WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada — RocketRez, a leading provider of cloud-based management solutions for tours and attractions, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Morey’s Piers, one of the most iconic seaside attractions in North America. Located in Wildwood, New Jersey, Morey’s Piers has delighted millions of guests with its boardwalk amusement parks, water parks, and unforgettable oceanfront experiences for over five decades.

Family owned and operated since 1969, Morey’s Piers has become a cornerstone of family entertainment. With its rich history, award-winning attractions, and multi-generational appeal, Morey’s Piers is renowned for its continued commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction.

RocketRez will collaborate with Morey’s Piers to further enhance its operations and guest engagement through innovative ticketing, communication, and analytics solutions.

“We are thrilled to begin this partnership with Morey’s Piers,” said John Pendergrast, CEO of RocketRez. “Together we can bring our world-class technology to their world-class attractions and help deliver seamless, elevated experiences for their guests.”

Will Morey, CEO of Morey’s Piers, said “We are committed to providing the best possible experience to our guests and consistently look for ways to exceed expectations, including through guest facing technology solutions.  We are very enthusiastic about the technology capabilities demonstrated by the RocketRez team and excited about the value we see it bringing to our company and our customers’ experience.”

Through this partnership, RocketRez will integrate state-of-the-art ticketing, guest communication, and insights platform across Morey’s Piers’ three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks, ensuring that operational excellence and guest satisfaction remain at the forefront.

DALLAS, Texas — Altitude Trampoline Park, the leading family-friendly entertainment franchise, is celebrating a remarkable year of development. In 2024, the franchise continues to grow with more agreements, extending its reach to new and existing markets, including Long Island, South Florida, and the Bay Area, continuing its mission to deliver unforgettable family experiences.

Throughout the year, Altitude Trampoline Park strengthened its presence with multi-unit agreements in Connecticut and South Carolina, paving the way for three new parks in each state. The year also saw multiple park openings in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia, driving the brand’s continued growth.

“Altitude Trampoline Park continues to solidify its position as an attractive franchise opportunity, with 2024 being an impressive year for the brand,” said Chris Kuehn, President of Altitude Trampoline Park. “We’ve signed several multi-unit franchise agreements that will bring our parks to new communities and currently have several locations under construction. This momentum reflects the growing demand for family-friendly entertainment, and we’re eager to continue developing our pipeline in 2025.”

Building on its momentum, the company is expanding both its corporate team and franchise network. Chris Kuehn has been named President and Jessica McDonald has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing. In addition, Sean Naughton recently joined as Chief Financial Officer, strengthening the leadership team. On the franchise side, five existing owners have committed to growing their footprint, and 11 new franchisees have joined the system.

In 2025, Altitude will continue to grow with grand openings coming soon in West Palm Beach, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Cary, North Carolina; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Anaheim, California; and more.

Altitude Trampoline Park is owned by Indoor Active Brands, a platform company that focuses on indoor entertainment concepts. In 2024, Indoor Active Brands launched its latest brand, The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball playground featuring a chef-inspired restaurant and bar – Crave Social Eatery, as well as yard and social games for all ages. Established by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands utilizes vast FEC and restaurant industry experience to support and assist its franchisees. 

AUSTIN, Texas — 48 years ago today, Elvis’ “left the building” following his final Vegas performance on Dec 12, 1976. Now an independent studio is bringing his spirit back to the Neon City in a totally immersive way. In just over one month, Walkabout Mini Golf players around the world can finally join the entourage of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” as a world of neon, sequins, and iconic scenes from Elvis Presley’s lyrics come to life in an immersive, miniature golf adventure called “Viva Las Elvis”—coming to virtual reality and iOS devices on January 16. It’s all thanks to a collaboration between Mighty Coconut, the independent entertainment studio behind the best-rated VR multiplayer game and a top App Store game Walkabout Mini Golf, and Elvis Presley Enterprises bringing generations of fans together to play with Elvis’ mojo, persona, and a highly stylized take on classic Vegas.

“For our 31st course, we’re taking players to Vegas in a totally new way” said Lucas Martell, creator of Walkabout Mini Golf and head of Mighty Coconut. “The pop-culture aspect of Elvis’ lyrics and films let us tap into classic Vegas vibes almost like a tribute stage show. Elvis Presley Enterprises has been an enthusiastic partner, as we not only imagined this fictional Elvis-themed Vegas, but also created custom Elvis avatar options so players can cosplay and impersonate the King himself.”

