International Rides Management makes late 2025 donations to needy causes
International Rides Management (IRMRides.com) now based in Somers Point, NJ, recently relocating from longtime home of Wildwood, NJ recently closed their financial books on the 2025 season, and made some community-based donations. First Baptist Church in Wildwood, NJ received $750 towards the cost of their recent roof replacement. The ASPCA and the Cape May County […]
Dutch Wonderland welcomes Spring with Eggcellent Celebration & all-new Inn
LANCASTER, Pa. — A full season is hopping back in at Dutch Wonderland as the World’s Best Family Park gears up to swing open the park gates on Saturday, March 28. This year, the festivities begin with the fourth annual Eggcellent Celebration featuring spring décor throughout the park, festive food and beverage options, and visits from everyone’s favorite […]
Parks and Resorts launches search for new Group CEO
Parks and Resorts Scandinavia, Sweden’s largest amusement and wildlife park group – operating Gröna Lund, Kolmården, Furuvik, and Skara Sommarland – has initiated the recruitment process for a new Group CEO. Current CEO Christer Fogelmarck will assume the role of CEO at Visita. The search for his successor is already underway and is being led […]
Make a splash this summer: Splish Splash to hire 1,000 hosts for 2026 season
CALVERTON, N.Y. —The unofficial kick off to summer is less than 70 days. Splish Splash, New York’s Largest Water Park, is gearing up for Opening Day on Saturday, May 23. To celebrate more than 35 seasons of Long Island fun, the park is looking for 1,000 motivated hosts to join the park’s award-winning team for the 2026 […]
Six Flags Great Escape Resort launches 2026 hiring season
QUEENSBURY, N.Y. –– Six Flags Great Escape Resort is hiring more than 1,500 part-time and seasonal employees for the 2026 season. Job seekers are encouraged to visit jobs.sixflags.com to apply and complete interview questions remotely or in person at the Human Resources office. “At Six Flags Great Escape Resort, team members do more than fill a role, they help […]
Silver Dollar City ‘Crowns’ Resort, unveils exclusive details
OZARK MOUNTAINS, Mo. — Silver Dollar City officially “crowned” its newest chapter today, lifting the final rooftop beacon into place at the Silver Dollar City Resort and unveiling an unprecedented look inside the destination property. The design combines the natural beauty of the Ozarks with the company’s signature craftsmanship, character and charm. The heartfelt ceremony […]
Dolly Parton kicks off adventurous 2026 season at Dollywood, details upcoming attraction and events
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton welcomed season passholders and members of the media to the first day of Dollywood’s 41st season during a special media event today, setting high expectations for what will be the Smoky Mountain theme park’s most exciting year yet. With a brand-new, one-of-a-kind attraction set to open later this spring, the inaugural […]
Beth Bowen, former NEAAPA Secretary/Treasurer and Hall of Fame Member, passed away
On Wednesday, March 11, former Whalom Park owner and manager, former NEAAPA Secretary/Treasurer and Hall of Fame member along side her husband John, Beth Bowen passed away peacefully at home. Beth started working at Whalom Park in 1976, handling promotions, advertising, and public relations. She was named General Manager of the park on 1996. She […]
Six Flags announces strategic partnership with NFL legend Travis Kelce
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) today announced a new strategic partnership with NFL legend and three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce, under which he will serve as a brand ambassador for North America’s largest regional amusement park operator. The partnership unites one of the NFL’s most dynamic and influential personalities with Six […]
Enchanted Parks selects Vantage to unify systems across all eight parks and drive guest engagement
VANCOUVER, Canada — Enchanted Parks, the newly formed entity backed by EPR Properties, who acquired 6 Six Flags parks to create a total portfolio of eight parks across the US, today announced the selection of Vantage as its enterprise-wide guest engagement and unification platform. The deployment, spanning all eight Enchanted Parks venues, represents one of […]
Universal Orlando Resort makes a splash this summer as Universal Volcano Bay Nights, the exclusive after-hours event, returns on select nights May 3 through August 21
ORLANDO — This summer, Universal Volcano Bay Nights returns to Universal Orlando Resort on select nights from May 3 through August 21 – inviting guests to enjoy an exclusive party after dark at the breathtaking water theme park, complete with special in-park experiences, an exclusive menu, access to Volcano Bay’s most popular attractions, and more. The limited-capacity, […]
Six Flags Over Georgia opens for the 2026 season on March 14
MABLETON, Ga. — Six Flags Over Georgia opens for its 59th season on Saturday, March 14, welcoming guests for another year of immersive events, world-class attractions and a new dining location. New this season, the park debuts Georgia Sandwich Company, a dining concept that features fresh ingredients, large portions and delicious sandwiches, seasonal soups, salads, house-made chips and succulent […]
Embed celebrates the courage, resilience and impact of women in the business of fun and beyond
SINGAPORE — In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Embed proudly presents Rise & Renewal: Women’s Stories of Strength- a tribute to the extraordinary women who continue to step into their power; rising, adapting, and redefining what’s possible across technology, business, and beyond. Rise & Renewal honours the courage, perseverance, and leadership […]
