Dutch Winter Wonderland makes the season sparkle beginning November 15

LANCASTER, Pa. — It’s almost the most magical time of the year as Dutch Wonderland prepares to dazzle guests with its timeless holiday tradition, Dutch Winter Wonderland. The kingdom gates will officially open for visitors to join in the joy on Saturday, November 15 at 3 p.m. To kick off the spirit of the season, Dutch Winter Wonderland has been nominated […]
Lake Compounce makes the season sparkle with Holiday Lights 2025 beginning November 28

BRISTOL, Conn. — Join in the joy at Lake Compounce’s Holiday Lights as the park lights up the night sky for 14 sparkling days this holiday season. Celebrating 13 years of timeless holiday tradition, America’s First Amusement Park, will usher in the holidays beginning on Friday, November 28 at 4 p.m. To celebrate all that is merry […]
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas nominated for USA Today 10best Award

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — With Dollywood’s popular Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana underway, USA Today 10Best has once again nominated the festival for Best Theme Park Holiday Event, and Dollywood fans are asked to vote early and often to help the guest-favorite tradition earn the top spot. Smoky Mountain Christmas has been a perennial favorite for […]
SeaWorld Orlando launches the biggest sale of the year with limited-time Black Friday pre-sale: up to 65% off tickets, fun cards and annual passes

SeaWorld Orlando is launching a limited-time Black Friday Presale, offering up to 65% off on Tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes. This special offer is available now through Sunday, Nov. 9. With a thrilling lineup of new events and entertainment planned for the remainder of 2025 and all of 2026, now is the best time […]
Hupalipa family entertainment centers

Founded in 2019 to become a leading family entertainment brand, HUPALUPA has rapidly grown by meeting the needs of the retail ecosystem. With its sub-brands—HUPALUPA EXPO, GO, and STORE—it has strengthened its umbrella identity through vertical and horizontal expansion. Offering interactive play areas where families bond and children develop physical and social skills, HUPALUPA blends […]
Author Timothy A. Hill celebrates the 50th anniversary of Old Chicago with My Wild Ride!

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — The roar of roller coasters under one roof. The shimmer of lights on a domed skyline. The concerts, the shops, the memories that refused to fade. Fifty years after the world’s first indoor amusement park opened its gates, author Timothy A. Hill is bringing the story back to life with his new book, My Wild […]
The next frontier is here: Embed AI to rise at IAAPA Expo 2025

DALLAS, Texas — Embed sets another industry standard as the global transformation thought leader in the amusement and leisure space with the launch of Embed AI, solidifying its position as the world’s FEC tech partner of choice. “In true Embed tradition of introducing industry-firsts at IAAPA Expo, we are excited to announce the debut of […]
Learn from Intercard’s arcade experts at IAAPA expo november 17-21, 2025
ST. LOUIS — At IAAPA Expo 2025 in Orlando attendees have the opportunity to learn from Intercard’s arcade experts during two essential EDUSessions. On Monday November 17 at 12:00 pm Chris Barker will speak on “Level Up: Three Strategic Moves for Growing a Successful Arcade.” On November 20 at 8:30 am Jason Mitchell will participate […]
Intamin: Super Gyro Tower

Standing an impressive 53 metres tall from the ground the Intamin Super Gyro Tower is an observation tower offering visitors unparalleled panoramic views over Balneário Camboriú, the surrounding natural landscape of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush local forest. Situated at the very peak of Morro da Aguada and designed with a compact footprint to […]
Experience the most wonderful time of the year at Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain

BUENA PARK, Calif. — This holiday season, Knott’s Merry Farm and Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park invite guests to immerse themselves in enchanting winter wonderlands. At Knott’s Merry Farm, running Nov. 21 through Jan. 4, the park will come alive with the magic of the holiday season, featuring beloved traditions such as Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas and the […]
Former AAMA and AAMCF President David Cohen and his wife Jane Taubenfeld Cohen to be honored at Sunrise Association’s Dare to Dream Benefit

CARY, Ill. — The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation (AAMCF) proudly celebrate David Cohen, past President of both AAMA and AAMCF and recipient of the 2017 AAMA Lifetime Achievement Award, and his wife Jane Taubenfeld Cohen, as they are honored with the Sunrise Champion Award at the Sunrise […]
Last screams of the season: two weekends left to brave Fright Fest at Six Flags New England

Halloween thrills are coming to a close at Six Flags New England, with just two weekends left to experience Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS and Kids Boo Fest. The park’s final day of operation for the 2025 season is Sunday, Nov. 9. Guests are encouraged to make the most of the remaining weekends and enjoy both […]
Fairway Social goes cashless with Intercard

