IAAPA Expo 2026 poised to be industry's largest expo ever

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

ORLANDO — IAAPA will open its doors once again at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the onslaught of industry professionals coming from over 100 countries and representing all aspects of the amusement industry. The association is expecting this event to mark its largest footprint yet with its expansion into the West Building of the convention center.

Dates this year are November 16 to 21, with the trade show dates being November 17 to 20. The event will now span the North, South and West Buildings of the center. Due to the trade show’s strong performance and demand for more exhibit space, with more than 200 companies waiting to exhibit, IAAPA officials announced the change during the 2025 event. The expansion is creating a nearly 50 percent increase in the trade show.

Along with the expanded trade show, IAAPA event planners are also offering the most educational opportunities in its history. More than 170 expert-led sessions will provide attendees with practical strategies and tangible insights across operations, technology, guest experience, safety, sustainability and more. More than 1,100 exhibiting companies from around the world will showcase the latest innovations, products and services shaping the future of the attractions industry.

“IAAPA Expo remains the place where the global attractions community comes together to discover new ideas, build relationships, and shape the future of our industry. With the addition of the West Building, we’re able to create an even more dynamic experience for our members and attendees, one that offers expanded opportunities for business growth, professional development and collaboration across every segment of the attractions industry,” said Todd Andrus, executive director and vice president, IAAPA North America.

IAAPA planners not only expect to provide growing exhibit space, but also hope that the 2026 change will create an enhanced attendee experience. Several fan-favorite attractions will be hosted in the West Building, including the Food and Beverage Pavilion, which has doubled in size and will feature live chef demonstrations, the Halloween-themed Haunting Grounds and the EDUTalk Stage.

The West Building will also introduce new experiences, including the What’s New Theater and Young Professionals Hub, providing attendees with opportunities to learn, connect with peers and engage with the next generation of industry leaders.

In the South Building, IAAPA Expo will debut two new themed lounges designed to foster connections and highlight emerging industries. The new Cruise Lounge will serve as a dedicated space for attendees to rest, recharge and connect on the latest trends shaping the global cruise industry. A new Glamping Lounge will be available for networking and discussions evolving around nature and adventure parks.

Expo planners expect to beat out the trade show numbers the event reported last year, including 565,000 square feet of exhibit space, more than 1,100 exhibitors and 28,598 qualified buyers representing 20,316 buying companies.

The entire show last year drew 38,520 verified attendees and 43,840 registered participants.

The Expo will once again feature a robust lineup of networking events along with its signature sessions.

The first of four signature sessions will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16. Called Deep Story: The Secrets of Transformational Story Making, Bob Rogers, founder of BRC Imagination Arts and a 2010 IAAPA Hall of Fame inductee, will explore how thoughtfully designed experiences such as attractions, museums and brand centers can inspire deeper interest in a subject, region or art form and ultimately influence the way visitors think, feel, identify and act.

In conversation with Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, Rogers will share practical techniques, best practices and ideas for creating transformational experiences that build meaningful connections with audiences and make a measurable impact beyond the visit itself.

From noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, the second signature session with Andrew Bolstein, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, will take place. Bolstein will draw on more than three decades of global leadership experience across diverse markets, cultures and operational environments.

A third signature event will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, where internationally acclaimed author, speaker and management advisor Joe Pine II will challenge attractions professionals to elevate how they create experiences as more businesses compete for consumers’ money and attention.

The fourth signature session is the Legends 2026 Panel — Legends of Disney. It will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Three renowned figures whose work has helped shape themed entertainment and storytelling across generations will take the stage together. Those include Weis; Joe Rohde, retired Walt Disney Imagineer and Disney Legend, and Leslie Iwerks, Oscar- and Emmy-nominated, multi-award-winning filmmaker.

Moderated by Rogers, the panel will draw on decades of experience to explore how storytelling drives project development and how strong creative collaboration can transform ideas into thematic environments, ride vehicles, films and experiences that resonate for generations. Attendees will hear firsthand insights, strategies and lessons from their careers, along with principles they can apply to their own work.

Together, these four signature sessions anchor an expansive education program designed for professionals across every sector of the attractions industry. Educational sessions, EDUTalks, committee meetings and other special spotlight programming run every day of the convention. Topics presented run the gamut of the amusement industry. From marketing, AI, human resources, disaster planning, design, construction, ride innovations, food and beverage innovations, adventure park innovations, water elements, safety and everything in between.

There is truly something for everyone.

Networking opportunities also abound throughout the expo. Specific ones include the 23rd Annual International Charity Golf Tournament set for Sunday morning, Nov. 15, and the EDUTour set for the same day later in the afternoon. It will be held at Fun Spot America, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Another EDUTour is set for Monday, Nov. 16, with the title of Bonnet Springs Park, Turning a Railway Yard into a Green Oasis.

That evening is the IAAPA Legends - Hall of Fame Celebration, from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

The trade show opens Tuesday morning, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day except for Friday when hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Another EDUTour will be presented on Wednesday, Nov. 18: Behind the Scenes with Disney Live Entertainment-Magic Kingdom. It will run from 4:15 to 10 p.m.

