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Author: amusementtoday

Full details of Universal Kids Resort revealed 

FRISCO, Texas — Universal Destinations & Experiences announced the attractions, shows, food & beverage and merchandise experiences that will be featured in the all new Universal Kids Resort – a regional theme park specifically designed for families with young children. The theme park will open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. Universal Kids Resort will feature seven themed […]

PortAventura World unveils “Expedition ULUM: The Jurassic Awakening,” a groundbreaking mixed reality experience

Technological innovation and immersive entertainment come together in PortAventura World’s new venture, “Expedition ULUM: The Jurassic Awakening”, a pioneering mixed reality experience in the world. The proposal will transport visitors to the heart of Mexico on an expedition that combines themed physical settings and state-of-the-art digital environments. Developed by PortAventura Adventure Labs, the in-house innovation […]

Six Flags Over Texas unveils first train for record-breaking Tormenta Rampaging Run roller coaster

ARLINGTON, Texas — Six Flags Over Texas unveiled the train for Tormenta Rampaging Run, the record-breaking dive roller coaster set to debut in 2026, in a dual reveal that took place at the park and at the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo (IAAPA) in Orlando. The world’s first giga dive coaster was announced in late September in which the six world records it […]

No Legs Larry and Maestro materialize for the first time as Kings Island and Sally Dark Rides unveil new animatronic characters for Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, coming in 2026

MASON, Ohio — Kings Island, together with ride manufacturer Sally Dark Rides, today unveiled two animatronic characters coming to the park’s new Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare interactive dark ride in 2026. The reveal at the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Expo in Orlando introduced No Legs Larry, the Phantom Theater’s head usher and Maestro, […]

Dollywood and Mack Rides unveil NightFlight Expedition ride vehicle during IAAPA Expo

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — As the most anticipated new attraction in the history of Dollywood Parks & Resorts nears its opening next spring, officials with the park and from manufacturer MACK Rides unveiled one of NightFlight Expedition’s cutting-edge ride vehicles on Tuesday morning. Theme park industry media and attendees at the IAAPA (International Association of […]

Noah’s Ark Waterpark is electric with all-new Neon Nights

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. —  Noah’s Ark, America’s Largest Waterpark,brings family fun under the stars in summer 2026 with its all-new Neon Nights event. The new nighttime event keeps the party going for 14 nights from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. 2026 also marks the park’s longest season ever with more than 100 days to splash the day away […]

Adventureland glows with the flow during all-new Neon Nights

ALTOONA, Iowa — When the sun goes down, Adventureland will bring out the fun this summer season as the park debuts its newest event, Neon Nights. The all-new electric event under the stars will transform Adventure Bay water park into a full glow experience for 12 nights next July and August. Running Fridays and Saturdays from July 10 […]

Two iconic rides make grand Return to Story Land Theme Park in 2026

GLEN, N.H. — Story Land, New Hampshire’s Best Theme Park for Kids, will bring back two of its most beloved rides during the 2026 season. Beginning next summer, visitors can expect to see the return of Turtle Twirl and Crazy Barn, as The Place Where Fantasy Lives, continues an on-going investment project to offer families more attractions, rides, and events during […]

Six Flags Great Escape’s Holiday in the Lodge event returns this season

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. — Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park,Lake George’s premier family resort, transforms into a winter wonderland once again for its beloved Holiday in the Lodge celebration. Running weekends and select dates from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24, the resort offers guests a cozy retreat filled with twinkling lights, classic holiday tunes and […]

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment invests more than $1 million at Hawaiian Falls

MANSFIELD, Texas — Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment, the globally recognized leader in family attractions and the new owner of Hawaiian Falls Waterparks, will invest more than $1 million to elevate guest experiences at the Hawaiian Falls locations in Mansfield, Roanoke, and Waco. The enhancements—set to debut for the 2026 season—will refresh signature […]

Adventure Golf & Sports introducing PongBoard MiniGolf

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — “Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) has now combined a popular beer pong game into two, fun, mini-golf putting games; one for venues who desire a pong beer party event and another for children and families who can enjoy the same fun putting concept without the beer,” says Scott Lundmark president and […]

See it first: Embed AI’s exclusive launch

Where hardware and software solutions powered by Apple, Google, and Amazon Web Services integrate, Embed now automates.​ Intuitive reports. Automated operations. Agile pricing. Smart staffing. Revenue predictions. Personalised guest experiences—and we’re just getting started. From receiving 6 months of intensive professional services, AI training, and Google Cloud credits to accelerate AI adoption in the business […]

The Bonus Round teams with Intercard for new cashless arcade

ST. LOUIS — Intercard has installed its cashless technology at The Bonus Round, a family-run arcade that recently opened in Decatur, Indiana. The arcade features more than 30 games with a mix of virtual reality, retro classics, claw machines and more. All games are connected by an Intercard cashless system including a self-service kiosk. Austin […]

Intercard and Mobilozophy offer mobile loyalty solution

ST. LOUIS — Intercard, a global leader in cashless technology for the amusement industry, and Mobilozophy, a provider of AI-powered marketing automation software, are proud to announce a new mobile loyalty solution designed to transform how amusement centers engage, reward, and retain their guests. By integrating Intercard’s POS and redemption software with Mobilozophy’s Marketing Automation […]