ST. LOUIS — Intercard has installed its cashless technology in the arcade at Fairway Social in Alpharetta, Georgia, modernizing what had been a coin-op location. Fairway Social is an innovative eatertainment experience where customers can play competitive games including golf, soccer, football, pitching and hockey on world-class augmented reality (AR) simulators in private bays. The venue […]
Pleasure Beach Resort celebrates 90 years of ice shows with all-new production

Pleasure Beach Resort’s world-famous Hot Ice Show is returning for its 90th year with a brand new production: Hot Ice XC. 2026 will mark nine decades of Olympic and world champion skaters travelling to Blackpool, to perform in what is said to be the most physically demanding ice show in the world. Recognisable performers from previous […]
Dollywood named to Forbes’ Best Customer Service list

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood has long been recognized as one of the best theme park guest experiences in the entire world, with the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, destination regularly earning honors celebrating its unique brand of hospitality. Another of those accolades was recently bestowed upon Dollywood Parks & Resorts, as it has been named to Forbes’ Best […]
SeaWorld San Antonio sparkles again with Texas’ largest Christmas celebration, featuring millions of lights, a new parade, and holiday favorites

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Beginning November 13 and running through January 4, SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration is back with plenty of holiday cheer! Throughout the holiday season, the marine life theme park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with millions of lights, over a dozen specially decorated Christmas zones, new culinary and beverage offerings, festive entertainment, and […]
Gilroy Gardens hosts a “Salute to Heroes” on Veterans Day Weekend (November 8, 9 & 11)

GILROY, Calif. — During the “Salute to Heroes” event over Veterans Day Weekend (November 8, 9 and 11) at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, admission to the park is FREE for all military members, veterans, police, fire, EMT, and ER medical professionals, with the option to purchase tickets for up to 6 additional guests at just […]
Hatfield And McCoy Dinner Feud serves up a sleigh-load of laughs and merry memories for families this holiday season

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — The holly-jolly chaos of the Christmas season is back with a classic Christmas disaster at the Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge, delivering a yuletide show that will have families laughing all the way through the holiday experience. America’s two favorite feuding families have a few seasonal squabbles, […]
Intercard’s big IAAPA Expo unveilings: new reader and recharge station plus a new booth

ST. LOUIS — At IAAPA Expo 2025, Intercard is going big with new additions! First is the unveiling of the Impulse Plus reader. This new reader takes more types of payments, makes more upsells and can increase revenues by as much as 30%. It is ideal for the many route operators who want to capture credit […]
EXTRA! EXTRA! The November I 2025 issue is now available!

In this issue:
Semnox modernizes Jenkinson’s Boardwalk operations while preserving millions of guest accounts

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, N.J. — Semnox Solutions has partnered with Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, one of the Jersey Shore’s most iconic family destinations, to modernize its operations while preserving decades of guest loyalty. As part of the project, Semnox migrated more than 8 million legacy guest accounts into its system, making Jenkinson’s the first U.S. location to […]
Ellis & Associates & Safety Skills Training open 2026 International Aquatic Safety School (IASS) Sponsor Program

The 40th annual International Aquatic Safety School (IASS) will take place January 18-23 in Phoenix AZ and February 8-13 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. IASS is the longest-running, largest and most comprehensive aquatic safety school in the world bringing together seasoned executives, subject-matter experts, the world’s top lifeguard instructor trainers and some of the most promising aquatic leadership in […]
Gateway to thrills: Zamperla opens family ride package at Union Station

In August 2025 a large ride collection opened in downtown St. Louis. Union Station chose Zamperla provide a new collection of rides for their expansion. The three rides redefined the outdoor space. St. Louis Union Station, once the city’s railroad terminal, it is now an indoor/outdoor entertainment zone with attractions that attract both residents and […]
Countdown begins for final days of Kids Boo Fest and Fright Fest at Six Flags Frontier City

Time is running out at Six Flags Frontier City, the region’s top destination for spooky Halloween fun and nighttime terror. With thrilling rides plus the happy Halloween haunts of Boo Fest by day and spine-chilling Fright Fest by night, the park offers two more weekends for families to make fall memories together. The park also offers a […]
America’s best Christmas tradition shines brightly at Dollywood beginning Nov. 1

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — At Dollywood, the holidays start this Saturday, November 1, with the 35th celebration of the park’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, the 15-time winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event. With the shimmer and shine of more than 6 million lights, guests will find a captivating winter wonderland where the spirit of […]
Valo Motion to bring FEC-friendly focus to IAAPA Expo 2025 and recognize America as the company’s top market

