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Author: amusementtoday

Merlin launches Lego Galaxy as it accelerates USA growth strategy with landmark $94m investment

Merlin Entertainments — a global leader in branded entertainment destinations – today welcomes families to LEGO Galaxy: a new out-of-this-world experience at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The expansion sets the stage for a second LEGO Galaxy opening at LEGOLAND California Resort on 6th March. This combined £70 million ($94 million) investment reinforces the United States as a priority growth market […]

The countdown is over! Lego Galaxy and Galacticoaster officially open at Legoland Florida Resort

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A new adventure has officially entered orbit.   This morning, the countdown clock hit zero as LEGOLAND Florida Resort launched LEGO Galaxy, Merlin Entertainments’ largest in-park investment across its North American LEGOLAND Resorts and one of the most ambitious expansions in LEGOLAND Florida’s history.   The immersive new area is anchored by Galacticoaster, LEGOLAND Florida’s first indoor, space-themed family coaster — a next-generation attraction that places creativity and personalization at the center of […]

After record-breaking 2025 season, Dollywood preps for game-changing 2026

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Fresh off another consecutive season of record-breaking attendance, Dollywood theme park is gearing up for a season unlike any before in its 40-year history. All indications suggest 2026 will be another landmark year for the park, and a new season pass offer makes it even easier to experience the fun. Media had […]

San Marcos students get sneak peek & behind-the-scenes experience ahead of Legoland California Resort’s Galacticoaster opening

CARLSBAD, Calif. — San Marcos’ Discovery Elementary School students – home of the Explorers – recently got a sneak peek and behind-the-scenes experience at LEGOLAND California Resort’s LEGO Galaxy, an all-new space-themed land, launching next Friday, March 6. The visit – not only inspired students – helped provide insight into everything that goes into designing, creating and building a […]

Aviktas comes to life as new ride spins for the first time at Pleasure Beach Resort

There were cheers on site at Pleasure Beach Resort this week as Aviktas, the park’s highly anticipated £8.72M mega ride, completed a major new milestone – with its huge pendulum spinning for the very first time. The landmark moment marks the very first movement of the 138ft giant, and keeps the project firmly on track […]

AEI gets first look at Hybrid Impulse Plus reader from Intercard

ST. LOUIS — At the 2026 Amusement Expo International March 16-19, Intercard will feature its new hybrid Impulse Plus reader. It accepts more types of payments (including credit cards), makes more upsells and can increase revenues by as much as 30%. It is ideal for amusement operators with arcades who want an easy way to capture […]

Universal Destinations & Experiences celebrates Butterbeer season in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at its award-winning theme parks around the globe

ORLANDO and UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Universal Destinations & Experiences invites guests across the globe to raise their mugs in celebration of the iconic beverage from the Harry Potter series this Spring during Butterbeer Season in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal parks in Orlando, Hollywood, Japan and Beijing.  This annual tradition allows fans to […]

PortAventura World kicks off the new season with the celebration of Carnival

PORTAVENTURA WORLD — For the fourth consecutive year, PortAventura World is launching the new season with the celebration of Carnival. From 27 February to 22 March, the resort is transformed into a stage filled with music and colour. This year’s edition introduces a new creative approach to the street entertainment, linked to the different themed areas of PortAventura Park. Moving away from the traditional Venetian and Brazilian carnivals, […]

Play Playground Nashville celebrates one-year anniversary with Birthday Bash Feb. 27

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Play Playground Nashville, the city’s most playful social game experience and rooftop lounge located just off Broadway, is celebrating its first birthday after logging more than 750,000 game plays in its inaugural year. The venue will mark the milestone with a birthday celebration on Friday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., […]

FACE Amusement to host job fair at Downtown Flavortown Pigeon Forge on February 26, 2026 with on-the-spot interviews and immediate hiring opportunities

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — FACE Amusement will host a Job Fair on February 26, 2026, at Downtown Flavortown Pigeon Forge, located at 2655 Teaster Lane, Ste. #100, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, offering immediate hiring opportunities across a variety of positions. The Job Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Applicants may attend either session. No appointment is […]