On Thursday, Nov. 19, IAAPA members can enjoy an exclusive evening at Universal Epic Universe unlike any other. Guests will experience a full night of entertainment, groundbreaking attractions and exceptional food and beverage offerings during one of the most highly anticipated events of IAAPA Expo 2026. The all-inclusive evening provides attendees the chance to celebrate with friends and connect with industry peers.

“IAAPA Expo is one of the few locations where attractions professionals from around the world come together under one roof,” said Luciana Periales, president and CEO of Neverland Parks and chair of the IAAPA Board of Directors. “As an operator from Latin America, I have experienced firsthand the value of learning from colleagues across different markets, cultures and sectors. The connections made at IAAPA Expo often spark new ideas, partnerships and innovations that continue to shape our businesses long after the event concludes. Together we make a safer, stronger and more impactful industry.”

The official kickoff to the expo is on Sunday, Nov.16, but beginning on Saturday, Nov. 15, the association will present its two-day IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals. This program is geared toward focusing on the development of the global attractions industry’s premier professionals. It was developed for individuals with five or fewer years of working within attractions. These include museums, science centers, aquariums, attractions, LBEs, amusement parks, and zoos.

●iaapa.org

Evolving should not negate origins

INDUSTRY VOICE: Ed Hodgdon, NEAAPA

Every attraction knows that staying relevant requires evolution.

Sometimes the change is easy to see: a ride gets a fresh look, an arcade adds new games, a new themed event at a roller skating center or a museum opens an exhibit. These all give guests another reason to visit. Other changes happen more quietly through updated programming, new technology, refreshed food offerings or better ways to create memorable experiences.

But evolving does not mean walking away from what made us successful.

The best attractions move forward while honoring their history, traditions and identity. Guests may seek something new, but they also value the familiar experiences that bring them back year after year. The same is true for industry organizations like NEAAPA.

As we prepare for our 114th Anniversary Education Conference and Annual Meeting, March 3-5, 2027, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, we are embracing that balance. Our new location creates an opportunity to introduce timely education topics, welcome fresh voices and help members gain practical ideas they can bring back to their attractions.

Even as the conference evolves, we remain committed to the relationships, traditions and shared history that have made this gathering meaningful to generations of NEAAPA members.

That balance, fresh thinking grounded in a strong foundation, is what meaningful evolution looks like.

Our industry has always succeeded by giving people reasons to return. Sometimes that means introducing something entirely new; other times, it means helping guests rediscover something familiar.

Whether we are guiding an attraction, planning an event, or strengthening an association, our opportunity is the same: honor what brought us here while building what comes next.

We invite you to join us at Foxwoods and be part of NEAAPA’s next chapter.

Keeping their attention

AT NOTEBOOK: John W.C. Robinson, jrobinson@amusementtoday.com

One of the benefits of the expanded park seasons — adding in Halloween events, holiday celebrations, etc. — is that it gives park fans even more time to enjoy their favorite parks, or explore a new one, and take in some rides and coasters.

I took advantage of that very recently and got to spend a weekend at a tucked-away, old-school amusement park loaded with classic rides, unique coasters and the perfect fall setting. Alongside my fiancée, we spent two days just having a blast. However, it was late on that first evening that I noticed something both peculiar and quite wonderful.

On a crowded night in the park, with lines for nearly every attraction at about 30 minutes or more each, I took a look around and took note of something more rare than an Eyerly Loop-O-Plane. Almost no one in the park — in line, along the midway, in a food area — was staring (or even looking) at their mobile phones! Sincerely, if I had to guess, I could safely say less than five percent of people had their phones out at all throughout the entire evening!

Why was no one on their phone? I can only theorize. But my guess, honestly, is that the park had remembered that the most important innovation for any amusement facility wasn't high-tech or record-breaking. It is merely the honest, heartfelt mindfulness of being concerned about the guest experience.

The park's natural setting provided spectacular views all day. Friendly staff kept lines moving and provided helpful guidance to visitors. Queues and stations were loaded with decor and historical notes to engage the waiting public. And, throughout the park, prices were kept fair while quality was kept high, helping to make the park a moment worth living in and enjoying ... not even considering a momentary escape.

As we prepare for Orlando's IAAPA Expo, we know we'll be surrounded by innovations and unprecedented ideas for "the next big thing." While taking it all in, operators will find reward in remembering that the guest experience is THE "big thing" to be remembered.

A miraculous feet!

