A new era of Hollywood in Germany: Movie Park Germany presents its new exclusive Paramount attraction “Journey to the Forbidden Chamber”!

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — The spotlight is in position, the cameras are ready, and a scene full of adventure and action is on the production schedule. Shortly before its 30th anniversary, Movie Park Germany is raising the curtain and presenting its guests with a Hollywood-worthy birthday surprise: the new attraction “Journey to the Forbidden Chamber” will open its gates […]
Lake Compounce opens for historic 180 year with new experiences, new events & new food & beverage offerings

BRISTOL, Conn. — Lake Compounce, America’s First Amusement Park, is gearing up for Opening Day as the park celebrates 180 years. Beginning on Saturday May 9, visitors will be welcomed back to the park for the 2026 season and can expect new events, new entertainment, upgraded food offerings, and more during their visits. The festivities start at 11 a.m. as […]
6 new Wavegarden world-class surf destinations on the horizon

SAN SEBASTIÁN, Spain — As the surf park sector experiences an unprecedented global boom, Wavegarden remains the definitive choice for discerning investors and developers. The success is rooted in more than just the Wavegarden patented technology- it is driven by a proven track record of operational excellence, featuring the lowest energy and water consumption on […]
EXTRA! EXTRA! The May 2026 issue is now available!

In this issue:
Hurricane Harbor Arlington makes a splash with May 16 season opening

DALLAS — Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington, North Texas’ largest waterpark, will reopen Saturday, May 16 for its 2026 season with a new Fast Lane program, park-wide improvements and upgraded attractions throughout the park. Guests can cool off this summer while enjoying heart-pounding water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, premium dining options and play areas that are fun for guests of all ages. “This season […]
A bricktastic FIFA World Cup 2026 celebration at Legoland Florida

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. —LEGOLAND Resorts today revealed the FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience – an all-new, high-energy event, exclusively at LEGOLAND Resorts, transforming the Resort into a celebration of soccer fandom and LEGO play. Located in Winter Haven, Florida—within easy driving distance of Orlando and Tampa Bay—LEGOLAND Florida Resort invites visitors of all ages to celebrate […]
Dollywood Parks & Resorts to help guests become BearWise

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Rooted in a shared love for the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood Parks & Resorts, BearWise Tennessee, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the city of Pigeon Forge are collaborating to encourage visitors and residents to be BearWise as they enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. BearWise, the national education program […]
Gardaland Resort: the 2026 season kicks off with global trends in fun

A dynamic and promising start: just a few weeks after the gates opened, the 2026 Gardaland Resort season is already in full swing, with positive signs confirming our strength and growth. The allure of the first sunny days and spring holidays has been reflected in an excellent response from our guests, with the three hotels […]
PortAventura World and Hard Rock International seal an agreement to open Hard Rock Cafe PortAventura

PortAventura World has announced a landmark agreement with the iconic hospitality and entertainment brand Hard Rock International to open a new Hard Rock Cafe at the entrance of PortAventura Park this summer. Hard Rock Cafe PortAventura will become the first Hard Rock Cafe located within a theme park resort in Europe, offering guests a unique opportunity to enhance their visit with […]
Get ready to crush your summer bucket list at La Jolla Indian Adventure Park!

PAUMA VALLEY, Calif. — Summer is almost here, and it’s time to elevate your outdoor adventures to legendary status. Tucked away in the pristine wilderness just a short drive from San Diego and Temecula, La Jolla Indian Adventure Park is about to become your new obsession. Whether you’re planning a lively weekend getaway with family and friends or […]
Aquatica Orlando’s AquaGlow returns with all-new nighttime slide experiences and electrifying entertainment

Get ready to light up your summer nights as Aquatica Orlando’s AquaGlow returns for its third year, reimagined with ALL-NEW experiences, enhanced entertainment and even more ways to glow. AquaGlow runs select nights from May 15 through September 26. This limited-capacity, family-friendly nighttime event transforms the park into a vibrant neon escape where guests can […]
Six Flags Great Adventure’s Shoreline Pier continues to rise

JACKSON, N.J. — Construction continues to transform Six Flags Great Adventure’s iconic Boardwalk into the all-new Shoreline Pier, with vertical progress now visible as Barrels O’ Fun begins to take shape and site work advances for additional attractions debuting this season. Following the March announcement of Shoreline Pier, crews are actively assembling Barrels O’ Fun, a new spinning […]
Carowinds names Bridgette Bywater new park president