Dollywood earns Newsweek 2026 Top Workplace For Women Award

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Newsweek has recognized Dollywood as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2026” following the results of a recent survey. It is the second consecutive year Dollywood Parks & Resorts has earned the Top Workplace for Women award. The “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2026” award is based on a nationwide, large-scale […]

Universal Orlando Resort debuts all-new weeklong ticket that gives guests six or seven days of access to all four of its acclaimed theme parks

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort has introduced an all-new multi-day ticket product for U.S. residents designed to complement its evolution into a weeklong vacation destination. Guests can purchase multi-day tickets that grant them six or seven days of park-to-park access to all four Universal Orlando theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano […]

Intercard equips the first Dave & Buster’s in the Dominican Republic

ST. LOUIS —Intercard, the leader in cashless technology for the attractions and amusement industries, recently completed an installation at the first Dave & Buster’s location to open in the Dominican Republic. Intercard’s Stephen Albrecht handled the installation. Dave & Buster’s Santo Domingo is located in the popular BlueMall in the capital city. The 34,445 square […]

After 33 years, Silver Dollar City’s Thunderation to close

OZARK MOUNTAINS, Mo. — After 33 years of runaway thrills through the Ozark Mountains, Silver Dollar City’s Thunderation will close at the end of the 2026 season, marking the retirement of one of the longest-running and most celebrated mine train roller coasters in the United States. The final day of operation is scheduled for Jan. 2, […]

Creativity blasts off: Legoland Resorts name eight winners of a nationwide search for Junior Galaxy Explorers Ahead of Lego Galaxy grand openings on both U.S. coasts

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. & CARLSBAD, Calif. — Out of this world adventure awaits! Today, LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND California Resort proudly announce the winners of the first-ever Junior Galaxy Explorers search, a hands-on STEM contest that invited young LEGO builders and space enthusiasts to dream big, build boldly, and explore the future of intergalactic discovery.  The Junior Galaxy Explorers search launched late last […]

Chance Rides and Reverchon announce new partnership

GIBSONTON, Fla. — Two legendary amusement rides companies; Kansas – based Chance Rides and France -based Reverchon are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at better serving the North American amusement market. By combining their collective decades of experience in the amusement ride industry, Chance and Reverchon are joining forces to deliver enhanced value, […]

Six Flags Great Adventure reveals return of ‘Wild’ ride and guest experience upgrades for the upcoming season

JACKSON, N.J. –– Six Flags Great Adventure is preparing for an exciting season ahead with a slate of new and returning experiences designed to elevate every visit—from immersive wildlife encounters and iconic attraction enhancements to expanded dining, entertainment spaces, and major infrastructure upgrades. This unveiling marks the first of a series of exciting announcements the theme park […]

Fort Wayne Zoo announces new baby orangutan

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a female Sumatran Orangutan named Raya (pronounced “RAH-yah”). Raya was born one month ago, on January 11th, to mother Tara, age 30, and father Tengku, age 39. Her name derives from the Indonesian word for “grand” and is popularly associated […]

TEA announces tickets for the Thea Awards Gala are now on sale

BURBANK, Calif. — The 32nd Annual Thea Awards Gala, the themed entertainment industry’s most anticipated event, will take place on Saturday, 2 May. Hosted by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), and presenting partner, Chimelong Group, the Thea Awards Gala will bring together decision-makers, creators, innovators and visionaries who push boundaries and propel the themed entertainment industry forward. […]

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour to make stop at Sea Life Grapevine

GRAPEVINE, Texas — The aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing: New Horizons video game on the Nintendo Switch system is coming to SEA LIFE Grapevine! From February 21 – May 25, themed activities will offer Aquarium guests the opportunity to explore the wonders of aquatic life while enjoying the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. At […]