AUSTIN, Texas — Sometimes things were just meant to be. During the Golden Ticket Awards at COTALand, attendees were able to preview select rides prior to the park’s opening. Designed by Gerstlauer and installed by Ride Entertainment, the park’s Palindrome roller coaster travels backward and forward. When one train returned, the laughs went beyond simply a fun ride. Ramaker’s Eric Kaul happened to make a miraculous catch when a shoe owned by Give Kids The World’s Caroline Schumacher came loose as riders jutted skyward on the reverse spike. Kaul, seated in the row behind Schumacher, snagged the airborne footwear and saved her from walking around with one shoe. AT/TIM BALDWIN

Schedule and event highlights for Orlando's IAAPA Expo 2026

Saturday, November 14

• 9 a.m. — IAAPA Rookies FEC 101

Sunday, November 15

•7 a.m. to 1 p.m. — 23rd Annual International Charity Golf Tournament

•7:45 a.m. to Nov. 16 at 5:45 p.m. 6 p.m. — Institute for Attractions Professionals

•5:30. — EDUTour Fun Spot America Orlando

Monday, November 16

•8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Full schedule of EDUSessions, EDUTalks, Spotlight Solution sessions, workshops, Experimental Learning Programs •10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. — EDUTour Bonnet Springs Park, Turning a Railway Yard into a Green Oasis

•11 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Water Park Day

•12 noon to 2 p.m. — Lunch and Learn

•4 to 5 p.m. — IAAPA First Timer Welcome Event

•4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Zoos and Aquariums Reception

•5 to 6:30 p.m. — Food and Beverage Operator’s Reception

•5:30 to 7 p.m. — Museums and Science Centers Reception, Waterpark Operators’ Welcome Event

•6 to 7:30 p.m. — FEC Reception

•6:30 — Hall of Fame Celebration

Tuesday, November 17

•8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Full schedule of EDUSessions, EDUTalks, Spotlight Solution sessions, workshops, Experimental Learning Programs

•8:30 to 9:30 a.m. — IAAPA Show Opening Ceremony

•10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Trade Show open

•12 noon to 2 p.m. — Industry luncheons: FEC, Latin America and Caribbean and Women in the Industry

•2 to 6 p.m. — Meetups, Creative Design, Natural and Adventure Attractions, Stadiums and Arena, Educators, Seatrade, Information and Technology, Marketing Professionals and Sustainability Community

•6 to 8:30 p.m. — IAAPA After Hours

•8 to 9:30 p.m — Young Professionals Reception

Wednesday, November 18

•8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — IAAPA Leadership and Talent Development Forum

•8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Full schedule of EDUSessions, EDUTalks, Spotlight Solution sessions, workshops, Experimental Learning Programs

•9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — EDUTour Interactive Play a Whole New Level

•10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Trade Show open

•11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Safety and Security Corner

•12 noon to 2 p.m. — Industry luncheons: Amusement Parks and Attractions Constituency Lunch, FEC and Water Park Operators

•2 to 5:30 p.m. — Meetups, Merchandise and Retail, IAAPA Certification, Seatrade, Zoos and Aquariums, EmpowerHER, Entertainment and Museums and Science Centers

•4:15 to 10 p.m. — EDUTour, Behind the Scenes with Disney Live Entertainment Magic Kingdom Parade

•6 to 7:30 p.m. — Carnival and Showmen’s Reception

•6 to 8 p.m. — Latin America Fiesta and IAAPA ESA and MENA Reception

•7:30 to 9 p.m. — Water Park Social

Thursday, November 20

•6:30 to 9 a.m. — 20th Annual IAAPA Footprints from the Heart 5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Walk, Give Kids the World

•7 to 11 a.m. — EDUTour Blast Off to an Adventure at Lego Galaxy at Legoland Florida Resort

•8:30 to 10 a.m. — Asia Pacific Breakfast, Brazilian Breakfast and Canadian Breakfast

•8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Full schedule of EDUSessions, EDUTalks, Spotlight Solution sessions, workshops, Experimental Learning Programs

•10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Trade Show open

•12 to 2 p.m. — FEC Lunch

•2 to 5:30 p.m. — Meetups, IAAPA Committee Alumni an Resorts and Casinos, Facility Operations, I.D.E.A., Seatrade, Birthday, First Timers and Media and Public Relations

•7 to 11 p.m. — IAAPA Celebrates Universal Epic Universe

Friday, November 21

•9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Themed Experience and Attractions Academic Symposium

•10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Trade Show open

•11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Meetups, Midway Games, HR and Workforce Development, Maintenance Professionals, Seatrade, Food and Beverage, Trampoline Park, Escape Rooms, Prize Counter Community and Public Affairs

Anakeesta expands capacity and efficiency in transporting guests

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — For being a relatively new property, Anakeesta has seen significant growth since opening in 2017. A project by Bob and Karen Bentz, the unique facility has captured the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and forged an identity all its own. Creating a fantastical village atop a mountain, the park goes beyond just views. Regardless of age, visitors will find something to captivate them during their experience.

Originally, the forested retreat was reached by what the park called a “chondola,” which was a combination of chair lifts similar to other cable ropeways in the region with a handful of gondola cabins, necessary for those with physical limitations. While scenic, the journey to the top took some time, close to 20 minutes. Ridge Rambler, a bus ride up the mountain, is an alternate mode of transport, which was vital in inclement weather.

“Last year, we decided we were going to replace our old chondola system,” said Austin Martin, director of communications. “We started construction in January. We shut down the park for a couple of months to give us the time and space to focus on changing the logistics to Anakeesta.”

Built by Poma, the new gondola system is dubbed the Crystal Express. Being surrounded by clear glass is a nod to the name.

