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Author: amusementtoday

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 […]

IB Parks & Entertainment to operate Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park beginning with the 2026 Season

ROSSVILLE, Ga. — IB Parks & Entertainment, a leading operator of family-oriented theme parks and attractions, announced today that it has acquired the rights to operate Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park under a long-term commitment, beginning with the 2026 season. The agreement reflects a shared focus on preserving the park’s heritage while ensuring its continued success for generations to […]

Play Playground Nashville offers mocktails, large-scale games for Dry January

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Play Playground, Nashville’s most playful social game experience and rooftop lounge located just off Broadway, invites guests to embrace Dry January with a focus on movement and connection. As a spirited alternative to traditional bars and nightlife, the destination features more than 20 larger-than-life physical games and a curated lineup of zero-proof […]

TEA and IAAPA announce collaborative partnership to bring themed entertainment and attractions industry professionals together in the Middle East

BURBANK, Calif. — Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the association for the global community of creators, innovators, and fabricators of themed experiences, and IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry today announced a collaborative partnership uniting two incredible industry experiences in the Middle East. For the first time, TEA’s signature global program SATE (Storytelling + Architecture + Technology = […]

Six Flags dominates USA TODAY 10Best Awards with Five of 10 Best New Theme Park Attractions of 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, is starting the new year with a major win: five of its new rides have been named among the Top 10 Best New Theme Park Attractions of 2026 in the USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. The winners include: Four additional Six Flags attractions earned nominations, […]

Blue Man Group returns to Orlando with new home at ICON Park May 1, 2026

ORLANDO — Blue Man Group is bringing back their multi-sensory theatrical experience to Orlando with a new resident production at ICON Park. Audiences will rock, laugh and party as the bald and blue trio explore the world through music, movement and cutting-edge technology, delivering a high-energy celebration of creativity and connection that engages guests of all […]

Bricks and Giggles

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Just in time for spring break and summer vacation planning, LEGOLAND California Resort announces its lineup of NEW and returning attractions, events and experiences for 2026.   From the landmark opening of LEGO Galaxy, to the return of iconic experiences like LEGO Festival and Brick-or-Treat, there has never been a better year to visit LEGOLAND California […]

Martin Shapiro 1936-2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Martin Shapiro. Marty passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2026. Marty has touched the lives of thousands of people during his years in the amusement business. Dr. Martin Shapiro was a chiropractor who, when he graduated, was voted most likely to succeed. However, he […]

TEA announces new International Board President-elect

BURBANK, Calif. — TEA’s, the Themed Entertainment Association, membership has elected Stephen Thomas Cavit as president-elect of the TEA International Board of Directors. Cavit will assume the role of presidency beginning 1 January 2027 and will lead the global association’s Board and strategic focus of supporting the themed entertainment industry through education, community, and connection. Cavit began to […]

“From Cold Waters To Warm Care” — a SeaWorld turtle rescue story 

We’ve taken in 14 critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. The turtles were flown (by volunteer pilots) from Cape Cod (New England area) to Orlando after being “cold-stunned.” SeaWorld Orlando is providing medical care and rehabilitation before we can release them back to warmer waters. Multiple partners were involved in this rescue.

SeaWorld Orlando rings in tradition with the return of the Three Kings Celebration

Join SeaWorld Orlando in this joyous celebration, where the park becomes a festive haven for families to create lasting memories and embrace the magic of Three Kings’ Day. Dive into the vibrant tapestry of Latin cultures as SeaWorld Orlando proudly honors the age-old tradition of the Three Wise Men, offering an extraordinary celebration complete with […]

Electrocoin brings Intercard’s latest cashless technology to UK’s EAG Show 2026

ST. LOUIS — Electrocoin, Intercard’s UK distributor, will be at the 2026 EAG show at stand D46 in London January 13-15, 2026. They will showcase the Impulse Tap, the iTeller PlusXL kiosk and other great Intercard products. Visitors can learn why trend-setting UK amusement venues like Lane 7 rely on Intercard for innovative and dependable […]

Six Flags Qiddiya City, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s first destination outside North America, is now officially open

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia’s first-of-its-kind theme park and entertainment destination, celebrated its grand opening Dec. 31 by welcoming guests from across the Kingdom and globe. The debut marks Six Flags Entertainment’s first theme park designed and built outside North America. The trailblazing new park blends immersive entertainment with innovative technology […]

Final weekend of Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce

It’s the final season, and the final week, of Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce. After 13 years of holiday magic, this beloved family tradition is coming to an end. Now is the last chance for guests to experience more than 500,000 lights, Connecticut’s Tallest Christmas Tree, festive rides, and classic holiday moments before Holiday Lights […]

360 Parks acquires Wonderland Amusement Park in Amarillo, Texas

AMARILLO, Texas — 360 Parks has acquired Wonderland Amusement Park, a beloved Amarillo institution featuring 30 rides and attractions, from longtime owners Paula and Paul Borchardt. The acquisition ensures the continued operation and preservation of one of West Texas’ most cherished family entertainment destinations as it prepares to celebrate 75 years of fun in 2026. […]

The Big E named fourth largest fair in North America for a second year

The Big E, America’s only multi-state fair, has retained its standing as the fourth largest event of its kind in North America by Carnival Warehouse, the leading trade publication for the North American outdoor amusement and fair industry. “Annually we wait for the reporting of the fair industry to see where we stand,” said ESE […]

Launch Family Entertainment closes out 2025 with record growth, six new openings, and accelerated multi-unit development

