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Author: amusementtoday

National Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium 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 […]

Young Builders at Pasadena’s Kidspace Children’s Museum compete in Legoland California Resort’s Junior Galaxy Explorers Contest ahead of Lego Galaxy opening March 6, 2026!

PASADENA, Callif. — Imaginations skyrocketed out of this world today, when LEGOLAND California Resort hosted the final stop of its nationwide Junior Galaxy Explorers search at the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena. The family-friendly event brought together hands-on LEGO spacecraft builds, creative problem solving, and STEM-inspired play for aspiring explorers ages 6-12.  Young builders designed and presented […]

Now open: SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride at Nickelodeon Play! Istanbul

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Nickelodeon Play! at Tersane Istanbul, has officially opened SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride, an interactive dark ride by Sally Dark Rides that brings the world of SpongeBob SquarePants to life through playful competition, immersive storytelling, and family-friendly fun. The attraction opened November 28, 2025, along the shores of the Golden Horn, introducing a 5,000 sq. m. indoor […]

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval kicks off this weekend

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort’s “must-do” seasonal celebration of the spring, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, begins this Saturday, February 7 and runs daily through Saturday, April 4 – bringing the spirit of New Orleans and carnaval celebrations around the globe to the heart of Universal Studios Florida. The popular event features a dazzling parade featuring […]

World first major study launched to ‘unlock the magic’ of theme parks for the neurodivergent community

A groundbreaking new research partnership has been announced today, aiming to rewrite the rulebook on how theme parks and visitor attractions are designed. In a world-first collaboration, the University of Birmingham, themed attraction designers Katapult, and Drayton Manor Resort are joining forces to decode neurodivergent guest experiences. For millions of families globally, a trip to […]

Catherine “Cat” Lorenzo named New president of Morgan’s Wonderland

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Morgan’s Wonderland, the first-of-its-kind, Ultra-Accessible™ theme and water park, is proud to announce Catherine “Cat” Lorenzo as Park President. Lorenzo’s appointment marks a new chapter in the park’s continued commitment to inclusion, excellence, and unforgettable experiences for guests of all abilities. “As Park President, Cat embodies the values that define Morgan’s […]

Efteling introduces new measures to enhance accessibility for all visitors

Efteling connects people through the power of stories – in the Fairytale Forest as well as in its attractions of the theme park in the South of Holland. As part of the park’s new accessibility offering, subtitles will be available for most of the narrated stories in the park via the Efteling app. Visitors will […]

DEAL 2026 Intercard and new mobile iReader

ST. LOUIS — Intercard will exhibit at this year’s DEAL, the Dubai show that has been guiding the theme park and amusement industries in the MENA region for more than 30 years.  The show runs from February 10-12, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Intercard’s CEO Scott Sherrod, Bajro Spahic and Alberto Borrero, senior vice-president of […]

Dolly Parton’s Stampede ready to begin 39th season of fun and adventure

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — When Dolly Parton’s Stampede opens for its 39th season on February 6, guests quickly will understand why a trip to this most-visited dinner attraction in the world is unlike any entertainment experience they’ve ever encountered. The Stampede features an exciting combination of equestrian expertise, vibrant music and storytelling, colorful butterflies, comedic escapades […]

Play Playground offers Nashville’s First Responders, Emergency Workers Free Play Pass, appetizers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Play Playground, Nashville’s most playful social game experience and rooftop lounge located just off Broadway, invites first responders and frontline emergency workers to enjoy a FREE appetizer and Play Pass—granting them access to the venue’s more than 20 large-scale physical games—now through Feb. 11. “The massive winter storm that hit Nashville last week […]

Knott’s Berry Farm to debut Crafty’s Kitchen Summer 2026

BUENA PARK, Calif. — Knott’s Berry Farm, one of Southern California’s most popular theme park destinations, will debut a new eatery in the heart of Charleston Circle, right across from the famous fountain, this summer. The venue, currently a Johnny Rockets, will undergo a complete transformation starting April 15, which is just after the conclusion […]

Kevin Naughton passes away at 69

Kevin Naughton, a NEAAPA Past President and Hall of Fame member, who has worked decades in the attractions and motorsports insurance industry, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. He was 69 years old. Kevin is the 3rd generation to work at Naughton Insurance, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Kevin joined […]

Journey acquires Scruffy Dog Creative Group, expanding end-to-end design, fabrication, and delivery capabilities

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Journey, the multidimensional experience agency, has acquired Scruffy Dog Creative Group (SDCG), the UK-based design-and-build studio known for its advanced fabrication, manufacturing, and delivery capabilities across theme parks, visitor attractions, resorts, museums, brand activations, and immersive experiences. This acquisition marks a significant evolution in Journey’s ability not only to design transformative […]