The downloadable content (DLC) “Viva Las Elvis” course boasts 18 easy mode and 18 hard mode holes, specially designed lost balls to collect, a commemorative in-game Elvis putter, and themed costume elements all set in the fabulous world of Elvis’ 60s and 70s era Las Vegas. And for the first time ever, this course has a score that features a band of live musicians performing a rousing tribute composition by Chris Reyman, highlighting the spirit of 60s/70s rock n roll.

The course will drop at 9 a.m. Pacific for $3.99 USD as an add-on to Walkabout Mini Golf on Meta Quest 2/Pro/3, PlayStation VR2, Steam, and PICO platforms as well as on compatible iPhones and iPads via Walkabout Mini Golf: Pocket Edition for $1.99 USD. The game is fully cross-playable meaning friends, family, and colleagues can join multiplayer rounds together.

Get in on the Licensing Fun
“Walkabout Mini Golf: Viva Las Elvis” is the fifth licensed course IP following Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, Cyan’s Myst, Meow Wolf, and Wallace & Gromit–in addition to avatar packs from Henson’s Fraggle Rock and The Dark Crystal as well as Exploding Kittens. The beautifully imagined immersive courses allow players to be in these beloved worlds, to cosplay as the characters, and to make new memories with their friends as they challenge one another to mini golf, scavenger hunts, and more. 

Mighty Coconut launched Walkabout Mini Golf on the Meta Quest in the fall of 2020 and it has steadily grown to be a player favorite and system seller, with a nearly perfect five-star rating with over 11,000 reviews on Meta Quest—making it the best-rated multiplayer game in virtual reality globally as well as a top 10 selling PlayStation VR2 title since launch. The game came to the App Store in October of 2024, launching in the top 10 paid games and as the #1 paid sports game. Player engagement in VR particularly boasts a 2-Hour Usage Rate for more than 50% of users (around 10 times the standard), meaning they play Walkabout Mini Golf until their battery runs out. Hundreds of thousands of intergenerational players from over 40 countries meet in the game monthly to play mini golf, to catch up, and to make new memories together. 

Mighty Coconut is also licensing out to collectibles and accessory partners, building on their success with FormX on the official Walkabout Grip-to-Putter accessories for Meta Quest and PlayStation VR2 as well as to Synth Riders, Puzzling Places, and Arcade Legend VR games.

ALTOONA, Iowa — Everyone is in store for a fun filled day at the Home of Iowa’s Best Thrills as the park gates officially reopen at Adventureland Resort on Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. Celebrating 51 years, the beloved resort is back in action with a full season of thrills, events and entertainment coming to the park in 2025.

The unofficial start of the summer season comes on Saturday, May 24 as Adventure Bay officially opens. Headlined by the addition of the all-new water slide experience, Hyperlight, the park’s former Typhoon water slide has been transformed with a full sensory experience featuring vivid light and dynamic sound. Riders should prepare to hold onto their tubes and get ready to launch into a galaxy far away as they race through the tunnel to the bottom. With several different combinations of laser lights and sound to choose from, no two rides are the same on Hyperlight. Adventure Bay also offers 14 thrilling water slides, Iowa’s largest wave pool, a lazy river and more.

A full season of events continues in 2025 as Oktoberfest returns on Saturday, September 13. This 21-plus event offers adults a full day of fun where they can be a kid again. Featuring exhilarating rides, live music, delicious food and, of course, plenty of beer, Oktoberfest will run from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Adventureland Resort will close out the 2025 Season with the fourth annual Phantom Fall Fest. Iowa’s Largest Halloween Event will begin Saturday, September 20 and will run select days through Sunday, October 26. Phantom Fall Fest offers family-friendly fun during the day, then at 6 p.m. the fear kicks into gear as the phantom and a gruesome cast of characters take screams to the extreme.

“Our team is already hard at work preparing the park for what’s sure to be one of our biggest years yet here at Adventureland,” General Manager Mike Lusky said. “From beloved rides and attractions to a full season of unique events, our 2025 season will offer entertainment that everyone in the family can enjoy.”

To celebrate a full season of events, Adventureland is currently offering 2025 Season Passes for as low as six payments of $20 each. Select passes also include unique perks like discounts on food and beverage, free friend tickets, free parking and more. Plus, for the first time ever, Season Passholders can add an All-Season Dining Pass onto their 2025 Season Pass. The new dining pass allows visitors to enjoy two meals throughout their day each time they visit Adventureland during the 2025 season.

To see the full 2025 operating calendar or to purchase a Season Pass and Dining Pass, visit AdventurelandResort.com.

