accesso and PayPal deepen collaboration to deliver seamless payment options for clients
ORLANDO — accesso Technology Group (AIM: ACSO), the premier technology solutions provider for the leisure, entertainment, attractions and cultural markets globally, is deepening its collaboration with PayPal to deliver trusted, flexible, and guest-friendly payment options. This next-generation integration builds on accesso’s original PayPal Checkout support and introduces a significantly more powerful, flexible, and conversion-optimized payment […]
EXTRA! EXTRA! The September 2025 issue is now available!
In this issue:
RWS Global partners with North Carolina Zoo to launch groundbreaking AR tracking experience in upcoming Asia expansion
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Today, RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, announced an exciting partnership with the North Carolina Zoo to create a first-of-its-kind augmented reality (AR) tracking adventure debuting with the Zoo’s highly anticipated Asia expansion in summer 2026. The innovative experience, designed exclusively for the North Carolina Zoo, will transform guests into […]
Chance Rides unveils trade-in programs, highlights all-electric eTram
WICHITA, Kans. — Chance Rides, a leading manufacturer of amusement rides and people movers for more than 60 years, is rolling out new initiatives to better serve its customers. For the first time, the company is offering trade-in and refurbishment programs for Sunliner II and Tramstar™ HD models—giving customers powerful new options to upgrade, modernize […]
Dippin’ Dots now available at Urban Air Adventure Parks nationwide
PADUCAH, Ky. — Fun just got cooler. Dippin’ Dots, the original beaded ice cream, today announced it is the exclusive frozen treat provider at Urban Air Adventure Park, the nation’s leading indoor adventure destination for families. The new collaboration brings Dippin’ Dots to all participating Urban Air locations nationwide, introducing a fan-favorite treat to the experience families already […]
Kissel Entertainment returns to the Kentucky State Fair “Elevating how fun is done”
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kissel Entertainment, one of the nation’s leading family entertainment providers, is thrilled to announce its return to the Kentucky State Fair, running from August 14-24, 2025, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. “Kissel Entertainment strives to bring new experiences to the fair every year,” said R.A. Kissel, CEO of Kissel Entertainment. “And this […]
Merlin Entertainments unveils two attractions making global debut in North America to awe and inspire
CHICAGO and MINNEAPOLIS — For the first time ever, two all-new attractions — Super Neon and WONDRA — are bursting onto the global stage, designed to amaze guests with larger-than-life visuals, interactivity, and unforgettable storytelling. Conceived, designed, and brought to life in under a year, these first-of-their-kind worlds quickly went from imagination to reality by Merlin Magic Making, […]
TEA SATE Asia-Pacific 2025 arrives in New Zealand for the first time
BURBANK, Calif. — For the first time ever, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is bringing its popular TEA SATE Asia-Pacific Conference to New Zealand. To bring this incredible event to life, TEA has partnered with Wētā Workshop, the award-winning creative services company, and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), the region’s cultural, events and destination agency. Taking place 24-29 August (NZST)[JG1] , the conference will […]
Aardman at IAAPA Expo Europe 2025
As Aardman prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, our Attractions and Live Experiences team is heading to IAAPA Europe in Barcelona next month ready to showcase our dynamic portfolio of immersive experiences that bring our iconic and globally loved brands to life in unforgettable ways. To kick off the 50th celebrations, we’re bringing our characters to The Festival […]
J&J Amusements celebrates 50 years of fun, innovation, and safety
SALEM, Oregon — J&J Amusements, a leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality family entertainment attractions, proudly marks its 50th anniversary in 2025. Since opening its doors in 1975, the company has been at the forefront of creating safe, innovative, durable go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and entertainment solutions enjoyed by families around the […]
IATP Partners with Roller as preferred POS provider for new parks, offering exclusive discount for members
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The International Adventure and Trampoline Park Association (IATP) is pleased to announce a new partnership with ROLLER, naming it as the preferred point-of-sale (POS) provider for IATP members. Through this collaboration, parks that choose to adopt ROLLER’s cutting-edge POS system will receive an exclusive, heavily discounted rate during their first year of […]
Golden Ticket Awards deadlines fast approaching
Charity golf event still open, new tour added at Carowinds CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Amusement Today’s annual Golden Ticket Awards, scheduled for Sept. 5 & 6, 2025, and hosted by Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., is fast approaching as are numerous deadlines. All event and registration information can be found at GoldenTicketAwards.com. The deadline to register is […]
Image Engineering acquires The Attractions Services Company (TASC) expanding capabilities
BALTIMORE, Md. — Image Engineering, a leading company in special effects production and custom effect engineering announced today the acquisition of The Attractions Services Company (TASC). TASC is a leading expert in design, fabrication and installation of cutting-edge special effects, motion-based platform rides, ride vehicles and show action equipment, for clients in the themed entertainment […]