“It is the only all-glass gondola system in the world,” Martin told Amusement Today. “What used to take almost 20 minutes now only takes four. You have the 360-degree views, and you don’t have to worry about rainy days or a rainstorm. It’s just a better experience for our guests overall.”

There are 56 cabins and each is equipped with a fan.

“When it gets cooler, we can shut the vents, and guests should stay a little warmer than on the [previous] chairlift,” said Martin.

A notable attribute is that cabins have a glass floor, so people can view their journey up and down the mountain below their feet as well.

While Poma was the supplier, Anakeesta’s team installed the support towers.

“Poma was really great to work with; we had a great collaboration,” Martin told AT. “Everything went on schedule, which, you know, in construction … it’s always up in the air.”

Inside the cabins, seats fold up, making it more convenient for motorized scooters, wheelchairs and strollers.

“It's just a little wider. The doors are a lot easier and it's an easy-on-easy-off system,” Martin said. “You roll right on. Throughout the park, we tried to make it a little more level. Obviously, on top of a mountain, that's been a challenge for years. We have widened a lot of things, added some ramps and really just changed the accessibility of Anakeesta.”

The park balances outdoor excitement with relaxed sightseeing, making it appealing to families, couples and groups. Among its best-known experiences are the Treetop Skywalk, a series of suspended bridges high above the forest floor, and AnaVista Tower, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and downtown Gatlinburg. Dining and bar options are also available at the top.

Following a summer celebration of United Tastes of America, the park is wrapping up its fall Oktoberfest festival that runs August 28 to November 1. It added a Bavarian flavor to visitors’ experiences.

“It is basically Oktoberfest, but we make it Gatlinburg,” Martin said. “We have regional breweries from all over the Southeast. We have more than 30 beers on draft for you to try, those giant pretzels, pretzel bites, pork schnitzel — all of those Oktoberfest favorites around the mountain. Each brewery that we have partnered with are placed at different food and beverage locations. So, you can learn about the brewery. You can also try some of their famous beers. We have a mix of beers and ciders.”

The park also added a nighttime experience to complement the park’s long-running Astra Lumina. For 2026, they added a Firefly Experience, which is included with admission.

“In the Great Smoky Mountains, we're known for our synchronous fireflies,” Martin explained. “So, in the national park, there are 19 different species of fireflies, but the synchronous ones are the most famous. Every year, it's the last week of May or the first week of June; they all come out and they synchronize together. It's a mating ritual, and it really is fascinating. However, in the national park, only about 1,000 people can enter that lottery. We said, ‘What if you can see something like them all year round?’ We partnered with Moment Factory, so every night around dusk, we open our Firefly Experience on the Treetop Skywalk.”

The village at the top of the mountains is exceptionally photogenic, and in addition to the wonderful scenery, physical activities such as ziplines and an alpine coaster are available for an upcharge. Younger kids love the multiple play structures, while adults of all ages appreciate the beautiful landscaping.

Anakeesta is open year-round with hours adjusted seasonally.

Gerstlauer's 100% Wolf helps Plopsaland Germany build solid season

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

HASSLOCH, Germany — Known as Holiday Park since 1973, the theme park transitioned into Plopsaland Deutschland in the summer of 2025. With Studio 100 being the operator, that company’s intellectual properties continue to make a presence in the park’s attraction lineup.

For this season, the park installed 100% Wolf, a new family coaster based on the 2020 Australian animated film of the same name. The plot follows a teen boy who belongs to a werewolf family, but when his first transformation turns him into a poodle, his story truly begins.

The family coaster offers plenty of thrills, but it is intended for a wide range of audiences, not just the thrill seekers.

“With 100% Wolf, we made exactly the right decision,” said Bernd Beitz, director. “The ride bridges the gap between our children’s attractions and more intense rides. It’s accessible, but at the same time offers plenty of action.”

Gerstlauer is the provider of the new roller coaster.

“The height requirement was an important part of the concept, and our family coaster train perfectly matched the request,” said Jan-Phillipp Roelle, project manager, Gerstlauer. “Children from one meter (39 inches) can ride when accompanied by an adult, while guests from 1.3 meters can ride independently. Despite the low height requirement, our shared goal was to create a ride that feels genuinely exciting, while still being accessible to families. That means offering enough action for thrill seekers without overwhelming younger guests.”

The ride is capable of running three trains simultaneously, even though there is a backward section. Track length is 645 meters (2,116 feet). The highest point is 57 feet tall. Because of the reverse point, 760 meters are experienced while riding.

“The roller coaster was built largely on previously undeveloped open space within the park,” explained Bentz. “It is located close to Sky Scream and Wickie Splash. Some of the coaster’s foundations are situated in the Holiday Park lake, creating exciting views of the ride.”

“The site location definitely influenced the design,” Roelle shared with Amusement Today. “With a limited footprint, 645 meters of track, the station, maintenance area and other infrastructure had to be fit into the available space, while making the coaster interesting not only for riders but also for spectators. Elements such as the lift and, especially, the open track end had to be carefully positioned to create a good ride experience while also making the coaster visually engaging from different viewpoints.”