SpongeBob comes to life: Jellyfish Jump debuts in Istanbul

RES RIDES AG proudly announces the debut of the world’s first SpongeBob SquarePants–themed Interactive Observation Tower, the Jellyfish Jump ride is now open at Nickelodeon Play! Tersane Istanbul. This whimsical underwater attraction immerses guests in the heart of Bikini Bottom, where SpongeBob’s signature bamboo cage baskets rise skyward, then drop and spin in thrilling interactive motions. As glowing […]

FACE Amusement Group named finalist for IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Award

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group has been named a finalist for the Best Talent Acquisition Program category in the IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in the global attractions industry. The finalist designation was recently announced by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry. Finalists were selected by IAAPA task forces representing each […]

TEA welcomes Whitney Hines as Director of Operations and Programs

BURBANK, Calif. — Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) the association for the global community of creators, innovators, and fabricators of themed experiences, is pleased to announce the appointment of Whitney Hines as Director of Operations and Programs. In this role, Hines will oversee the day-to-day operations of the association and member relations. She will also work on product […]

Milestone reached: Six Flags Over Texas completes the world’s tallest Immelmann Inversion as construction continues on Tormenta Rampaging Run, the world’s first giga dive coaster

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Immelmann Inversion of Tormenta Rampaging Run, the world’s tallest, fastest, longest and first-ever giga (300+-foot-tall) dive coaster, was completed yesterday evening. Upon reaching the top of the already completed 309-foot lift hill, riders will be held atop just long enough to catch their breaths before diving over the edge and down the 285-feet beyond vertical drop, which immediately then will send riders through the 218-feet Immelmann […]

Flyover acquired by Brogent Tech accelerates $442B experiential shift

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Flyover, a leading immersive flying theater attraction brand, today announced that Brogent Technologies Inc. (Taipei Exchange: 5263) (“Brogent”), a global leader in flying ride technology and attraction engineering, has reached an agreement to acquire Flyover Attractions from Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. This strategic transaction supports Flyover’s next phase of international growth […]

Six Flags expands offering of Coast-to-Coast Grad Nite Celebrations in 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, will host spring Grad Nite events in major cities nationwide that offer unforgettable celebrations for graduating middle and high school students. In 2026, Knott’s Berry Farm and Carowinds will join the lineup with new offerings. These private events give students the chance to laugh, bond and celebrate their scholastic […]

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show combines thrilling Family feud, delicious food

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — A new year is here, and one thing that will stay the same in 2026 is the hijinks, humor and hilarity at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Returning for a 15th year, guests to the Smokies are in for a night of entertainment with the combination of […]

IAAPA: Summer Work Travel Visas not affected by recent Visa processing pause

Recent media coverage has raised concerns about a newly announced pause in U.S. visa processing affecting 75 countries, which went into effect today. We want to provide an important clarification for organizations that utilize the Summer Work Travel program (J-1 visa). After confirming with official sources, this pause applies only to immigrant visas. It does not […]

Universal Orlando Resort reveals its next blockbuster attraction — Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift — a high-speed rollercoaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort is revving up for its next big thrill with Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift — a high-octane outdoor roller coaster that will join the Universal Studios Florida family in 2027. Replacing the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will put guests and clients in the driver seat […]

Miraculous Corp partners with Ground Control Entertainment to launch world’s first Miraculous Family Entertainment Center

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Miraculous Corp — the groundbreaking joint venture between Mediawan and ZAG and home to the beloved global franchise Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir—has officially signed an agreement with Ground Control Entertainment to establish the first Miraculous Family Entertainment Center destination in the Middle East. Opening Spring 2026 at the iconic Mall of Qatar in Doha, the Miraculous Adventure will be […]

Family Entertainment Group names Steve Paris chief operating officer

ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group (FEG), a leading operator of family entertainment centers and destination arcades across North America, today announced the promotion of Steve Paris to Chief Operating Officer (COO). The appointment is part of a strategic leadership realignment designed to support the company’s accelerating growth. Previously serving as Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations, Paris will […]

Young Builders Land at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for Legoland Florida Resort’s Junior Galaxy Explorers event ahead of new Galactic Roller Coaster

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Imaginations skyrocketed out of this world this past Saturday, when LEGOLAND Florida Resort hosted the final local stop of its Junior Galaxy Explorers search at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Set at America’s gateway to space, the family-friendly event brought together hands-on LEGO spacecraft builds, creative problem solving, and STEM-inspired play for aspiring explorers ages 6–12. Surrounded by real-world rockets and […]