Fever and Merlin Entertainment partner to bring Super Neon attraction to Mall of America for its global debut
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — A dazzling new immersive experience is about to electrify the Twin Cities. Super Neon, a vibrant wonderland of glowing lights and surreal landscapes, will make its U.S. debut at the iconic Mall of America® on September 12, 2025. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, and the waitlist for early access is now open. Conceived, designed, […]
Gateway Ticketing Systems and Milwaukee County Zoo set stage for smarter, streamlined guest access
GILBERTSVILLE, Pa. — Gateway Ticketing Systems, a global authority in ticketing, admission control, and guest experience technology, is proud to announce that Milwaukee County Zoo has formally selected its Galaxy product suite to lead a transformational upgrade in zoo operations and guest engagement. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually, the […]
BoldMove reveals the all-new Smash & Reload 2.0 interactive dark ride
BRUSSELS — BoldMove Nation proudly introduces a major update to its new Smash & Reload compact dark ride, with a next-level experience for all ages. This upgraded version of the awarded interactive attraction adds smart innovations to the original strengths of high throughput, compact footprint, smooth operations and immersive storytelling. The new Rogue Rides trackless […]
FACE Amusement group appoints Kashif Ahmad to lead next phase of growth, bringing 30 years of global experience and operational expertise
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group, a leading operator of entertainment experiences and hospitality brands across the U.S., is proud to announce the appointment of Kashif Ahmad as Vice President of Business Development. A respected leader in the global family entertainment industry, Ahmad brings 30 years of expertise in operations, technology integration, and guest experience innovation. “Kash brings […]
Gilroy Gardens releases first-ever impact report
GILROY, Calif — Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, a beloved community treasure and California’s only horticultural theme park, today announced the release of its first-ever Impact Report, marking a milestone on the park’s 25th anniversary. The 2024 Gilroy Gardens Impact Report details the park’s profound contributions to education, the local economy, youth development, and the Gilroy community […]
Gatemaster Technology and Intercard make FEC management easier
ST. LOUIS — Intercard is proud to announce a new integration with Gatemaster Technology, a leader in all-in-one attraction management solutions. This partnership brings powerful arcade and game card functionality directly into Gatemaster’s POS and mobile tools—streamlining operations for family entertainment centers, arcades, and attractions. With this integration, operators can now manage every aspect of […]
No wallet? No problem. GoTab + Intercard make guest spend easier than ever at family entertainment centers
ST. LOUIS — GoTab, the guest-first entertainment commerce platform, is teaming up with Intercard, the leader in cashless systems for the amusement industry, to make reloading game cards as easy as ordering a burger or a drink. Thanks to GoTab’s open API and flexible architecture, this powerful new integration came together fast—delivering immediate value for […]
Citywave USA & Aquatic Development Group forge partnership to elevate deep-water surfing in North America & Caribbean
COHOES, N.Y. — Citywave USA and Aquatic Development Group (ADG) are joining forces in a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating deep-water standing wave surfing across North America and the Caribbean. By bringing together two industry leaders, this collaboration delivers the most recognized deep-water surf wave system to a rapidly growing market—enhanced by best-in-class sales, service, […]
World’s first interactive indoor roller coaster: Maurer Rides revolutionizes the ride experience in Chongqing
CHONGQING, China — Maurer Rides is setting a new milestone in the amusement industry: The world’s first interactive indoor roller coaster featuring innovative SPIKE technology is being installed in the spectacular new indoor park HI SPACE in Chongqing. This groundbreaking attraction redefines roller coaster riding and offers each guest a unique, self-determined experience. Revolutionary SPIKE® […]
Altitude Trampoline Park debuts new location in Schaumburg
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. —Altitude Trampoline Park, the leading family-friendly entertainment franchise, is expanding its footprint with a grand opening in Schaumburg, IL on Friday, August 1, further solidifying the brand’s presence across the globe. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in partnership with the Schaumburg Business Association at 10:30 a.m. at the park’s new location at […]
Megaplex Cinemas and Intercard team up at Utah AAA ballpark
ST. LOUIS — The Megaplex cinema chain has teamed up with Intercard to launch its first-ever arcade, a feature of its new luxury concept, the Cinema Entertainment Center. The new venue opened in July 2025 and is located in the Downtown Daybreak entertainment district in South Jordan, Utah. “Megaplex is very pleased with the performance […]
Construction-themed adventure park Dig World coming to Dallas-Fort Worth
DALLAS — Fresh off their debut on the hit TV show, Shark Tank, Dig World—the first construction-themed adventure park in Texas—is teaming up with Simon, to open its second location at Simon’s Grapevine Mills in Grapevine, TX, recently named a Top Ten Mall in America by USA TODAY. Partnering with family-friendly entertainment powerhouse Dude Perfect, the park will feature […]
