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Category: Business

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 — […]

ProSlide: Limited-edition socks & big ideas at IAAPA Asia

It’s not every day you receive socks at a trade show—especially from a company known for building some of the most well-renowned water parks. At ProSlide, we’ve created a limited-edition run of socks inspired by some of our most exciting projects around the world. This year’s pair celebrates Chimelong, home to the world’s first Launched […]

The summer program at Movie Park Germany steps into the spotlight!

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — Movie Park Germany kicks off production for a movie-like summer! When the high season begins on the Hollywood set and the vacation period is already lurking in the next scene, Germany’s largest movie and amusement park expands its entertainment offerings. Illusionist Christian Farla comes back in July for his new show “Magic Impossible” […]

Intercard adds Amanda Walker to sales team

ST. LOUIS — Intercard, the world leader in cashless technology, has added Amanda Sue Walker to its team as sales assistant and trade show coordinator. She reports to Rob Geiger, Intercard North American sales manager. Amanda has worked with leading organizations in cybersecurity including Apex Service Partners, Data Connectors, Darktrace, Crowdstrike, Check Point and Okta. Her […]

Canada’s Marineland announces sale of iconic amusement rides

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario — Marineland, one of Canada’s most well-known family entertainment destinations, announces that it will begin the process of selling the rides located at the park. For decades, Marineland has been home to a collection of beloved rides that have brought joy to millions of guests. As the park evolves, it is now […]

PortAventura World celebrates its 30th anniversary with an event that consolidates its leadership in tourism and leisure in Europe

PortAventura World celebrated its 30th anniversary with an institutional event that brought together prominent representatives from both the public and private sectors for an evening full of emotion, tributes, and future vision. The gathering honoured a project that, since 1995, has transformed the tourism and leisure landscape in Spain and Europe, with over 100 million visits and a steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability, and […]

Playdium teams with Intercard for Sri Lanka’s biggest and newest FEC

ST. LOUIS — Intercard’s latest cashless technology plays a crucial role at Playdium, the newest and biggest indoor FEC in Sri Lanka. Recently opened in the capital city of Colombo, the 16,000 square foot center features Brunswick bowling, a 34-game arcade, VR attractions, bumper cars, soft play and a full service restaurant. Playdium is revolutionizing out-of-home […]

ETF: Benefits of trackless dark ride systems in theme parks

Dark rides have become an increasingly popular way to engage a wider audience. These indoor attractions offer experiences for all ages and operate reliably regardless of weather and with high uptime. A trackless ride system expands creative potential even more and brings extra tangible benefits in cost, flexibility, maintenance and safety. Creative freedom and storytelling […]

Intercard Bowl Expo test drive and win big

ST. LOUIS — Intercard will be at Bowl Expo in Washington D.C. July 1-2 with an opportunity for one lucky showgoer to win big. Visitors to the Intercard show booth #929 who test drive the iTeller PlusXL kiosk will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 Visa gift card and a customized Intercard […]

Legacy Entertainment to create Loco Waterpark at Perfect Day Mexico

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Royal Caribbean has pulled back the curtain on the game-changing Perfect Day Mexico, revealing the first details about what vacationers can expect upon its debut in Fall 2027. Spanning over 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, the destination will feature seven distinct neighborhoods, complete with 12 dining options, 24 bars, and […]

Dollywood named to Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 List

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood’s recent run of awards continued this week with Newsweek adding the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park to its America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 list following the results of a recent survey. Dollywood is part of the “Entertainment Providers” grouping of companies and is one of only three theme park companies to be featured […]

Themed Entertainment Association announces Entertainment + Culture Advisors (ECA) and The Park Database (Park DB) join Storyland Studios as strategic research partner for the 2024 TEA Global Experience Index

BURBANK, Calif. — The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is pleased to announce Entertainment + Culture Advisors, LLC (ECA) and The Park Database (Park DB) as its research partner for the 2024 TEA Global Experience Index™, formerly the Theme Index and Museum Index Report. The annual report has served as the definitive study of attendance at the world’s top theme parks, water parks, and museums […]

Calling all builders! Are you the next Lego Master? For the first time ever… Lego Masters Audition episodes will be filmed at Legoland California Resort!

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Have you ever wanted to compete on LEGO Masters? Season five of the hit competition series airs Mondays at 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT on FOX and the next day on Hulu. For the first time ever, LEGO Masters will not only be filming audition episodes at LEGOLAND California Resort, but park guests will be able to check out the action and be inspired […]

Lost Treasure Mini Golf celebrates 30 years of adventure, fun, and family memories across the U.S.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf, the beloved adventure miniature golf company that began with a single course in North Myrtle Beach in 1995, is proudly celebrating 30 years of family-friendly fun! This year marks several exciting milestones for the company: the 30th Anniversary of its first-ever location at Lost Treasure Golf North Myrtle Beach, 25 […]