HELSINKI, Finland — Valo Motion, the Finnish pioneer in active mixed-reality products, is excited to expand its focus on America and the family entertainment center sector of the amusement industry at IAAPA Expo 2025, the global attraction industry’s premier international event. IAAPA attendees can find Valo Motion at booth 3886 at IAAPA Expo 2025, from […]
ADG wins two 2025 WWA Leading Edge Awards for Design/Build Projects

COHOES, N.Y. — Aquatic Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce that their specialty aquatic design/build work on both OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark and Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark was recognized with Leading Edge Awards at the 2025 World Waterpark Association (WWA) Show in Orlando, Florida, during the conference’s opening general session today. The WWA […]
Holidays at Legoland California return with Yuletide builds & bricktastic cheer!

CARLSBAD, Calif. —Have your ‘elf’ a merry little brick-built holiday at LEGOLAND California Resort as the Park transforms into a LEGO winter wonderland. Starting Nov. 22 and running select days through Jan. 4, families can unwrap fun with a new holiday-themed ride, larger-than-life LEGO builds, falling “snow,” twinkling lights, sweet treats and more. All seasonal offerings are […]
Holidays at Legoland Florida Resort returns Dec. 6 for family friendly festivities

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Sleigh into the jolliest time of year during Holidays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Presented by the Hallmark Channel which returns with festive fun on select dates: December 6, 13, 20, and 24–31. Families are invited to celebrate the season with twinkling lights, festive LEGO® décor, interactive entertainment, and even a gigantic LEGO Christmas tree, […]
Interstellar Arc, the highly anticipated, fully immersive spacefaring experience, now open at Area15 in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — Interstellar Arc, the awe-inspiring new immersive experience from the Emmy Award-winning creators at Felix & Paul Studios, is now open exclusively at AREA15 in Las Vegas. Guests are invited to embark on a captivating emotional journey, set centuries in the future and light-years from Earth. Blending cinematic storytelling with next-generation immersive technology, Interstellar Arc propels audiences into humanity’s […]
‘Journey to Hell’ opens for Halloween – and it features a 120-year-old ride

Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort opened the gates to its terrifying Journey to Hell event last night – and for the first time, thrillseekers could walk through a ride that’s more than a century old. The event debuted a brand new for 2025 scare zone, ‘Abyss’, which invites thrillseekers to walk through the 120-year-old River Caves ride […]
F1 Arcade Las Vegas now open at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

LAS VEGAS — F1 Arcade Las Vegas, the one-of-a-kind entertainment and hospitality destination combining the thrill of Formula 1 with world-class food and cocktails, announces it is now open to the public. The 21,000-square-foot destination inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is now the brand’s largest location to date. Bringing together the high-octane energy […]
Four WWA Leading Edge Awards 2025 for WhiteWater projects

VANCOUVER, Canada – At the World Waterpark Association Show in Orlando, Florida, WhiteWater received Leading Edge Awards for outstanding work in the following global projects: Water Slides AND Water Ride Headline Bold Yas Waterworld ExpansionThe most anticipated water park expansion project of 2025 opened at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi, adding 20 new rides and […]
Final weekend of Phantom Fall Fest @ Lake Compounce

Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce is coming to a chilling close this weekend, and the Phantom is taking screams to the extreme one last time. From Friday through Sunday, America’s First Amusement Park will transform into a world of fright with Project Nightmare, the park’s newest and most terrifying haunted attraction, alongside returning fan-favorites. Families can also join […]
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. Recognized by USA Today’s 10Best as one of the top holiday theme park events in the nation, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration transforms over 120 acres of the park […]
Six Flags Over Georgia caps off season with new event, DC Heroes Fest

MABLETON, Ga. — Six Flags Over Georgia will debut DC Heroes Fest this November 8 – 30. The new event is a celebration of favorite DC heroes, like BATMAN, SUPERMAN, WONDER WOMAN and THE FLASH, alongside real-life heroes within the community. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on select days, guests will be treated to live entertainment, face […]
Final weekends: Six Flags America delivers fall family fun through Nov. 2

Six Flags America’s largest Kids Boo Fest will operate two more weekends until the park’s closing day, Nov. 2. Kids Boo Fest is the ultimate Halloween celebration for families with themed areas including a new “Boo Zone,” new glowing blacklight trick-or-treat trail, nine live shows, a spooktacular parade, thrilling rides and loads of interactive fun. The park’s final weekends […]
Three zebra foals born at Six Flags Wild Safari

JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Wild Safari has welcomed three new zebra foals to its herd, adding a burst of baby energy to the savanna this fall season. Guests have limited time to visit — the Wild Safari will close for the season on November 9. All three babies are Grant’s zebras, the smallest and most geographically […]
RWS Global, an entertainment and sports company, showcases diverse capabilities at IAAPA Expo 2025

NEW YORK, N.Y. — RWS Global, the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, will present its 2025 IAAPA Expo tradeshow booth, offering visitors a glimpse at the company’s expansive offerings, representing every step of live experience from ideation and design to production and operations. While at IAAPA Expo, the team will […]
Ellis & Associates and Mobaro announce the new EllisDocs powered by Mobaro

ORLANDO — Two of the attractions industry’s most respected safety organizations, Ellis & Associates (E&A) and Mobaro, today announced a partnership that delivers a powerful and easy-to-use aquatic facility operations app now available to all aquatic facilities. Backed by E&A’s unmatched aquatic safety expertise and Mobaro’s leading digital solutions, the intuitive app transforms how aquatic […]
SeaWorld Orlando celebrates International Sawfish Day with a first — juvenile sawfish makes his public debut

ORLANDO — SeaWorld Orlando is marking a major conservation milestone just in time for International Sawfish Day (October 17). For the first time ever, a juvenile smalltooth sawfish named Axel, born at the park is moving into a guest-facing habitat at the Manta Aquarium. Axel is part of a historic trio of sawfish pups born […]
The 2025 State Fair of Texas welcomes more than 2 million fairgoers

DALLAS — As the Midway lights dim and Big Tex waves his final farewell, the 2025 State Fair of Texas comes to a close – yet the memories made this season continue to shine across the Lone Star State. During its 24-day run, the 2025 State Fair welcomed an estimated 2 million people through its gates, each adding […]
WePlay x Care Bears Halloween Carnival Party officially kicks off!

WASHINGTON — As Halloween night falls, WePlay teams up with the globally beloved IP Care Bears to launch a heartwarming and magical “Halloween Carnival Party”! More than just a festive celebration, this collaboration marks a cross-dimensional encounter filled with love and joy. WePlay’s mascot Wezi invites everyone to join the adorable Care Bears, unlock the magic within, chase away sadness, and ignite the […]
Sesame Place Philadelphia welcomes back Michael Taylor as new park president

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Sesame Place Philadelphia proudly welcomes back Michael Taylor as its new Park President. Taylor brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industry, beginning his journey at Sesame Place as a seasonal team member in 1998. Over the years, he has held several key leadership roles, including nearly a […]
By popular demand: Pleasure Beach brings back behind the scenes tours

Pleasure Beach Resort is offering guests the opportunity to look behind the scenes of its park in exclusive tours. The park hosted similar tours earlier in the year which sold out within minutes, so bosses have decided to bring them back. In small guided groups, guests will visit some of Pleasure Beach’s lesser-known departments. They’ll […]
Universal Studios Hollywood initiates its first launch of “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” as preparations continue for its highly anticipated 2026 opening

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Universal Studios Hollywood begins extended testing with its first launch of the “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” ride vehicles as the theme park’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster prepares to open in 2026. The train containing the four ride vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, will be concealed during this initial test […]
Universal Orlando Resort to debut a new overlay for Wicked: The Experience on October 31

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to fly into the breathtaking world of the highly anticipated Universal Pictures film, Wicked: For Good, with new experiences within the immersive retail location, Wicked: The Experience, beginning October 31. Located inside Universal Studios Florida, the highly themed store will feature new elements that will take guests on a journey […]
Aquatica Orlando unveils Illuminate: first-ever nighttime lantern festival

ORLANDO — This holiday season, Aquatica Orlando will shine brighter than ever with the debut of ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica, a brand-new nighttime experience transforming the award-winning water park into a radiant realm of light and imagination. Expanding upon beloved nighttime traditions like AquaGlow, this limited-time event introduces entirely new realms, interactive […]
Dippin’ Dots makes history with first-ever flavor collab: Dr Pepper flavored Dippin’ Dots

PADUCAH, Ky. — Two icons. One frozen first. For the first time in its nearly 40-year history, Dippin’ Dots is sharing its name with another brand, and it is not just any brand. The original beaded ice cream is joining forces with Dr Pepper, the soft drink known for its one-of-a-kind taste, to launch Dr Pepper Flavored […]
SeaWorld San Antonio announces plans for Barracuda Strike — Texas’ first inverted family roller coaster