Six Flags New England hiring 2026 season

AGAWAM, Mass. –– Six Flags New England, the region’s largest theme park, is hiring more than 2,000 part-time and seasonal employees for the 2026 season, which begins Saturday, April 11. The park will begin filling these roles during a week-long hiring event by parent company Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to fill more than 50,000 positions in its […]

Dive into the romance at SeaWorld Orlando’s ultimate underwater Valentine’s Day Dinner

SeaWorld Orlando is offering guests a unique and unforgettable Valentine’s Day dining experience at the breathtaking Sharks Underwater Grill. Couples will enjoy sweeping views of the 700,000-gallon Shark Encounter aquarium, home to a variety of sharks and vibrant fish species. This romantic evening includes a red-carpet arrival, live music, and a three-course prix fixe dinner, […]

Liseberg’s 2025 financial results: more guests, higher revenue and a stabilized economy

After turbulent years marked by the pandemic, a challenging macroeconomic environment, and the tragic Oceana-fire, Liseberg now sees light at the end of the tunnel. The group concludes 2025 with 100,000 more guests and an 8 percent increase in revenue. Tuesday February 10, Liseberg presented its 2025 annual report, showing that Liseberg has stabilized its […]

Accesso and Adyen expand strategic partnership to enhance platform payments capabilities at global scale

ORLANDO — accesso Technology Group, the premier technology solutions provider to leisure, entertainment, and cultural markets, today announced the expansion of its long-standing strategic partnership with Adyen, the global financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses. This collaboration integrates embedded payments as a core platform capability across the accesso ecosystem. accesso currently supports more than […]

Winners of the 2026 NEAAPA Awards announced

NEAAPA is proud to announce the recipient’s of this year’s NEAAPA Awards, which will be handed out on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The Paragon Award is presented to a member that has created marketing outreach or advertising pieces that demonstrate unequaled excellence in the promotion of a product or service. This can include brochures, flyers, […]

FACE Amusement Group wins 2025 IAAPA Brass Ring Award

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group has just won the IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Awards for the Best Talent Acquisition Program. This award celebrates FACE Amusement Group’s exceptional submission, Human Resources Excellence Award – Best Talent Acquisition.  “This award is a powerful affirmation of our people-first philosophy,” said Bucky Mabe, CEO of FACE Amusement Group. “We’ve been intentional about creating recruiting strategies […]

Former Altitude Trampoline Park and Sky Zone Operations Director Jamie Turnbow joins VenueSumo as Vice President, Americas

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — VenueSumo, a fast-growing, all-in-one venue management software platform for the attractions and leisure industry, today announced the appointment of Jamie Turnbow as Vice President, Americas. Turnbow joins VenueSumo following senior operational leadership roles at Altitude Trampoline Park and Sky Zone, where she led large, multi-site portfolios across the United States. Her appointment […]

Monster Mini Golf scares up record growth in 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monster Mini Golf, the leader in glow-in-the-dark family entertainment, closed out 2025 with a monstrous roar. The brand has officially opened nine new locations and secured 16 franchise agreements, marking the most successful years in its 21-year history.  Throughout 2025, Monster Mini Golf, through its franchisor, Monster Entertainment, brought its signature brand […]

All interested parties invited to ASTM Organizational Meeting on Standards Development for Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing systems

WASHINGTON D.C. — ASTM International will hold an organizational meeting on March 4–5, 2026, to explore the potential establishment of a new ASTM Technical Committee on Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Systems. The meeting will take place at ASTM headquarters in West Conshohocken, PA and is open to all interested stakeholders. The meeting follows a successful […]

Efteling wins international award for Best Sustainability Program

KAATSHEUVEL — Today, IAAPA announced that Efteling has been awarded a Brass Ring Excellence Award for Best Sustainability Program. The jury — made up of experienced professionals from the global attractions industry— praised the way sustainability is fully embedded across all Efteling’s activities: “Selected for a comprehensive, culturally rooted sustainability program fully integrated into the […]

McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance announces sales territory realignment to enhance services