WARWICK, R.I. – Launch Family Entertainment (Launch), a leading indoor family entertainment franchise, is ending 2025 with major development milestones, including six new park openings, 13 secured franchise agreements, and a record number of secured leases that will further expand the brand’s national footprint.  Launch celebrated six new park openings in 2025, bringing its full-family […]

Intercard powers Cinergy’s ninth luxury Cinema Entertainment Center

ST. LOUIS —Intercard, the leader in cashless technology for the attractions and amusement industries, recently completed an installation at the newest Cinergy Entertainment Center in Midland, Texas. It is the ninth Cinergy location to use Intercard technology and the second in Midland. Intercard’s Shannon Sullivan and Tyler Henson handled the installation. The Tall City Cinergy […]

Roller Coaster Museum announces 2026 events calendar

PLAINVIEW, Texas — The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the world’s largest collection of historic amusement artifacts, today announces its 2026 event schedule, which includes three public events: “Our goal has always been to make this collection available to the public,” said Pete Owens, Chairman of the NRCMA Board of Directors. “While we […]

Legoland California Resort Galacticoaster design team inspires & advises future engineers at San Marcos Elementary

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Legoland California Resort brought key project leads from Galacticoaster, its newest indoor family space-themed rollercoaster, to inspire and advise 4th & 5th grade students today at Discovery Elementary School who are tasked this semester to build their own rollercoaster. Tom Storer, Director of Merlin Magic Making in North America and PJ Catalano, LEGOLAND […]

A new giant rises at Dreamworld: King Claw officially opens today

Dreamworld has today unleashed one of the most extreme, high-octane thrill rides ever to hit Australian shores, officially opening King Claw – the only brand-new thrill ride launching on the Gold Coast this summer and a towering new force in Southern Hemisphere thrills. Engineered for serious intensity, King Claw slams riders with up to 4.6Gs […]

Gardaland Magic Winter 2025: an ‘Outside The Box’ edition

Mini go-karts and festive sleighs will turn gaming into a real-life adventure, with tracks spanning over 280 square metres surrounded by breathtaking scenery. To top off the atmosphere, a 7-metre-high Crystal Globe with over 200 floating balloons and live shows, so you can experience the festivities in a truly engaging and unforgettable way. Spin, leap […]

2026 NWSC Safety Seminar moves to new location

Funtastic Shows is no longer hosting the Northwest Showmen’s Club Safety Seminar but the seminar will go on as normal at a new location! It will be held at the Embassy Suites at the Portland airport. The event will feature a room rate of $159.00 (no overnight parking fee) plus taxes/fees.  The hotel offers a […]

Dollywood announces hiring events for 2026 season

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. —With the excitement of a new season and a new groundbreaking ride to be unveiled in the spring, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has scheduled several hiring events in January and February to prepare for the exciting year ahead. With the celebration of Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season throughout 2025, The Dollywood Company continues to […]

Mini Golf and Game Courts open at Michigan’s First “Outdoor Hotel”

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — An 18-hole Modular Advantage® Mini Golf course along with a putting green, shuffleboard and lawn game court (for croquet, bean-bag toss, and lawn bowling), all designed and installed by Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS), were recently opened at the Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort in Gaylord, Michigan. Rob Platt, co-owner of the resort says, “Alpen Bluffs is […]

Looney Tunes Land to debut at Six Flags Magic Mountain by summer 2026

LOS ANGELES — Six Flags Magic Mountain is excited to announce major changes to its kids area, which will be reimagined as Looney Tunes Land, a brand-new park with travel at the heart of it and with loveable Looney Tunes characters to be found throughout, debuting summer 2026. This family-friendly area will be refreshed to evoke the warm, […]

Lake Compounce announces 2026 opening day & seasonal event lineup

BRISTOL, Conn. — Lake Compounce, The Official Park of Family Fun,is gearing up for a milestone season as it announces its official Opening Day, Saturday, May 9. The park will celebrate 180 years of family fun and entertainment with a full lineup of seasonal events, immersive experiences, and thrills all year long. Opening Day festivities begin at […]

Master your moves! Lego Ninjago weekends return to Legoland California Resort in honor of Lego Ninjago’s 15th anniversary

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Ninjas, it’s time to UNITE! LEGOLAND California Resort brings back one of its most action-packed seasonal celebrations as LEGO NINJAGO Weekends return in honor of LEGO NINJAGO’s 15th Anniversary, running weekendsfrom January 17th through February 15th, with added days on Monday, January 19thand Monday, February 16th.  “We’re turning the action of our celebrated NINJAGO Weekends up a notch for LEGO NINJAGO’s 15th anniversary,” says Kurt Stocks, President at LEGOLAND California Resort.“This winter, […]

Holland Fiberglass welcomes Chris Cosme as Director of Operations

TAMPA, Fla. — Holland Fiberglass, an affiliate of the Ralph S. Alberts Company, Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Cosme as the company’s new Director of Operations. Chris joins the team with a strong background in operations and technical leadership across some of the most well-known names in the amusement and entertainment industry. […]

New Mega Ozone Bowling is Intercard’s 31st with the company

ST. LOUIS — Intercard’s latest cashless technology is part of the fun at the newest Ozone Bowling FEC in Seville, Spain. The 129,000 square foot center is the largest in Europe and the 31st Ozone Bowling venue to use Intercard technology. The €7m location is in the Aleste Plaza shopping centre in the eastern part […]