Hershey to debut new destination experiences throughout 2026

HERSHEY, Pa. — One of the country’s most iconic destinations, Hershey, Pa., will debut a new hotel, a new restaurant, a water park enhancement, upgrades to a historic live entertainment venue and patriotic summer celebrations at Hersheypark during its 120th operating year.  Centrally located within driving distance of five of the largest metropolitan areas in the Northeast, Hershey […]

Drew Horn appointed COO as KMI International expands operational leadership

ORLANDO — KMI International, an employee-owned project and construction management consulting firm headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is proud to announce the promotion of Drew Horn to Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 5, 2026. Horn brings more than 30 years of experience spanning cost estimating, project management, and project controls, with a track record of supporting […]

Disney to include Disability Access Proposal in 2026 proxy after withdrawing SEC exclusion request

WASHINGTON — The Walt Disney Company withdrew its request to exclude a shareholder proposal on disability accommodations from its 2026 proxy statement, according to an SEC filing submitted today by Disney’s counsel, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. The proposal, submitted by shareholder Erik G. Paul, calls for an independent review of Disney’s controversial 2024-2025 […]

Mapping the next era of leisure: a deep dive into the 2030 Validation Report

Katapult, the themed attraction, experience and destination design company, has released a comprehensive update to its industry roadmap: the Leisure & Attraction Trends 2030: Validation Report. This deep dive arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry, stress-testing original projections against a market that has experienced a “rollercoaster ride” of change over the past twelve […]

Brogent Technologies unveils the Middle East’s largest flying theater in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Brogent Technologies is proud to unveil Flying Over Saudi, the Middle East’s largest flying theater attraction, officially opening on December 24, 2025, in Riyadh. The project marks a significant milestone for the region’s theme park and immersive entertainment industry, introducing a new benchmark for large-scale, premium flying theater experiences while reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a […]

QubicaAMF expands OneSource Partner Network with ARCO/Murray National Construction’s sports & entertainment team

RICHMOND, Va. — QubicaAMF today announced that ARCO/Murray National Construction, a national design-builder with a dedicated sports and entertainment group, has joined QubicaAMF OneSource™, a curated partner network designed to help investors, developers, and operators bring entertainment concepts to life with trusted expertise—from early planning through opening day. QubicaAMF OneSource connects clients with a network […]

Legoland California reveals first look at new space-themed land

CARLSBAD, Calif. — One small brick for builders, one giant leap for LEGOLAND California Resort! Today, the family theme park in North County San Diego gave a behind-the-scenes hard hat tour revealing an exclusive first look at LEGO Galaxy, an all-new land, launching March 6, 2026. Designed as an immersive, story-driven experience, LEGO Galaxy will take families on a journey through the […]

Intercard announces integration with the Toast Platform

ST. LOUIS — Intercard is excited to announce that it has joined the Toast Partner Ecosystem. This integration is designed to allow restaurants, bars and other venues with arcades and entertainment attractions to accept an Intercard game card as payment for food and beverage service, increasing customer convenience by making it possible for customers to […]

Vekoma Rides Parts & Services B.V. and Drone Over The Top LLC announce cooperation to advance safety-focused drone inspections for Theme Parks

THE NETHERLANDS — Vekoma Rides Parts & Service LLC is proud to proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Drone Over The Top LLC, a certified aerial inspection company specializing in advanced structural assessments for amusement rides. This collaboration represents a shared commitment to safety, precision, and innovation in the amusement industry. Traditionally, visual […]

JW Winco: Turn to lock

They are classic standard parts: latches. They offer a simple and obvious way to quickly close panels, doors or covers. JW Winco has expanded its portfolio, adding stainless steel versions and new functional concepts. It is a familiar situation for designers: The space available for a closing mechanism is tight, there is no opposing surface […]

Entrepreneur names Urban Air “No. 1 Adventure Park Brand” in 2026 Franchise 500 for eighth consecutive year

DALLAS — Urban Air Adventure Park, part of the youth enrichment growth-focused platform Unleashed Brands, ranked No. 178 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500® list. This signifies the eighth year the brand has been named No. 1 in the Adventure Parks category. Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® is considered one of the most competitive and comprehensive franchise rankings, evaluating […]

Huss Pirate Ship, Bounty’s Revenge II, sets sail at Adventure World

BREMEN, Germany — Huss Park Attractions, the German ride manufacturer, has worked with Adventure World in Perth, Australia, to bring back its much-loved pirate ship ride, Bounty’s Revenge, nine years after the original was retired. Adventure World offered a pirate ship experience for over 30 years, with the ride, also from HUSS, eventually being retired […]

Adventureland adds more events for 2026 season

ALTOONA, Iowa — Adventureland guests are in for a full season of thrills as the theme park prepares to reopen the gates for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 16. This year, the park promises to deliver more fun, more events, and more excitement all season long as it drops its most robust event lineup ever. Headlined […]

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 […]