Roller reinforces customer-first strategy with major global support investments
AUSTIN, Texas — As part of its ongoing commitment to exceptional client service, ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform for the leisure and attractions industry, has announced several initiatives aimed at providing faster, flexible support for its global customers. This includes opening a new Support Center of Excellence in Costa Rica, expanding the customer support team by […]
Tag 4 A Cause travels from coast to coast in support of the Alzheimer’s Association
Laser tag players from coast to coast helped to raise over $1000 for the Alzheimer’s Association during the first Tag 4 A Cause effort to host events on both sides of the country. Two laser tag fundraisers were held during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June to cumulatively raise funds as part of The […]
Understanding IAAPA’s Intellectual Property Program
ORLANDO — 2025 marks the thirteenth year of IAAPA’s Intellectual Property (IP) Program. Established in 2012, the program was created in response to growing concerns from IAAPA members about the risks associated with copied designs and products in the attractions industry. IAAPA responded by developing an initiative aimed at promoting lawful practices and encouraging fair […]
Dippin’ Dots celebrates National Ice Cream Day with its largest giveaway yet
PADUCAH, Ky. — Dippin’ Dots, the original beaded ice cream, is gearing up for its biggest National Ice Cream Day celebration to date. On Sunday, July 20, fans nationwide can enjoy free Dippin’ Dots at 120 participating Dippin’ Dots locations and at all Chuck E. Cheese locations throughout the country. Cinemark joins the celebration with giveaways and […]
Hylite launches with Great Wolf Lodge nationwide to bring real-time employee recognition to over 13,000 employees
CHICAGO — Great Wolf Lodge, North America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts, has partnered with Hylite, a leading web-based platform for frontline employee recognition, to relaunch the High Paws Recognition Program as a fully digital employee engagement program. Now live across all 22 U.S. resort locations and the corporate support center, the program empowers over […]
Merlin reaffirms £70 million investment in North American Legoland Resorts as it unveils new space-themed experiences
Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, has today unveiled the first details of the space-themed experiences being developed at its LEGOLAND Resorts in Florida and California, including groundbreaking indoor rollercoasters. This marks the next milestone in the £70 million investment already announced for the two resorts. The news, which closely follows the […]
Roller’s 2025 Pulse Report reveals consumer spending plans and preferences
AUSTIN, Texas — ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform for the leisure and attractions industry, has released the 2025 Pulse Report, a first-of-its-kind deep dive into the behaviors, expectations, and pain points guests experience when visiting attractions in the USA, UK, and Australia. The commissioned report highlights insights from 2,000 guests across three continents. Along […]
Food Network star, Josh Hedquist, brings OG ZAZA to Mall of America
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Mall of America is gearing up to serve guests their new favorite slice with the highly anticipated opening of OG ZAZA. From the local Twin Cities culinary star, Josh Hedquist, comes a bold and buzzworthy pizza concept that is sure to leave foodies wanting more. Behind the pizza pies is Josh Hedquist, […]
Traders Village appoints new president as it looks to the future of Texas-based family attractions
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Traders Village, one of Texas’s largest and most vibrant weekend destinations, announced today the appointment of Richard Douaihy as its new President, effective July 14, 2025. The leadership transition follows the departure of long-time President Tim Anderson, who is stepping down after 15 years at the helm. During Anderson’s tenure, Traders […]
2024 Economic impact of Eastern States Exposition totals nearly $1.2 billion
Eastern States Exposition (ESE) attracts three million people to its grounds in West Springfield, Mass., across its bustling calendar of more than 120 year-round events. This count includes the 1.6 million fairgoers that attend The Big E, the fourth largest fair in North America, annually. ESE is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing its patrons […]
Liseberg sues insurance company Trygg-Hansa for denied insurance compensation for the Oceana fire
Liseberg has filed a lawsuit against the insurance company Trygg-Hansa, which has refused to pay insurance compensation following the fire at Oceana on February 12, 2024. Trygg-Hansa claims that Liseberg lacks an insurable interest in Oceana. Liseberg’s claim amounts to just over one billion swedish kronor (€92 million). The tragic fire that occurred at the […]
Six Flags Great Adventure welcomes baby giraffe and new veterinarian
JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure’s Wild Safari is celebrating two exciting new arrivals this summer: a newborn giraffe calf and the newest member of its animal care team. A three-week-old female giraffe named Mbi (pronounced em-bee), born to mom Embu, is thriving behind the scenes. Guests can look forward to seeing the young calf on the safari in the […]
Longhua District and Max-Matching Entertainments, supported by RWS Global forge strategic partnership to develop international IP-themed entertainment complex