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bridgette Bywater has been named the new park president at Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark. In her role, she will oversee all aspects of the 400-acre amusement park, including park performance, operations and overall guest experience. Bywater brings 36 years of hands-on amusement industry experience, with a career built on operational excellence, safety leadership […]
Six Flags Great Adventure welcomes Mike Fehnel as park president

JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure today announced Mike Fehnel as Park President of Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari and Hurricane Harbor New Jersey, bringing more than 30 years of amusement industry experience to one of the company’s flagship destinations. Fehnel began his career as a seasonal associate in 1992 and has since […]
Zamperla partners with Slagharen for a new signature thrill ride to the park

VICENZA — Slagharen announces the arrival of Sky Sifter, a new signature attraction by Zamperla set to further strengthen the park’s thrill offering and become a striking new focal point within its Western-themed area. Developed through close collaboration between Slagharen and Zamperla, Sky Sifter is a Discovery 30 Revolution, a high-impact ride concept designed to […]
Idlewild & SoakZone debuts new restaurant, newly themed ride, and park wide enhancements for 2026 season

LIGONIER, Pa. — Get ready for a fresh new chapter at Idlewild & SoakZone. The park is kicking off its 2026 season in a big way, opening Saturday, May 23 with exciting new additions, enhanced guest amenities, and its most dynamic event lineup yet. From a brand-new restaurant opening in SoakZone water park to park-wide upgrades designed for comfort, […]
JW Winco: Well in hand

JW Winco is once again setting new standards – this time by expanding the range of dimensions for the classic cabinet U-handle GN 565 with a new profile that is especially easy to grip and also offers diverse customization options. In the world of JW Winco standard parts, cabinet U-handles offer an entire universe of […]
Sesame Place Philadelphia eenews Certified Autism Center designation, continues creating inclusive experiences for all guests

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly renews Sesame Place Philadelphia’s designation as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) after at least 80% of staff renewed autism and sensory training to equip them with up-to-date knowledge of skills and best practices to welcome, assist, and communicate with autistic and […]
Dorney Park reveals 2026 season of events, led by new Splash! Water Parade

ALLENTOWN, Pa. –– Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom today announced its full 2026 events lineup, highlighted by the debut of the all-new SPLASH! Water Parade and a robust calendar of seasonal festivals, entertainment and guest-favorite traditions. The 2026 season builds on the park’s continued investment in immersive guest experiences across both parks, highlighted by the […]
Six Flags reintroduces Park Presidents at 10 key properties to strengthen local leadership and enhance guest experience

DALLAS, Texas — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) today announced the reintroduction of park presidents at 10 of the company’s key properties. The change is part of a new operating structure designed to better support the unique needs of each park and strengthen performance across the company’s portfolio. It reinforces Six Flags’ commitment to […]
Set sail for adventure: All-new Voyage to the Islands event coming to Gilroy Gardens

GILROY, Calif. — Voyage to the Islands, an exciting new spring event at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, opens on May 2 and will celebrate the rich culture, traditions and flavors of a different Polynesian island each weekend through May 31. Presented in partnership with Legacies of the Pacific in celebration of Asian American and […]
Eastern States Exposition welcomes Samantha Sawyer to the marketing team

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Samantha Sawyer of Middlefield, Mass., has started a full-time venture as brand creative coordinator at Eastern States Exposition (ESE). In this role, she will serve as the primary graphic designer for ESE and support the digital content manager by creating standout photos, videos and multimedia assets for social, digital ads and […]
Fort Wayne Zoo to be featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show on April 21

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo is thrilled to be featured on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” airing April 21 on NBC. Please check for your local listing for scheduled air times. In the segment “What I’m Liking” the Zoo’s Teens for Nature Program will step into the spotlight, sharing how this volunteer leadership […]
Six Flags launches new, free Pre-K pass to give families a head start to summer fun

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) invites families with young children to kick off summer early with a limited-time, free Pre‑K Pass offering children ages 3 to 5 free admission for the entire season at 22 parks across North America. Available from April 22 through May 31, the free Pre‑K Pass provides unlimited visits all season long […]
Dorney Park’s Talon roller coaster returns to the tracks as opening day inches closer

ALLENTOWN, Pa. –– A sure sign of spring has arrived at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom as Talon, one of the park’s most iconic roller coasters, returns to the tracks ahead of Opening Day on May 8. The legendary inverted roller coaster has officially been reassembled and placed back on the tracks as preparations continue […]
Valkyrie takes flight at Parc Festyland