LANCASTER, Pa. — Dutch Wonderland, the World’s Best Family Park, is gearing up for what is sure to be one of its largest and most interactive season’s yet. The Kingdom for Kids will officially reopen on Saturday, April 5 at 10 a.m. The whole family is invited to hop on over to the kingdom as it kicks off the spring season with its Eggcellent Easter Celebration running every weekend from April 5 through April 27.

This year will feature the parks best and largest event lineup ever. Details include:

• Eggcellent Easter Celebration – The park is hoppin’ for its second annual Eggcellent Easter Celebration! This year families can visit the park in its spring bloom and enjoy meet and greets with Tuft the Easter Bunny, puppet shows, an Easter egg scavenger hunt and more;
• Duke’s Lagoon Opening Day – Saturday, May 24 marks the unofficial start to the summer season as Duke’s Lagoon opens for its longest water park season ever. Park-goers are invited to keep it cool with slides and interactive spray features through Sunday, September 7;
• NEW! PBS KIDS Daniel Tiger Stage Show – Beginning Saturday, May 24, the all-new stage at Dutch Wonderland will be set for a grr-ific new interactive show staring Daniel Tiger and his neighborhood friends;
• Duke’s Royal Birthday Celebration – Dutch Wonderland is celebrating the one and only Duke the Dragon’s birthday for a full week from June 14 through June 22 with dance parties, cupcakes, meet and greets and more;
• Santa’s Beach Bash – It’s the holiday season, in July, from July 19 through July 27, the park is keepin’ it cool with blizzard dance parties, a holiday themed dive show, and exclusive treats from the Dutch Winter Wonderland menu;
• Happy Hauntings – Lancasters favorite family-friendly Halloween event takes over from Saturday, September 13 through Sunday, October 26 with its trick or treat trail, bubble dance parties, Halloween themed treats and more; and
• Dutch Winter Wonderland – – ‘Tis the season to make new royal family memories as the park makes spirits bright select days from November 15 through December 31, with more than one million lights, spectacular light shows, festive food and drink options and more.

“Our team is already hard at work planning what is sure to be one of the best season’s yet here at Dutch Wonderland,” said General Manager Megan Hartman. “From the start of the season and the return of our second annual Eggcellent Easter Celebration to longstanding Dutch Wonderland traditions like Happy Hauntings, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.”

As Dutch Wonderland gears up for a jam-packed 2025 season, the park is currently looking to hire more than 700 Team Members across all departments. The kingdom will open its gates on Monday, January 20 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. as it hosts its first job fair of the 2025 season. The job fair will take place in the Dutch Wonderland People and Organization Office located beside Duke’s Lagoon. Those looking to work within specific departments are encouraged to apply online starting now and attend the job fair to learn more about open positions and the training process.

To celebrate a full season of spectacular events and Opening Day, the park is currently offering Season Passes for as low as five payments of $20 each. Select passes include access to all 2025 events and exclusive perks like free parking, free friend tickets, discounts on food and beverage and more.

To view the full seasonal event lineup, 2025 operating calendar and to apply for open positions, visit DutchWonderland.com.

BRISTOL, Conn. — Lake Compounce, America’s First Amusement Park,is already gearing up for the 2025 Season as the park announces its official Opening Day, Saturday, May 3. Celebrating nearly 180 years of family thrills and entertainment, the park will offer a full lineup of events and entertainment for families to enjoy all year long.

A full season of thrills begins at 11 a.m. on Opening Day followed up by a massive lineup of events and entertainment. Details include:

• Opening Day of Crocodile Cove Water Park – Connecticut’s Largest Water Park is back in action beginning Saturday, May 24 offering more than 15 water slides, a lazy river, two wave pools and more.
• Kids Fest – It’s a pint-sized party every single weekend in June as families are invited for exclusive meet and greets with beloved characters.
• July Fourth Celebration – The iconic Lake Compounce fireworks show above the lake take center stage on July 4 and 5.
• Phantom Fall Fest – The phantom is back and taking screams to the extreme every weekend beginning Saturday, September 20 running select days through Sunday, October 26.
• Holiday Lights – Connecticut’s Tallest Christmas Tree, more than 500,000 lights, dazzling light shows offer families a merry and bright end to the season beginning Friday, November 28 and running select days through Sunday, December 28.

“Lake Compounce has been a beloved destination for families in New England for nearly 180 years,” said General Manager Doug Hemphill. “We are looking forward to reopening the park gates in 2025 as we offer families a place where they can make timeless memories while enjoying unique events during every season of the year.”