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort celebrate The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with limited-time experiences in Super Nintendo World from March 10 through April 13
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. and ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort invite guests to power up their visit with limited-time experiences within the imaginative and interactive SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and at Universal CityWalk in celebration of Nintendo and Illumination’s highly-anticipated film, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The limited-time experience, which launches on MAR10 Day, Tuesday, March 10, […]
TEA announces INSPIRE the Night is heading to Universal Epic Universe
BURBANK, Calif. — The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)s is thrilled to announce the 2026 INSPIRE the Night event will take place at Universal Epic Universe on Thursday, 30 April featuring exclusive access from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Winner of four Thea Awards, the groundbreaking theme park is the perfect location for members of the themed entertainment […]
Breaking News! Enchanted Parks acquires multiple Six Flags properties
ORLANDO — Industry rumors had been in the wind, and now Six Flags and Enchanted Parks have made it official. Enchanted Parks has acquired several Six Flags parks. At the helm is James Harhi, who is no stranger to the amusement industry. Having been CEO for Innovative Attraction Management (2013 – present), StarGuard Elite (2013 […]
Dollywood Parks & Resorts partners with Allegiant for second fan flight
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — After Allegiant’s inaugural fan flight to Dollywood Parks & Resorts sold out within days of being announced, Allegiant and Dollywood have partnered to provide more Orlando travelers with an exclusive opportunity to visit one of the nation’s leading vacation destinations, the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Flight #925 was one of […]
Six Flags Darien Lake to host major hiring event March 11 to 13
DARIEN CENTER, N.Y. — Six Flags Darien Lake and Hurricane Harbor are hiring over 1,500 employees for the 2026 season. The park seeks motivated and enthusiastic individuals with a passion for guest service to join the team. Seasonal positions are available across multiple departments including lifeguards, ride operators, food and beverage, hotel hospitality, security and a variety […]
Merlin launches Lego Galaxy as it accelerates USA growth strategy with landmark $94m investment
Merlin Entertainments — a global leader in branded entertainment destinations – today welcomes families to LEGO Galaxy: a new out-of-this-world experience at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The expansion sets the stage for a second LEGO Galaxy opening at LEGOLAND California Resort on 6th March. This combined £70 million ($94 million) investment reinforces the United States as a priority growth market […]
AEI gets first look at Hybrid Impulse Plus reader from Intercard
ST. LOUIS — At the 2026 Amusement Expo International March 16-19, Intercard will feature its new hybrid Impulse Plus reader. It accepts more types of payments (including credit cards), makes more upsells and can increase revenues by as much as 30%. It is ideal for amusement operators with arcades who want an easy way to capture […]
EXTRA! EXTRA! The March 2026 issue is now available!
In this issue:
FACE Amusement to host job fair at Downtown Flavortown Pigeon Forge on February 26, 2026 with on-the-spot interviews and immediate hiring opportunities
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — FACE Amusement will host a Job Fair on February 26, 2026, at Downtown Flavortown Pigeon Forge, located at 2655 Teaster Lane, Ste. #100, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, offering immediate hiring opportunities across a variety of positions. The Job Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Applicants may attend either session. No appointment is […]
Dollywood earns Newsweek 2026 Top Workplace For Women Award
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Newsweek has recognized Dollywood as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2026” following the results of a recent survey. It is the second consecutive year Dollywood Parks & Resorts has earned the Top Workplace for Women award. The “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2026” award is based on a nationwide, large-scale […]
Universal Orlando Resort debuts all-new weeklong ticket that gives guests six or seven days of access to all four of its acclaimed theme parks
ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort has introduced an all-new multi-day ticket product for U.S. residents designed to complement its evolution into a weeklong vacation destination. Guests can purchase multi-day tickets that grant them six or seven days of park-to-park access to all four Universal Orlando theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano […]
Intercard equips the first Dave & Buster’s in the Dominican Republic
ST. LOUIS —Intercard, the leader in cashless technology for the attractions and amusement industries, recently completed an installation at the first Dave & Buster’s location to open in the Dominican Republic. Intercard’s Stephen Albrecht handled the installation. Dave & Buster’s Santo Domingo is located in the popular BlueMall in the capital city. The 34,445 square […]
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival returns with over 100 boysenberry food and beverage offerings
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, the annual food-inspired event that celebrates the little berry that started it all, returns with an extensive lineup of delicious food and beverage items. In addition to all the boysenberry goodness, guests can enjoy live shows and music, as well as a wide selection of local crafters and […]