The station features portraits of characters from the Studios 100 film.

“Studio 100 plays a central role in the park’s theming and ongoing development. Alongside the elaborately designed themed areas, beloved characters such as Maya the Bee, Heidi, Wickie, Tabaluga and Blinky Bill bring the characteristic Plopsa magic to life,” said Beitz. “The aim is to integrate the park more closely into the group’s overall portfolio and, over the medium term, develop it into a premium leisure destination for families: Plopsaland Resort Deutschland.”

Following a traditional chain lift, the coaster snakes through numerous curvaceous directional changes. The low-to-the-ground elements particularly accentuate the speed, even though the coaster is designed for a family-friendly 34 mph. A second lift, this one tire-driven, allows for blocking as well as setting up Act II. Following a curving plunge, the trains slither through more curves and dramatically surge into a tunnel with a carved werewolf visage, only to emerge to see a jutting section of track in a “destroyed” spike.

“The tunnel is a distinctive feature of 100% Wolf, and riders pass through it twice — once forward and once backward. Together with the track switch and the open spike element, it creates a memorable ride experience,” said Bentz.

“What makes 100% Wolf stand out is the variety of elements and the way the ride builds its excitement from beginning to end,” Roelle told AT. “Our goal was to create different sections that offer a constantly changing experience rather than one continuous type of ride. A particular highlight comes after the second lift, where the train is accelerated into an inclined high element and the final part of the ride begins. At this point — which is unusually late — the train reaches its highest speed.”

Carl Lenaerts, CEO of the Plopsa Group, was pleased with the new installation: “The enormous visitor numbers and the positive feedback confirm our course. 100% Wolf is not only a major attraction that stands out in the park, but also a strategic step in the further development of Plopsaland Deutschland into a resort for families.”

Djurs Sommerland expanding with Midgårdsormen from Intamin AG

Hot Racer coaster highlight of park's massive addition

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

NIMTOFTE, Denmark — Djurs Sommerland, operating since 1981, boasts eight lands. The park’s Vikingeland will be receiving a 15,000-square-meter expansion. Among the additions is Midgårdsormen, a Hot Racer coaster from Intamin AG.

Intamin is no stranger to Djurs Sommerland, as the company has supplied three previous coasters for the park. This one, however, has a major difference.

"This is the first time our guests will be turned upside down on a roller coaster with us. It is a milestone — and at the same time a significant development of our roller coaster offering, where we are now presenting a completely new type," said CEO Henrik B. Nielsen. 

The coaster will feature three inversions.

The Hot Racer is Intamin’s single-rail coaster, a trend that has taken hold in the amusement industry over the past decade. Guests sit in a train with one seat per row, which allows for faster changes in direction and a more dynamic and intense experience. On a track slightly short of 2,000 feet in length, guests experience continuous speed, changes in direction and weightlessness.

When asked, Intamin said conversations had been ongoing. “Indirectly, as early as 2022, when we generally discussed the topic of launch coasters and the various possibilities, and then more specifically in 2024,” said Sascha Czibulka, executive vice president, Intamin.

The ride will be adjacent to Thor’s Hammer, a Gerstlauer bobsled coaster. Midgårdsormen, Danish for Midgard (Earth) Serpent, is taken from Norse mythology and goes out over the water.

The new coaster will sport Intamin’s highly popular over-the-shoulder lap bar, praised for its comfort and upper-body freedom.

Thematic props and elements will be placed around the layout, including a wrecked ship that trains slice through, a fog-filled building and rocky terrain. Elements will dive below walkways and soar overhead.

The concept behind Midgårdsormen was developed in collaboration with international specialists from the Dutch design company Leisure Expert Group, with whom Djurs Sommerland has worked for more than 10 years. The collaboration has been central to the development of the park's themed lands and high level of experience. 

“We work hard to develop our experiences together with some of the best in the industry. This ensures that we can both deliver high quality and create something that stands out,” said Nielsen.

According to the park, the new coaster is the main attraction, but the expansion includes more. Vikingeland will receive theming “on an international level” and will include new dining options, new retail and a new playground. Looking ahead, the park has designed the expansion so that new rides can be added in the future.

“We are building on an area that guests already love. This is a boost for the entire Vikingeland,” said Nielsen.

The park reports an investment of €14 million.

To ride, guests have to be 120 centimeters (47 inches) tall. Two trains of nine riders each offer a theoretical capacity of 650 per hour. Many members of the family are expected to jump aboard.

“We have focused on combining intensity with broad appeal. This makes it an experience that many dare to try — again and again,” said Nielsen. 

The Midgard Serpent is based on Norse mythology, where the great sea serpent lies hidden in the sea and suddenly sets the world in motion. That story is translated into a roller coaster where guests experience moments where orientation is challenged. The journey is characterized by unexpected and dynamic movements. 

“You experience a world that for brief moments feels out of balance — and that is precisely what makes the trip intense, fun and different,” said Nielsen. 

“The site offered plenty of space and design freedom,” said Tobias Otten, ride design engineer, Intamin. “One of the main challenges was fulfilling the client's request to bring the coaster as close as possible to an existing lake. We had to account for varying water levels while still creating the impression of skimming just above the water's surface.”