Accesso to showcase AI-Powered shopping preview and new innovation at IAAPA Orlando 2025

ORLANDO — accesso Technology Group (AIM: ACSO), the leading technology partner to the leisure and entertainment industry, will spotlight the most recent advancements across its revenue-driving product portfolio at IAAPA Expo Orlando 2025. Attendees can visit Booth #5131 to experience live demonstrations across ticketing, point of sale, virtual queuing, mobile, payments and AI powered commerce. […]

FACE Amusement and Guy Fieri Foundation donate teddy bears to the 25th Annual Friends Johnson City Friends Buddy Walk

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group teamed up with The Guy Fieri Foundation and National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) for the 25th annual FRIENDS Buddy Walk®, one of the country’s largest Down syndrome advocacy and awareness events.  This past weekend, more than 1,000 participants gathered at the ETSU CPA Front Yard to celebrate community, shift perceptions and champion greater opportunities for individuals with Down […]

RES Rides celebrates 10 years of innovation at IAAPA Orlando 2025

ALTENDORF, Switzerland — RES RIDES AG, a global leader in amusement ride innovation, is celebrating its 10th anniversary at IAAPA Expo Orlando 2025 with an invitation to theme parks and attractions professionals: come explore the next generation of family entertainment at Booth 4404. This milestone year is marked by with recognition: the Pumpen Super Swing […]

Simtec Systems and The Void redefine the dark ride: real motion meets infinite worlds

ORLANDO —Simtec Systems and The VOID announce a partnership to develop a first-of-its-kind hyper-reality dark ride that merges Simtec’s proven motion simulators with The VOID’s multisensory “hyper-reality” platform to deliver cinematic worlds with theme-park-grade throughput in a compact footprint. The platform pairs motion-based vehicles with VOID-designed interactivity and tactile feedback, allowing guests to steer, target, […]

Image Engineering and Image SFX announce key leadership promotion, new strategic hire, and expansion to Rock Lititz Campus

BALTIMORE, Md. — Image Engineering and Image SFX are pleased to announce a significant leadership advancement, a new strategic hire, and the opening of a new office location within the Rock Lititz campus in Lititz, Pennsylvania. These strategic developments support the companies’ continued growth in live entertainment, touring productions, experiential design, engineering, and themed entertainment. […]

Piece on Earth: Annual Lego Tree Lighting Extravaganza at Legoland California Resort, Monday, Dec. 1

LEGOLAND California Resort is decking the halls — brick by brick! The Carlsbad theme park will celebrate the return of its three-story, 35-foot-tall LEGO Christmas Tree at the 23rd annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 1.  Built from more than 366,000 LEGO and DUPLO bricks, complete with giant ornaments, presents, candy canes, stars and candles, the tree took Master Model builders […]

Family Entertainment Group welcomes two new executives to lead commercial strategy and accelerate growth

ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group (FEG), a leader in developing and operating high-performing arcades and attractions across the United States, announced two strategic additions to its executive leadership team: Parisa Jalili as Chief Commercial Officer and Justin Green as Chief Growth Officer. The appointments underscore FEG’s commitment to disciplined, scalable growth and to elevating […]

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas celebration lights up the season with millions of sparkling lights, beloved shows, and holiday cheer

ORLANDO — It’s the most wonderful time of the year at SeaWorld Orlando and this year, the park is going bigger and brighter than ever before. Christmas Celebration is now open through Jan. 5, offering families heart-warming shows, beloved characters, festive fireworks and holiday traditions you’ll only find at SeaWorld — available with general admission.Recognized […]

Universal Orlando Resort salutes military members with exclusive Military Freedom Pass, vacation packages and specially priced 1-day Universal Epic Universe tickets

ORLANDO — As a “thank you” for their service, Universal Orlando Resort is offering eligible service members a variety of specially priced offers and vacation packages – inviting them to plan a well-deserved getaway to experience the thrills of the award-winning theme park destination. Eligible service members and their families can now purchase the exclusive […]

Fun Spot America announces huge Black Friday savings on 2026 season passes

ORLANDO — Fun Spot America, known for providing family-friendly entertainment and thrilling experiences across its three parks, is kicking off its highly anticipated Black Friday Sale with exclusive savings on 2026 Season Passes and 2026 Ultimate Season Passes. HUGE Season Pass savings are here! Starting November 14th through Sunday, December 1st, guests can purchase a 2026 Season […]

Florida’s gentle giants get a second chance thanks to SeaWorld’s Rescue Team

ORLANDO — In celebration of Manatee Awareness Month, SeaWorld Orlando is reminding Floridians of their shared responsibility to protect one of the state’s most beloved species. The park’s Rescue Team recently returned its 42nd rehabilitated manatee of the year to his natural habitat after a remarkable two-month recovery from a boat strike injury.The 675-pound male, […]

Millions of lights, magical nights: Six Flags Entertainment unwraps dazzling holiday experiences beginning Nov. 15