VLODROP/CARPIQUET, France — Parc Festyland has officially opened Valkyrie, a new family roller coaster developed in collaboration with Vekoma Rides, marking the most ambitious attraction in the park’s history. The coaster welcomed its first riders on April 4, 2026, becoming a new flagship experience in Normandy. Inspired by Norse mythology, Valkyrie invites guests on an […]
Fort Wayne Zoo opens Friday, April 24

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo will kick off the 2026 season on Friday, April 24. Opening festivities will begin at 9 a.m. in the Entrance Plaza with musical performances by the Northside Wildsiders, the Summit City Singers, and the Festival Choir singing the National Anthem before a ribbon cutting with the Zoo’s […]
Roller Coaster Museum celebrates momentous 2025

PLAINVIEW, Texas — The National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives (NRCMA) is proud to announce the publishing of its first-ever annual report, which is now available for free on the museum’s website: www.rollercoastermuseum.org/annual–report. The report gives readers and would-be donors an inside look at the organization, from the people behind it, the museum’s operations, upcoming […]
Air Canada becomes the official Canadian airline of Walt Disney World Resort

MONTRÉAL — Air Canada has been named the Official Canadian Airline of Walt Disney World® Resort, deepening its long-standing relationship with Disney and solidifying its status as the Canadian airline of choice for family and leisure travel. The exciting collaboration brings together two iconic brands to create even more magical and memorable travel experiences. “For so many, a trip […]
Industry veteran Pat Ternes of Chance Rides passes away

WICHITA, Kan. — It is with deep sadness that Chance Rides shares the passing of friend and colleague, Pat Ternes, who passed early this morning. Ternes was a valued member of the Chance Rides family for more than three decades. He was well known and respected not only within the company but throughout the industry. […]
Launch Family Entertainment announces Arlington, Texas opening on May 1

ARLINGTON, Texas — Launch Family Entertainment (Launch), a premier indoor family entertainment park, has announced the opening of its newest location in Arlington, TX, with doors set to welcome guests on Friday, May 1. Located at 4907 S Cooper St, the Arlington Launch Family Entertainment will feature a wide variety of attractions for guests of all ages, including trampolines, […]
International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) designates 10 industry leaders as Certified Fair Executives (CFE)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) is proud to announce that 10 members have been designated as Certified Fair Executives (CFE) during the 2026 IAFE Management Conference. The newly certified individuals are: The CFE designation is the highest level of professional certification offered by the IAFE. The program encourages […]
Huss Park Attractions brings safe thrills with G-Force at Legoland California

BREMEN, Germany — Huss Park Attractions, the German ride manufacturer, has announced that G-Force, its latest Airboat family ride, recently opened at LEGOLAND California Resort, within the brand new LEGO Galaxy land. The theme park is a family-focused destination that blends immersive themed lands, interactive rides, and the signature creativity of the LEGO brand to […]
Carowinds spices up Spring with Viva La Fiesta, a colorful celebration of Latin culture

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Spring has sprung, and Carowinds is heating up with Viva La Fiesta, a monthlong celebration showcasing the spirit of Latin America. Held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from April 17 through May 17, the festival features authentic food and drinks, live entertainment and family focused fun as it transforms a part of the park into […]
Dollywood’s resorts welcome spring with fresh blooms and flavorful bites

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Flowers blossom and flavors flourish as Dollywood’s resorts draw inspiration from Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (April 18-June 7) and springtime in the Smokies. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort each offer guests colorful and unique dining experiences, live entertainment and festival-influenced activities for the entire family. […]
RWS Global, a world leader in live entertainment and sports, announces executive leadership transition

NEW YORK, N.Y. — RWS Global, a world leader in live experiences across entertainment and sports, today announced that Founder, Chairman & CEO Ryan Stana will transition to Executive Chairman. Current Chief Operating Officer Jake McCoy has been appointed Interim CEO. The transition was announced by Stana with the support of Bluestone Equity Partners, RWS […]
Universal Orlando Resort prepares for exciting new experiences at Universal CityWalk — the epicenter of awesome

Universal Orlando Resort is continuing its unprecedented momentum with the upcoming debut of several new experiences at Universal CityWalk – the destination’s entertainment complex featuring delicious dining, shopping and non-stop excitement from day to night. New experiences on the way include:
Zamperla rides featured in Maple Island, Lotte World Seoul’s new family area

Vicenza / Seoul — Zamperla is proud to be part of the brand-new Maple Island area at Lotte World Soul, as the supplier of three attractions that will bring the area to life for broad family appeal. The installation builds on the ongoing relationship between Lotte World Seoul and Zamperla. It highlights how Zamperla’s broad, […]
ETF celebrates 75 years

