]
Enchanted Parks honors members of the U.S. Military, Veterans and their families this Memorial Day Weekend

WINDERMERE, Fla. — This Memorial Day weekend, Enchanted Parks invites members of the U.S military and their families to visit their favorite park together. In honor of their service, all active and retired members, as well as members of the National Guard, reserves and veterans will receive complimentary admission to Enchanted Parks, Saturday, May 23 through Monday, […]
Kissel Entertainment makes industry-wide history becoming first carnival to be iROC-Certified

Kissel Entertainment, one of the nation’s most trusted traveling entertainment providers, has once again made industry-wide history becoming the first carnival to be International Ride Operator Certified (iROC) by International Ride Training (IRT), the gold standard in operational safety for the amusement industry. IRT’s iROC program is the world’s only third-party ride operator certification and […]
PortAventura World and Vekoma create WeRiseUp, a new company to develop mixed reality experiences

PortAventura World and Vekoma have reached an agreement to drive the creation of WeRiseUp, a new independent company spun off from Adventure Labs by PortAventura World. The resort’s digital innovation unit is evolving into a studio specialising in mixed reality, with the aim of scaling the technology developed and validated at PortAventura Park over recent […]