Those looking to enjoy a full weekend of family fun can enjoy stays at the Lake Compounce Campground beginning Friday, May 2. Celebrating 10 years, the campground offers unique accommodations right next door to Lake Compounce Amusement and Water Park.

Visitors that are looking to make the most out of the 2025 season can purchase a 2025 Season Pass now for as low as six payments of $17. Passholders can also add on a 2025 Dining Pass and enjoy two free meals during every single park visit. Select passes also offer additional perks like free parking, free soda, free friend tickets and more.

Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in cashless solutions for FECs, is gearing up to showcase its cutting-edge products at EAG 2025. The event will take place from January 14 to 16th, at the ExCeL in London, UK, where Sacoa will be located at booth #D60.

Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International, expressed the company’s enthusiasm about the upcoming exhibition: “We have high expectations for this year’s show. It serves as a fantastic opportunity to engage with operators and showcase how our innovative solutions can transform their operations and increase profitability.”

Sacoa will present its comprehensive range of products designed to optimize costs and boost revenues for FEC operators, including:

• ⁠its compact and economical K5 Kiosk,
• ⁠⁠the time-saving Redemption Kiosk,
• the updated and completely redesigned Redemption 2,
• KwikPay, a revolutionary payment solution tailored to operators with small- and route-based operations, and
• Time Tracker, ideal for operators with time-based attractions.

Sacoa invites all attendees to visit their booth to experience firsthand how these latest solutions can maximize operational efficiency and profitability. Don’t miss the chance to explore the future of cashless technology at EAG 2025 with Sacoa!

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — LEGO NINJAGO Weekends are taking over LEGOLAND Florida Resort on select dates:January 25-26 and February 1-2, 8-9 and 15-17! During this limited-time event, guests can unleash their inner ninja with epic activities, high-energy shows, all-new ninja-inspired treats and exclusive meet-and-greets with beloved LEGO NINJAGO heroes. Best of all, the action-packed event is included with general admission and select Annual Passes, offering families an unforgettable ninja adventure at no additional cost.

Here’s a sneak peek at what LEGO NINJAGO Weekends have in store:

PATH OF THE DRAGON
Guests begin their ultimate ninja journey the moment they enter the Park with the guidance of the exclusive Path of the Dragon event guide.

First, they select the elemental dragon power they’d like to master then, they can set out on an action-packed adventure to sharpen their skills. Along the way, guests can take part in thrilling activities and dynamic interactive shows, earning elemental stickers as they progress and ultimately earning the most coveted LEGO NINJAGO headband, while supplies last, to unlock full ninja power!

ACTION-PACKED ACTIVITES & SHOWS!
To become a legendary ninja master, focus and agility are key! These high-energy activities and thrilling shows are designed to put guests’ skills to the test and take them to the next level.

• NEW! Thunderfang is on the loose! Use your ninja skills to find his marking and unlock your true ninja potential by participating in the Thunderfang Scavenger Hunt and earn a pop badge!
• Don’t miss jaw-dropping stunts, dazzling special effects and, of course, epic ninja moves as brave leader Lloyd challenges a new generation of ninjas in Lloyd’s Elemental Challenge.
• NEW! Unlock LEGO brick building fun at the collaborative Dragon Rising Mosaic Build and help construct the giant, 8-foot-tall Heatwave at the Heatwave Dragon Superbrick Build!
• Compete to build the fiercest dragon at the Ultimate Dragon Competition Build. Your help is crucial— the fate of the universe is in your hands!
• Master Wu has hidden vital clues to test your ninja knowledge. Do you have what it takes to rise and prove your skills during Master Wu’s Expedition?
• Learn to pose, chop, balance and spin like a true master while leveling up your skills at the School of Spinjitzu.
• Take a break from training and groove to the beat at our high-energy Whip Around Dance Party.
• Step into the action and join the LEGO® NINJAGO® heroes as they take on the challenge of mastering the 4th Dimension when watching NINJAGO: Masters of the 4th Dimension, a 4D Movie at the Fun Town Theater.
• Join your favorite LEGO NINJAGO ninjas for a one-of-a-kind ceremony at the Ninjas Unite Celebration to honor your legendary ninja training adventure!