This year, ETF marks a special milestone: its 75th anniversary. From its beginnings in 1951 as a machine manufacturer for textile and floor covering industry, ETF has grown into an international company with two strong divisions, including ETF Ride Systems, with more than 100 ride systems and 800 vehicles operating in theme parks and museums […]
Surf Farm selects Wavegarden technology for Australia’s Next Landmark Surf Park

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain — Surf Farm, the landmark surf and lifestyle destination located at the gateway to the Sunshine Coast at the Glass House Mountains, has announced Wavegarden as its official surf technology partner. With this partnership, Wavegarden is set to add a highly anticipated new world-class complex to its global network of 12 surf […]
Six Flags Great Adventure’s Wild Safari welcomes newest addition: brown bear cub “JJ”

JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure’s Wild Safari is celebrating its newest arrival, a brown bear cub named JJ, born just over two months ago to mother Hollywood. Now visible to guests, JJ and Hollywood are spending time together in their own dedicated habitat space among the park’s brown bears, offering a heartwarming new […]
Dion Marketing tees up monstrous account with 39 franchise locations and growing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dion Marketing, a full-service marketing agency in Jacksonville, FL, has recently added Monster Entertainment to its repertoire of clients in the attractions industry. Monster Entertainment is the franchisor of Monster Mini Golf, the leader in glow-in-the-dark family entertainment with 63 total units, including new locations in development and 39 locations currently throughout […]
Theme park Toverland announces 2025 visitor numbers

Theme park Toverland welcomed 1,137,000 visitors last year, making 2025 the fourth consecutive year in which more than 1 million guests visited the park. This reflects the park’s consistent quality, high levels of guest satisfaction and continued investment in seasonal events. Toverland has a packed programme of events planned for 2026 as it celebrates its […]
Vekoma Rides celebrates 100th Anniversary with launch of exclusive merchandise collection

VLODROP, The Netherlands — Rollercoaster manufacturer Vekoma Rides is celebrating a historic milestone this year: its 100th anniversary. To mark the occasion together with its fans, the company will launch the Century Collection starting April 15, an exclusive, limited‑edition merchandise collection available as a pre‑order for eight weeks only via Vekoma100years.com. Vekoma’s story began in […]
Six Flags Great America opens on April 25 for historic 50th Anniversary season

GURNEE, Ill. — Six Flags Great America officially opens for the 2026 season on April 25, launching a milestone year as the theme park celebrates 50 years of thrills, family fun and unforgettable memories. The season features a summer-long 50th Anniversary Celebration running June 20 through Aug. 9 offering special entertainment, limited-time menu items, nostalgic experiences and new reasons to celebrate […]
Go Usa Fun Park drives 25% revenue growth with Power Tee automation

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Power Tee, a global leader in automated teeing technology, today announced that GO USA Fun Park has realized a 25% increase in driving range revenue following the installation of the Power Tee system across its hitting bays. The upgrade has enhanced the guest experience and further established GO USA Fun Park as a leading destination for golf […]
Legoland California Resort launches limited-time hotel offer with free upgrade to Gold Annual Passes

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Families looking to get more value out of their travel plans this spring can now turn a single overnight stay into a year of fun at LEGOLAND California Resort! Starting at $214 per person, per night, guests who book a hotel stay between April 20 – May 21 and May 26 – June 5, 2026 […]
Hersheypark to celebrate America’s 250th with patriotic summer events

HERSHEY, Pa. — One of the country’s most iconic destinations, Hersheypark amusement park in Hershey, Pa., has announced its plans to celebrate America’s 250th with events and activations all summer long. The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania will offer multiple dates of fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S, an all-new star-spangled show, limited-time food and drink, select Americana-themed rides and Hershey Characters […]
Summit Canyon takes shape at Water World Colorado

COHOES, N.Y. — Aquatic Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce its comprehensive and pivotal role in the creation of Summit Canyon, a brand-new adventure-filled land of Water World Colorado, set to open Summer 2026. This exciting redevelopment of the oldest corner of the park captures the spirit of Colorado’s great outdoors while offering guests new ways […]
Palm Beach Zoo unveils renovation of koala habitat

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society’s two beloved koalas, Ellin (female) & Sydney (male), will return to an expanded habitat that brings a part of the Australian Outback to West Palm Beach. Starting on this date, guests can slow down and enjoy the pace of these koalas as they explore […]