TEA announces tickets for the Thea Awards Gala are now on sale
BURBANK, Calif. — The 32nd Annual Thea Awards Gala, the themed entertainment industry’s most anticipated event, will take place on Saturday, 2 May. Hosted by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), and presenting partner, Chimelong Group, the Thea Awards Gala will bring together decision-makers, creators, innovators and visionaries who push boundaries and propel the themed entertainment industry forward. […]
Six Flags New England hiring 2026 season
AGAWAM, Mass. –– Six Flags New England, the region’s largest theme park, is hiring more than 2,000 part-time and seasonal employees for the 2026 season, which begins Saturday, April 11. The park will begin filling these roles during a week-long hiring event by parent company Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to fill more than 50,000 positions in its […]
Liseberg’s 2025 financial results: more guests, higher revenue and a stabilized economy
After turbulent years marked by the pandemic, a challenging macroeconomic environment, and the tragic Oceana-fire, Liseberg now sees light at the end of the tunnel. The group concludes 2025 with 100,000 more guests and an 8 percent increase in revenue. Tuesday February 10, Liseberg presented its 2025 annual report, showing that Liseberg has stabilized its […]
Eastern States Exposition announces Showmen’s Park Walk Of Fame during Tampa outdoor amusement industry gatherings
RIVERVIEW, Fla. — The greater Tampa Bay region is long recognized as the home and winter quarters for many of the nation’s amusement operators, concessionaires and performers. On Tuesday, it served as the backdrop of an exciting announcement for an initiative honoring the individuals, families and organizations whose leadership and ingenuity have shaped one of […]
Accesso and Adyen expand strategic partnership to enhance platform payments capabilities at global scale
ORLANDO — accesso Technology Group, the premier technology solutions provider to leisure, entertainment, and cultural markets, today announced the expansion of its long-standing strategic partnership with Adyen, the global financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses. This collaboration integrates embedded payments as a core platform capability across the accesso ecosystem. accesso currently supports more than […]
Winners of the 2026 NEAAPA Awards announced
NEAAPA is proud to announce the recipient’s of this year’s NEAAPA Awards, which will be handed out on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The Paragon Award is presented to a member that has created marketing outreach or advertising pieces that demonstrate unequaled excellence in the promotion of a product or service. This can include brochures, flyers, […]
FACE Amusement Group wins 2025 IAAPA Brass Ring Award
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group has just won the IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Awards for the Best Talent Acquisition Program. This award celebrates FACE Amusement Group’s exceptional submission, Human Resources Excellence Award – Best Talent Acquisition. “This award is a powerful affirmation of our people-first philosophy,” said Bucky Mabe, CEO of FACE Amusement Group. “We’ve been intentional about creating recruiting strategies […]
Former Altitude Trampoline Park and Sky Zone Operations Director Jamie Turnbow joins VenueSumo as Vice President, Americas
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — VenueSumo, a fast-growing, all-in-one venue management software platform for the attractions and leisure industry, today announced the appointment of Jamie Turnbow as Vice President, Americas. Turnbow joins VenueSumo following senior operational leadership roles at Altitude Trampoline Park and Sky Zone, where she led large, multi-site portfolios across the United States. Her appointment […]
Monster Mini Golf scares up record growth in 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monster Mini Golf, the leader in glow-in-the-dark family entertainment, closed out 2025 with a monstrous roar. The brand has officially opened nine new locations and secured 16 franchise agreements, marking the most successful years in its 21-year history. Throughout 2025, Monster Mini Golf, through its franchisor, Monster Entertainment, brought its signature brand […]
TÜV Nord Group’s AI monitoring solution for amusement park rides receives the German Excellence Award 2026
ESSEN/HAMBURG — DMT RideGuard, the AI-supported system for real-time monitoring of amusement park rides, has been awarded the German Excellence Award 2026. The monitoring system developed by DMT, a TÜV NORD GROUP company, received the award in the ‘Digital Solutions & AI’ category. The prize is awarded by the German Institute for Service Quality in […]
Dippin’ Dots delivers Dr Pepper collab fans have been waiting to try, now available nationwide
PADUCAH, Ky. — It’s happening. Dippin’ Dots is now offering Dr Pepper Flavored Dippin’ Dots, officially bringing the soft drink’s one-of-a-kind flavor to its famous frozen beads. The new flavor brings the signature Dr Pepper blend of 23 flavors to Dippin’ Dots’ core lineup, delivering a nostalgic yet unexpected way for fans to enjoy the beloved soft […]
Efteling wins international award for Best Sustainability Program
KAATSHEUVEL — Today, IAAPA announced that Efteling has been awarded a Brass Ring Excellence Award for Best Sustainability Program. The jury — made up of experienced professionals from the global attractions industry— praised the way sustainability is fully embedded across all Efteling’s activities: “Selected for a comprehensive, culturally rooted sustainability program fully integrated into the […]
McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance announces sales territory realignment to enhance services
FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio — McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance announced today a strategic realignment of sales territories within its in-house team. This realignment is designed to enhance services, improve regional coverage, and ensure a more personalized experience for clients nationwide. By reallocating territories among its sales producers, McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance is strengthening its ability to […]
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge ready to set sail for eighth season
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — When visiting the Smokies in 2026, the first step in charting a course for adventure and fun begins at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. This swashbuckling show brings guests close to the exciting exploits of pirate legends and lore as its eighth season sets sail on Friday, February 6. The always […]
Universal Orlando Resort takes the field in NBC & Peacock’s Super Bowl LX with new brand campaign, “This Changes Everything”
ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort has entered its next era – transforming into a theme park destination that combines a week’s worth of thrills and excitement to create one incredible vacation. To celebrate this pivotal next chapter, Universal Orlando has launched an inspiring new brand platform and supporting campaign, “This Changes Everything,” part of which […]
Island H2O is now hiring: Hiring Fair to take place on Sunday, Feb. 8
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Island H2O Water Park is hosting a hiring fair on Sunday February 8 to fill over 250 roles at the award-winning water park. Island H2O is hiring positions in every area of the park including Lifeguards, Food and Beverage, Guest Services, Retail, Park Services, Security, First Aid and more. The hiring event will take […]
RWS Global strengthens global operations with key leadership appointments as company expands across critical markets
NEW YORK, N.Y. — RWS Global, the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, today announced two strategic leadership appointments to support the company as it scales end‑to‑end entertainment operations across parks and destinations worldwide. Kathy Bagshaw has been appointed Senior Advisor, Operations, focused on strengthening delivery and operational excellence across major parks for key […]
Kings Dominion begins 2026 hiring season
DOSWELL, Va. –– Kings Dominion is hiring more than 2,500 seasonal employees for the 2026 season, which begins Saturday, March 21. The park will begin filling these roles during a week-long hiring event by parent company Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to fill more than 50,000 positions in its parks across North America. “With so many roles available, […]
Six Flags Over Texas And Hurricane Harbor Arlington seek to hire more than 1,400 employees for exciting 2026 season
ARLINGTON, Texas –– Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor Arlington, North Texas’ premier theme park and sister water park, today announced plans to hire more than 1,400 seasonal employees for the 2026 season, which launches Feb. 28. The park is currently filling these roles and will continue during a week-long hiring event Feb. 14 to 22 by parent company Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to fill more than 50,000 positions in its parks across North America. “We are so excited for the new season and all that Six Flags […]
Now open: SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride at Nickelodeon Play! Istanbul
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Nickelodeon Play! at Tersane Istanbul, has officially opened SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride, an interactive dark ride by Sally Dark Rides that brings the world of SpongeBob SquarePants to life through playful competition, immersive storytelling, and family-friendly fun. The attraction opened November 28, 2025, along the shores of the Golden Horn, introducing a 5,000 sq. m. indoor […]
MENALAC Awards 2026 to celebrate excellence across the MENA leisure, entertainment & attractions industry
DUBAI, U.A.E. — On 1 April 2026, the 8th MENALAC Awards Gala will bring together the region’s leisure, entertainment, and attractions industry for a landmark celebration of excellence. Taking place at SeaWorld, Abu Dhabi, and hosted alongside the inaugural IAAPA Middle East Expo, this milestone edition marks a defining moment—not only for MENALAC, but for […]
Catherine “Cat” Lorenzo named New president of Morgan’s Wonderland
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Morgan’s Wonderland, the first-of-its-kind, Ultra-Accessible™ theme and water park, is proud to announce Catherine “Cat” Lorenzo as Park President. Lorenzo’s appointment marks a new chapter in the park’s continued commitment to inclusion, excellence, and unforgettable experiences for guests of all abilities. “As Park President, Cat embodies the values that define Morgan’s […]
DEAL 2026 Intercard and new mobile iReader
ST. LOUIS — Intercard will exhibit at this year’s DEAL, the Dubai show that has been guiding the theme park and amusement industries in the MENA region for more than 30 years. The show runs from February 10-12, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Intercard’s CEO Scott Sherrod, Bajro Spahic and Alberto Borrero, senior vice-president of […]
Dolly Parton’s Stampede ready to begin 39th season of fun and adventure
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — When Dolly Parton’s Stampede opens for its 39th season on February 6, guests quickly will understand why a trip to this most-visited dinner attraction in the world is unlike any entertainment experience they’ve ever encountered. The Stampede features an exciting combination of equestrian expertise, vibrant music and storytelling, colorful butterflies, comedic escapades […]