“Midgårdsormen is not only a new roller coaster, but also an important step in the continued development of Djurs Sommerland,” noted Nielsen. “The ambition is to strengthen the park as a comprehensive destination, where guests will want to stay longer and come back again. Our most important success criterion is the highest guest satisfaction. Everything we develop must be noticeable.” 

The Hot Racer model from Intamin first debuted in 2021 at Luna Park in Australia. Now the genre is beginning to take off for the Swiss manufacturer. The second installation, Mahuka at Walibi Rhône-Alpes (2024), had a cousin debut this summer (with the same layout) at Dream Island in Russia. Midgårdsormen will be Intamin’s fourth Hot Racer and a completely custom layout.

“The final inversion before the brake run will be a fantastic finale to the ride,” Otten told Amusement Today. “However, what excites us most is not the inversion itself, but the combination of the preceding S-curves and the inversion. The S-curves are designed to build a sense of momentum and anticipation, making the inversion feel even more dynamic and rewarding.”

The ride is scheduled to open in 2027.

Silver Dollar City turns to Mack Rides for new mine train roller coaster

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

BRANSON, Mo. — In 2027, Silver Dollar City will be having a monumental year. The park has already promoted the opening of its brand-new, 262-room Silver Dollar City Resort Hotel next spring, but more will be delighting visitors to the Ozark Mountain park next year.

The theme park has announced its newest coaster, Miner’s Mountain Express. Previously, Silver Dollar City had shared that the park’s 1993 Arrow mine train, Thunderation, would be operating for its final season. Now, guests will get to enjoy something bigger, longer and more exciting.

Park President Brad Thomas is confident that fans will embrace the upgrade.

“As guests walk up to Miner's Mountain, they will notice an iconic 12-story headframe,” Thomas said. “The structure came from a historic, working mine in eastern Missouri. Our incredible construction crew carefully moved every piece and then assembled the iconic feature to greet guests for generations to come. Inside the tower will be a working bucket lift as well as a water flume with flowing water. The structure will be illuminated with lighting which will change color for special occasions and seasons.” 

Thomas feels the iconic structural piece helps convey the theme.

“Silver Dollar City's story is rich, deep and runs through the roots of all we do,” he said. “This ride is no exception, and we will celebrate the very roots of the very ground under our City.  Deep inside Marvel Cave in the 1880s, miners were mining every day. Fast forward 140 years, we will celebrate those hardworking miners through the theme of this family ride.”

Mack Rides is the manufacturer of Miner’s Mountain Express. 

“What Silver Dollar City needed here was not a standard product,” said Maximilian Roeser, marketing, Mack Rides. “They needed a coaster that follows real terrain across a new area of the park that carries a story and that a whole family can ride together. That is custom engineering, and that is where we are strongest.”

“This will be the third Silver Dollar City ride with Mack's fingerprints: Riverblast, our water gun raft ride that opened in 2010, and Time Traveler, our record-breaking and car-turning coaster with a 90-degree drop,” added Thomas. “The Mack family, along with various teams from Mack Rides, have visited Silver Dollar City many times through the decades. They understand our unique approach to theme, and they also understand our mix of multi-generational rides that make up our guest experience. This family coaster will give us the look, feel and theme that fits Silver Dollar City, while also giving us a super smooth ride experience. The air-time moments will be enough to give families a thrill while still giving us a height requirement that is appropriate for a multi-generational family coaster.”

“We already knew each other well,” Roeser told Amusement Today. “Time Traveler opened in 2018 and that project built a lot of trust in both directions. With Nightflight Expedition (Dollywood), our partnership with Herschend intensified, so it was great to get that call. We are both family-owned companies and you certainly feel that spirit in the day-to-day work with each other.”

Miner’s Mountain Express will have two lifts, one 97 feet tall, the other almost 70 feet tall. The track length is 3,553 feet and will take riders through numerous curves and directional changes, as well as a tunnel and station fly-through.

“There will be 15 airtime moments, more than any other coaster at Silver Dollar City. That number surprises people because the ride does not look aggressive from the midway,” Roeser noted. “That is intentional. You cannot see airtime by looking at a layout; you feel it — and that is exactly the balance we were after: a coaster a parent will look at and think their kid can handle it, and then both of them get off wanting to ride again. The layout follows the natural hills and valleys of the Ozarks rather than fighting them.”

Discussions for the new addition began as far back as 2024.The Mack team visited the Ozark site to get a feel for the setting and terrain.

“Miner's Mountain is built at an elevation which gives the site spectacular views to guests on the ride, in the queue and the load station and even walking through the area on the new street,” said Thomas. “The track, and therefore the ride experience — will be smooth, which our guests will love and appreciate.”

In the past, Silver Dollar City has had some dead ends in the park’s layout. With recent additions, new pathways have created better traffic flow. This new attraction will be accessed via a new thoroughfare called Daredevil Pass, connecting the American Plunge log flume and Wildfire looping coaster with Miner’s Mountain Express and PowderKeg launch coaster.