ROLL INTO DELICIOUS NINJA BITES!
Guests are encouraged to power up their ninja energy and training with three exciting, limited-time treats, perfect for every aspiring ninja master:

• Samurai Sliced Chicken Bowl
  • Crispy panko-breaded chicken paired with rich Japanese curry, hearty potatoes, carrots, and peas, all served on jasmine rice 
• Mango Master Apple Fries
  • Granny’s signature Apple Fries crowned with mango ice cream, mango chunks, sprinkles, and lychee jelly stars
• Warrior’s BBQ Bun
  • Crispy panko-breaded chicken coated in tangy Japanese BBQ sauce, topped with Asian slaw, nestled in a soft potato bun, and served alongside golden curry-seasoned fries

BURBANK, CALIF (14 January 2025) – The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is excited to announce tickets are on sale for the highly anticipated 31st Annual TEA Thea Awards Gala. The elegant affair, recognized as the premier business and social event of the themed entertainment industry will be held on Saturday, 15 March 2025, at the Hilton Universal Hotel in Universal City, California. Celebrating ingenuity and excellence, the Gala honors new global attractions, places and spaces that inspire millions of guests.

The Gala follows TEA INSPIRE which will take place 12-14 March. TEA INSPIRE is the industry’s most complete networking and learning experience. Peer-led discussions accompany in-depth presentations about the creation and development of this year’s class of TEA Thea Award winners. INSPIRE’s unique format celebrates the professionals and teams that bring audacious and bold ideas to life in the world of themed entertainment.

Anyone can attend the TEA Thea Awards Gala, and everyone is encouraged to be there. Individual tickets start at $395 and are available for purchase online. Tables and sponsorship packages are also available.

“The 31st annual TEA Thea Awards is the highlight of the year for the themed entertainment industry,” shared Melissa Oviedo, CEO of the TEA. “This year’s Thea Award winners represent excellence while celebrating what it means to be bold, audacious, and innovative. The projects can be found in every corner of the world and will inspire millions for many years to come.”

“TEA celebrates the incredible professionals and teams in the themed entertainment industry. We embrace diversity and creativity, and we highlight their talent and hard work. We are excited for this year’s event and hope that more people than ever will join us for both TEA INSPIRE and the Thea Awards Gala.”

In addition to this year’s Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement, the Gala will welcome and honor four professionals who have left an indelible mark on the themed entertainment industry:

• The Buzz Price Thea Award for a Lifetime of Outstanding Achievement – Rick Rothschild, Found and Chief Creative, FAR Out! Creative Direction.
• The Thea Catalyst Award – Dayton Schroeder, AIA, Vice President and Design Director, SmithGroup; and Naoki Tanaka, Creative Director, Dentsu Lab Tokyo
• The Peter Chernack Distinguished Service Award – Lynn Willrich, Co-Owner І Director, D J Willrich, Ltd.

For more information on TEA and to see the full list of the 31st Annual TEA Thea Award winners, visit TEAConnect.org.

The year 2025 marks an extraordinary milestone for Gardaland Resort, as it celebrates half a century of magic, adventure and fun with a new and symbolic commemorative logo. In elegant gold, the new logo (created for this year) includes the two key dates for the park – 1975, the year of opening, and 2025, the anniversary year – with a design that combines tradition and innovation. The number ‘5’ takes the shape of Gardaland’s ‘G’, while the ‘0’ encloses the stylised face of Prezzemolo, the mascot which is beloved by generations of visitors and a symbol of the Park. Also, the ’50’ recalls the word ‘GO‘, representing a vision of the Park that looks enthusiastically to the future.

In this spirit of celebration, Gardaland Resort launches a historic year with the announcement of a second extraordinary innovation: Dragon Empire, the sparkling remodelled area that pays homage to the traditions of the Orient.

Following the enthusiastic response last November to the announcement of the first great novelty, Animal Treasure Island, Gardaland Resort confirms its commitment to enriching the Park by creating unique experiences for families and young people, turning every visit into moments of pure joy.

Dragon Empire will take visitors into a world of colour, music and all-day celebrations. At the entrance, a majestic gateway dominated by shades of blue and red and embellished with red lanterns, decorative fans and ropes in five colours, welcomes guests and immerses them in a festive atmosphere, “as if New Year began each and every day“.

In the heart of the remodelled area, attractions – which will hold further surprises for visitors – will be flanked by spectacular shows and music, turning every visit into a memorable experience.

With this second innovation, Gardaland Resort celebrates its 50th anniversary, confirming itself as a cornerstone of the amusement industry, backed by a tradition and know-how that have made it a pioneer in the sector and an innovative vision that continues to chart its course towards the future.

Dragon Empire will open in April 2025, ready to help mark the 50th anniversary season as unique and unforgettable.