SHANGHAI — On July 1, the Longhua District Key Area Construction Center and Max-Matching Entertainments proudly announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement to collaboratively develop an international IP-themed entertainment complex in Longhua District, Shenzhen. This pivotal announcement was made at the IAAPA Expo Asia, highlighting the transformative potential of this partnership for China’s themed […]
Record-breaking roller coaster begins its final ride
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the world’s largest collection of historic amusement ride vehicles, is excited to announce that a lead car from Kingda Ka is now en route from New Jersey to its new home in West Texas. A group of ride fans are sharing the load to transport […]
BoldMove reimagines Terre en Colère at Vulcania
This summer marks the reopening of Terre en Colère at the French park Vulcania near Clermont-Ferrand, France. The beloved simulator ride has been completely reimagined by the creative and production teams of BoldMove Nation and Amak Productions. Originally developed by CEO Benoit Cornet at the start of his career, already in cooperation with Amak Productions, the attraction […]
“Time Rider” – The new iconic coaster wheel at Gyeongju World
On June 28, 2025, Gyeongju World in South Korea opened their centerpiece attraction, Time Rider, to commemorate their 40th anniversary. This meticulously themed Coaster Wheel offers a dual experience catering to both families and thrill seekers. Two Unique ExperiencesSetting itself apart from classic Giant Wheel and observation attractions, Gyeongju World has chosen Intamin’s Coaster Wheel […]
Brogent announces the opening of Niagara Takes Flight, and debuts two new rides at IAAPA Expo Asia 2025
Niagara Takes Flight: The First Flying Theater Set Beside a Global IconIn partnership with Niagara Parks, Brogent is thrilled to unveil Niagara Takes Flight, a brand-new flying theater set to open in late August. Nestled beside the iconic Niagara Falls, this attraction is the first flying theater celebrating a world-famous natural wonder, offering visitors an […]
Happy Independence Day weekend from Amusement Today
The Amusement Today staff want to wish you and your families a Happy Independence Day weekend! Our offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, as our staff enjoys the holiday with their families. EXTRA! EXTRA! Your Desktop Edition will not publish that morning as a result. Desktop Edition will resume normal publication on Monday, July 7. Thank you! Happy […]
Mall of America will soon experience a taste of Switzerland with the upcoming opening of Läderach, the luxury Swiss chocolatier
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Mall of America will become home to the first Minnesota location of the premium Swiss chocolatier, Läderach. The brand will bring world-class Swiss craftsmanship and irresistible indulgence to Mall visitors. Known for their unwavering commitment to quality, Läderach creates handcrafted chocolates using the finest ingredients sourced directly from Switzerland, ensuring exceptional freshness […]
Falcon’s Beyond — How to break into Theme Park Design: Insider tips from industry experts
As a themed entertainment company located in the heart of the theme park capital in the world, Falcon’s Beyond gets many inquiries about what it takes to land a job in the exciting world of theme park and attraction design. The new episode of the company’s Experience Imagination podcast offers advice on what it takes to […]
Betson Enterprises partners with Elston Electric on large-scale game room installation at new Chicago arcade venue
CHICAGO, Ill. — Betson Enterprises, the industry leader in distributing location-based amusement products, partnered with Elston Electric on a large-scale game room installation as part of Chicago’s newest arcade destination inside the Salt Shed complex. Betson supplied and installed 45 of the 110 games that make up Elston Electric’s expansive 8,000-square-foot arcade space. Betson Enterprises […]
Chance Rides announces the launch of new, all-electric eTrams
WICHITA, Kan. — Chance Rides, LLC recently announced the launch of its all-electric eTrams — a next-generation transportation solution designed to meet today’s evolving mobility demands. Partnering with Swedish-based EVX Mobility, Chance Rides brings Swedish-engineered innovation and solutions to the market with a vehicle that upholds the same quality and durability the company’s larger trams […]
Aardman at IAAPA Expo Asia 2025
The successful global release of Aardman’s latest feature film, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl was followed by a fantastic awards campaign which kickstarted the year, including a double BAFTA win and an Academy Award® nomination. The halo effect of this release has resulted in a huge demand for the brand across attractions, live experiences and consumer […]
Alterface appoints three new leaders in the U.S., China, and Korea, affirming the company’s strategic global expansion
WAVRE, Belgium — Interactive technology solutions provider Alterface is significantly boosting its international presence with three key business development appointments across the United States, Greater China, and Korea. The expansion reinforces Alterface’s leadership in interactivity, seamlessly blending creative design and technology to craft meaningful experiences for global audiences. The initiative strengthens the company’s presence in […]
Tee it up for the cause: The 2025 Golden Ticket Golf Tournament returns to Charlotte
Get ready to hit the greens — plans are in full swing for the 2025 Golden Ticket Golf Tournament, taking place Friday, September 5, in Charlotte, North Carolina, ahead of this year’s Golden Ticket Awards at Carowinds. The annual event brings together industry friends for a fun, friendly (and highly competitive) day of golf — […]