“This new street will help make The City easier to navigate for our fans and also for our first time visitors,” Thomas said.       

Mack Rides has numerous coaster styles in its portfolio. While mine trains aren’t typically thought of with Mack, Roeser points to a natural connection. “Our powered coasters were all themed to mine trains back in the day,” he said. But of course, we are known for prototypes and for custom work, and a mine train is a format with a long history in this industry. Coming to it fresh means we are not repeating what a mine train has always been. We are asking what it should feel like today.”

Roeser told AT, “We do not really think in categories. Silver Dollar City did not come to us asking for a mine train from a catalog. They came with a place, a story about Marvel Cave, and terrain that drops and climbs the way the Ozarks do. The ride type followed from that.”

Sweden's Gröna Lund bets on Vekoma first to reinvent dark ride

AT: David Fake

dfake@amusementtoday.com

STOCKHOLM — For 142 years, Gröna Lund has made its name on the water, perched on Djurgården island with the Baltic lapping at the midway. In 2027, the park is sending guests underground instead.

Score!, the interactive dark ride Gröna Lund teased back in June without naming a manufacturer, finally got its reveal at IAAPA Expo Europe in London on September 22, and with it, the reveal everyone in the dark-ride world had been waiting for. Vekoma Rides is building it, and the Dutch manufacturer is using Score! to launch an entirely new platform: DRX 2.0, Vekoma's first trackless, radar-guided dark ride system, which the company markets as its Dark Ride Xperience.

The premise leans hard into Gröna Lund's own history. The park's marketing frames Score! as a descent into its “legendary subterranean archive,” a fictional basement stuffed with “strange artifacts, forgotten inventions, old amusement park rides and 140 years of park history.” Riders, armed with laser blasters, work in teams to rack up points by hitting targets scattered through the chaos. It's a shooting dark ride in the Toy Story Midway Mania mold, but the hook is local: Gröna Lund has tied the concept to “5-kamp,” the five-event competition format Swedes grew up playing at midway games, giving the ride a cultural anchor that's distinctly its own rather than an import.

“The combination of a radar-based trackless ride system, a magical immersive environment, and the fact that guests become part of the game creates an experience unlike anything else,” said Jakob Fagerström, creative director at Gröna Lund and parent company Parks and Resorts. “Together with Jora Vision, our design and build partner for the attraction, and Vekoma Rides, who is delivering the innovative ride system, we are creating something truly unique within the attractions industry with Score!”

The hardware is the real story here. DRX 2.0 ditches the floor wires, magnetic strips and fixed grids that have defined trackless dark rides up to now, instead relying on onboard radar and LiDAR to let vehicles find their own way through open space. Vekoma says that frees up eight six-seat cars to spin a full 360 degrees, change direction instantly, and interface with show elements like elevators or motion bases on the fly — all choreographed in real time by an integrated ride control system that syncs vehicle movement with audio, lighting and target-based effects. Because the routing lives entirely in software rather than in the floor itself, Vekoma is pitching operators on the ability to reprogram paths and story beats for new seasons or storylines without tearing anything up.

Vekoma has built its coaster business over the past century on steel track and launch systems, so DRX 2.0 marks a deliberate pivot toward software-defined attractions. This is a category the manufacturer has dabbled in before with its D-Ride interactive dark ride and Suspended Dark Ride platforms, but never with full freedom of movement. Score! will be the proving ground for the system before Vekoma, which is celebrating its 100th year in business in 2026, takes DRX 2.0 to other parks.

Jora Vision is handling design and build, working with Alterface on the interactive shooting system. This pairing gives Score! both the show quality and the scoring mechanics it needs to land as a repeatable, competitive experience rather than a one-and-done ride-through.

Gröna Lund CEO Jan Eriksson is selling the ride as much on calendar math as on theming. “Score! blends speed, action, ride thrills and gameplay in an entirely new way and will bring out everyone's competitive spirit,” Eriksson said, adding that the indoor format matters just as much as the game itself: “It's incredibly exciting to offer our guests an experience that works just as well on a warm summer day as it does during a winter conference or corporate event.” For a park that's long had to answer to Scandinavian winters, a flagship attraction that doesn't care about the forecast is its own kind of innovation.

Score! will find a home between Twister and Katapulten on roughly 7,500 square feet, at a cost Gröna Lund has pegged at SEK 205 million, equivalent to about $19 million USD. Opening is targeted for spring 2027.

For Vekoma, DRX 2.0 is as much a statement as a product launch. It’s a bet that trackless dark rides are the next arena worth going toe-to-toe with the competition to reign. With Gröna Lund as the proving ground, the industry will be watching.

WhiteWater's Rip Roarin’ Falls continues to rise at Carowinds

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eager for its debut in the 2027 season, Rip Roarin’ Falls continues to rise at Carowinds. Manufactured by WhiteWater West, the ride will feature the tallest drop on a water ride or flume.

“Guests cannot wait to ride,” said Chris Foshee, regional public relations manager for Six Flags, when asked about how guests have responded to the announcement. “This is something our guests have wanted for a long time.”