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio — McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance announced today a strategic realignment of sales territories within its in-house team. This realignment is designed to enhance services, improve regional coverage, and ensure a more personalized experience for clients nationwide. By reallocating territories among its sales producers, McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance is strengthening its ability to […]

Universal Studios Hollywood announces “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will open this summer

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — It’s official: “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster will open this summer. The eagerly awaited news coincides with the launch of an exciting media campaign that includes a dynamic :30 spot featuring narration by Fast & Furious franchise producer, star and longtime parks collaborator, Vin Diesel. The pulse-pounding […]

Six Flags Over Texas completes world’s tallest vertical coaster loop for Tormenta Rampaging Run

DALLAS, Texas — Six Flags Over Texas announced the completion of the world’s tallest roller coaster vertical loop, an 18-story, 179-foot steel structure that now dominates the Dallas–Fort Worth skyline and marks a major construction milestone for the record-breaking Tormenta Rampaging Run set to open later this year.  The park commemorated the achievement last night with a dramatic countdown led […]

Speedway Stunt Coaster now open at Six Flags México

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, today announced the debut of Speedway Stunt Coaster at Six Flags México. The park recently celebrated the grand opening of its new family boomerang roller coaster with a major celebration where hundreds of guests were among the first to experience this exciting new attraction.  Speedway […]

Operational update: Universal Volcano Bay to become cashless starting February 25

Universal Volcano Bay will soon become a cashless experience – creating an even more seamless visit for guests.  Effective February 25, 2026, all purchases inside the water park can only be made via credit or debit card, Universal Pay, Universal Gift Cards and other tap-to-pay methods. Guests who bring cash will be required to use Cash-to-Card Kiosks […]

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge ready to set sail for eighth season

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — When visiting the Smokies in 2026, the first step in charting a course for adventure and fun begins at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. This swashbuckling show brings guests close to the exciting exploits of pirate legends and lore as its eighth season sets sail on Friday, February 6. The always […]

Universal Orlando Resort takes the field in NBC & Peacock’s Super Bowl LX with new brand campaign, “This Changes Everything”

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort has entered its next era – transforming into a theme park destination that combines a week’s worth of thrills and excitement to create one incredible vacation. To celebrate this pivotal next chapter, Universal Orlando has launched an inspiring new brand platform and supporting campaign, “This Changes Everything,” part of which […]

Island H2O is now hiring: Hiring Fair to take place on Sunday, Feb. 8

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Island H2O Water Park is hosting a hiring fair on Sunday February 8 to fill over 250 roles at the award-winning water park. Island H2O is hiring positions in every area of the park including Lifeguards, Food and Beverage, Guest Services, Retail, Park Services, Security, First Aid and more. The hiring event will take […]

RWS Global strengthens global operations with key leadership appointments as company expands across critical markets

NEW YORK, N.Y. — RWS Global, the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, today announced two strategic leadership appointments to support the company as it scales end‑to‑end entertainment operations across parks and destinations worldwide. Kathy Bagshaw has been appointed Senior Advisor, Operations, focused on strengthening delivery and operational excellence across major parks for key […]

Kings Dominion begins 2026 hiring season

DOSWELL, Va. –– Kings Dominion is hiring more than 2,500 seasonal employees for the 2026 season, which begins Saturday, March 21. The park will begin filling these roles during a week-long hiring event by parent company Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to fill more than 50,000 positions in its parks across North America. “With so many roles available, […]

Six Flags Over Texas And Hurricane Harbor Arlington seek to hire more than 1,400 employees for exciting 2026 season

ARLINGTON, Texas –– Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor Arlington, North Texas’ premier theme park and sister water park, today announced plans to hire more than 1,400 seasonal employees for the 2026 season, which launches Feb. 28. The park is currently filling these roles and will continue during a week-long hiring event Feb. 14 to 22 by parent company Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to fill more than 50,000 positions in its parks across North America.   “We are so excited for the new season and all that Six Flags […]