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Category: Business

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 […]

Hall U Need and Intercard partner again near Paris

ST. LOUIS — Hall U Need, the award-winning French urban entertainment chain, has chosen Intercard cashless technology for its latest location near Paris. The new FEC opened in April at the Westfield Carré Sénart mall in Lieusaint southeast of the French capital. It is Intercard’s second installation for Hall U Need, which already uses the […]

RWS Global announces plans to open Middle East headquarters

NEW YORK — RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, today announced its plans to open a headquarters in Riyadh, expanding the company’s significant footprint in the Middle East. This expansion shows RWS Global’s commitment to the region’s continued investment in innovation across entertainment, tourism, leisure travel and sport. The […]

WaveGarden has done it again: Unprecedented Waves arrive at Beyond The Club in São Paulo, with Gabriel Medina stoked on his first sessions

SAN SEBASTIAN — The world’s leading company, Wavegarden, redefines once again the limits of innovation in artificial waves for surfing. Its latest project at Beyond the Club, São Paulo, marks a turning point in the development of surf lagoons. With a powerful combination of cutting-edge engineering and a revolutionary technological approach, it has exceeded all expectations. […]

The Resorts Companies name John Alvarez general counsel

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The Resorts Companies, Inc., owner of Massanutten Resort and Bluestone Peak in Rockingham County, Virginia near Harrisonburg, and Wilderness Presidential Resort in Spotsylvania County, Virginia near Fredericksburg, today announced the appointment of John Alvarez as general counsel. In this key leadership role, Alvarez will oversee all legal matters for The Resorts Companies and […]

RWS Global expands leadership team with addition of Hans Vollrath as Executive Vice President of Land Production and Ashley Hong as Vice President of Licensing

NEW YORK — RWS Global, the world leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, has announced two strategic leadership appointments as part of its continued global expansion. Hans Vollrath joins as Executive Vice President of Land Production, while Ashley Hong steps into the newly created role of Vice President of Licensing. These additions emphasize the company’s […]

NRCMA: Four historic roller coaster cars saved and preserved

PLAINVIEW, Texas — The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the world’s largest collection of historic amusement ride vehicles and memorabilia, has successfully raised the funds to save and preserve four historic coaster cars from across North America, all thanks to ride enthusiasts from around the world. The vehicles that fans helped the museum rescue […]

Aardman joins forces with Peel X to elevate immersive experiences for attractions sector

BRISTOL, U.K. — Aardman, the multi-award-winning independent animation studio has today announced a strategic collaboration with leading digital experiences studio, Peel X, to support the expansion of its immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences to more visitor attractions across the UK and beyond. Peel X will deliver development and technical support, providing the robust and scalable […]

WhiteWater to open more than 60 extraordinary new projects worldwide in 2025

VANCOUVER, Canada — Another year of exciting project openings is ahead for WhiteWater’s diverse clients across indoor and outdoor water parks, at hotels and resorts, and on cruise ships. Over 60 new projects are opening across the globe in 2025, featuring record-breakers, world’s firsts, as well as tried-and-true guest favourites, taking WhiteWater’s team from bustling urban […]

SBI Americas partners with PB Amusement to expand U.S. presence

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Since its inception SBI Americas LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of SBI Sweden, has emerged as a leader in innovative and reliable kiddie rides in America. An Orlando warehouse was recently opened to better serve U.S. customers, and many new notable customers have been secured including Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and Knoebels Amusement Resort just to […]