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, will unwrap dazzling holiday celebrations from coast to coast beginning Nov. 15. Ten parks will deliver magical celebrations that blend heartwarming traditions with high-energy thrills at WinterFest, Holiday in the Park, Knott’s Merry Farm and Christmas in the Park. 25 million twinkling lights, photos […]

Herschend to acquire Silverwood, The Pacific Northwest’s largest theme and water park 

ATLANTA, Ga. and ATHOL, Idaho — Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (“Herschend”), the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, and Silverwood, Inc., owner of Silverwood Theme Park (“Silverwood”), have signed an exclusive term sheet for Herschend to acquire Silverwood.  Silverwood, a beloved family-owned theme and water park in Athol, ID, has been operated by the Norton […]

AAMA announces finalists for 2026 FEC of the Year Award

CARY, Ill. —  The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) is proud to announce the five finalists for the 2026 AAMA Family Entertainment Center (FEC) of the Year Award. This year’s finalists represent the very best in creativity, customer experience, and community engagement within the amusement industry. Their commitment to excellence and innovation embodies the spirit […]

International Rides Management wraps up 2024-2025 with strong sales

International Rides Management of Wildwood, NJ (IRMRides.com) is finishing strong the combined 2024-2025 season on a busy note. “2024 was our 35th anniversary, but I think we will wait until our 40th to celebrate. IAAPA’s Mike Shelton did send the much appreciated thank you for 36 years of IAAPA membership. We were getting solicited to […]

Wild Creations marks 15 years of engineering themed environments for global attractions

WALES, U.K. — A Wales-based production company that designs and fabricates installations for leading global attractions is celebrating 15 years in business – having evolved into one of the UK’s leading producers of large-scale themed environments for Universal, Merlin and other global attractions brands. Operating from a 40,000 sq ft facility near Cardiff city centre, […]

Pleasure Beach announces a brand-new family show in 2026

Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has announced that it’s set to showcase a brand-new ice show next season: Alice, Frozen in a Wonderland of Dreams.   The performance will be suitable for all ages, and sees classic characters from the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland novel re-imagined on the ice. Stageworks Worldwide – Pleasure Beach’s entertainment arm of the business – […]

Celebrate Veterans Day at Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown is honoring those who have served our country with a special Veterans Day offer. Veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to enjoy their choice of Chicken Wings or Pretzel Bites—on the house—as a small token of appreciation for their service. Offer valid for dine-in guests only. Beverage, tax, and […]

Merlin Entertainments launches a search for Junior Galaxy Explorers in preparation for opening Lego Galaxy in early 2026!

FLORIDA and CALIFORNIA — Ignite your spacecraft engines! LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND California Resorts are preparing for their biggest investment to date by launching a nationwide search for a lucky team of Junior Galaxy Explorers who will be the first to ride Galacticoaster on opening day on their designated coast! The first indoor, space-themed family coaster is […]

Celebrate Veterans Day at Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar Branson

BRANSON, Mo. —  On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar Branson is honoring those who have served our country with a special Veterans Day offer.  Veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to enjoy their choice of Chicken Wings or Pretzel Bites—on the house—as a small token of appreciation for their service. Offer valid for dine-in guests only. Beverage, tax, and gratuity not included. […]

“Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas” puts winter in a festive spotlight: new moments like in an American Christmas movie await the whole family!

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — As the days turn colder and the evenings turn longer, the Christmas season knocks on the gates of Ho-Ho-Hollywood. The third season of “Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas” heralds the arrival of winter once again this year, offering an entertaining, festive experience for the whole family. New Christmas magic and new show moments float […]

Connect with RES Rides at IAAPA Expo inOrlando – booth #4404

Celebrate with RES RIDES at IAAPA Orlando Expo – Booth 4404! We’re thrilled to mark our 10th Anniversary at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando—and we’ve got plenty to celebrate! Our PUMPEN Super Swing at Gröna Lund (Parks and Resorts Scandinavia) just earned the prestigious European Star Award for Europe’s Best New Big Attractions 2025 […]

Roller introduces Roller iQ, the AI assistant built for the attractions industry

AUSTIN, Texas — ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform for the leisure and attractions industry, has announced ROLLER iQ, a revolutionary AI assistant that helps operators turn their venue’s data into instant insights, making intelligence a competitive edge for ROLLER’s customers.  Unlike general-purpose AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, ROLLER iQ is grounded in real-time operational […]

See the future of ticketing and guest management at IAAPA booth #4847

Are you ready to take your guest experience to the next level? Join Gateway Ticketing Systems at IAAPA Expo 2025, Booth #4847, and see how our Galaxy Platform continues to transform the way attractions manage admissions, retail, and guest engagement. Whether you’re already part of the Galaxy community or exploring new solutions, you’ll discover powerful tools designed to help […]

Holiday lights at Kennywood dazzles with new Gingerbread Junction & immersive Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Experience

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — It’s almost time to light up Pennsylvania’s Tallest Christmas Tree as Holiday Lights makes Kennywood Park shine for 30 nights. Pittsburgh’s Home for the Holidays is expanding last year’s event with even more new ways to make the season sparkle in 2025. Plus, the popular Christmas event has been once again nominated by USA Today 10Best as one […]