Rip Roarin’ Falls will also feature a transfer table in its station to allow guests that need assistance or more time to board a way to do so without impacting the ride's impressive capacity.

“This is the biggest super flume that we have ever built,” said David Chesney, ride engineer at WhiteWater. ”We couldn't be more excited about it. There's just something innate in us that we love to float down a river, see the sights and then a big drop, and a big splash.”

Rip Roarin’ Falls is planned to open in the spring of 2027.

—Jack Lathrop

Dollywood plans are underway to honor Dolly Parton at park

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Officials at Dollywood Parks and Resorts announced during a widely attended press event in September plans to create several new experiences and installations at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, honoring Dolly Parton after her death on August 25, 2026. 

Over the coming months, these additions will provide guests with meaningful opportunities to reflect on Parton’s life, her faith and her influence while experiencing the joy, imagination and togetherness that have always been at the heart of her vision for Dollywood.

Many of these new experiences will greet visitors for the 2027 season, according to Wes Ramey, a spokesperson for the park.

An inspirational setting for both Parton and generations of Dollywood guests, the Robert F. Thomas Chapel will receive new elements. A cascading mountainside waterfall will be added just outside the chapel’s front steps, creating a peaceful setting for guests to pause, reflect and enjoy the natural beauty.

The chapel will also receive new stained-glass windows commissioned to reflect Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV), the Bible verse that resonated deeply with Parton: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Inspired by Dolly’s love for the Smokies and the many seasons of her life and career, the windows will depict the changing seasons of the mountains.

None of Dolly’s accomplishments speak more profoundly to her love for children and her belief in the power of imagination than her founding of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program has gifted more than 330 million books to children around the world and is the largest children’s literacy program of its kind.

To celebrate this important part of Parton’s work and to inspire the next generation of dreamers, a new character, the Dream Maker, will come to Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove area in 2027. Through stories and interactive experiences, the Dream Maker will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves and lift others through courage and kindness. 

Special kiosks will also be located throughout Wildwood Grove, giving guests a place to share their own thoughts and notes about how Parton inspired them to dream their own big dreams.

A new portal into the Dolly Parton Experience will welcome guests into the attraction’s immersive collection of moments, stories and memorabilia. The new entrance will provide a fitting gateway to the area dedicated to celebrating the life and work of Dollywood’s dreamer-in-chief.

Beyond the gates of Dollywood, In Dolly’s Footsteps, a new program developed by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, will debut soon. Special walking-tour markers will be placed at locations throughout Sevierville that Parton and her family frequented in her youth, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the places and experiences that helped shape her. One of the markers was on display for media during the announcement.

—Pam Sherborne

Intercard, FEG join Topgolf in extensive arcade-style expansion

AT: Susan Storey

Special to Amusement Today

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Earlier this summer, Topgolf announced an incredible partnership with Family Entertainment Group (FEG) to bring new FEG-designed and operated arcade, redemption game room and augmented darts experiences to 94 locations in the United States. Together, the companies piloted the concept at seven Topgolf venues in Texas, Florida and Georgia. After receiving positive feedback from guests at those locations, Topgolf decided to move forward and add the customized arcade and game room experiences nationwide. Introduced in nine phases, the entire project is on track to be complete by the end of the year.

The strategic partnership expands Topgolf’s opportunities for play beyond the hitting bays so that guests will stay longer, visit more often and create more memorable moments with family and friends. Together, Topgolf and FEG have curated a mix of arcade, redemption and immersive games for each venue that blend experiences from interactive augmented darts experiences in bar and lounge spaces to family-friendly arcades and redemption game rooms designed to engage guests of all ages. While the individual lineup varies by location, guests can expect a combination of sports and arcade classics such as Air Hockey, Pop-A-Shot Basketball and Quarterback Pro; Racing and Driving experiences; Immersive, themed experiences from popular IP’s including Jurassic Park Environmental and Angry Birds Boom and Redemption; and Family Favorites such as Grand Piano Keys and Connect 4 Deluxe.

“I’ve learned that great partnerships rarely begin with a discussion about products,” said Rex Jackson, CEO, FEG, of the new project. “They begin with a shared view of what success looks like. Topgolf wasn’t looking for a vendor. They were looking for a partner who understands how entertainment can strengthen a destination, reinforce a brand, and create a measurable business value. That’s the conversation we had from day one, and it’s the foundation of this partnership.”

To complement FEG’s interactive and popular game catalog, and Topgolf’s reputation for providing seamless guest-focused experiences, Intercard became the third strategic partner in the extensive expansion project.

As FEG’s technology partner, Intercard has been integrating its industry-leading iTeller kiosks, iReaders and new kiosk-free Impulse Plus readers into the Topgolf venues. The products and technology enable FEG to maximize revenue by accepting multiple forms of payment, including play cards, credit cards, RFID and mobile payment. The many options and ease of use allow guests to pay and play the way they want. For instance, guests can use their credit card directly at an individual game before heading home or purchase reloadable cards to share with everyone in their party to play at their own pace in one visit or save to use again during a future visit.

“The Impulse Plus readers have been an incredibly successful product for our fair and carnival clients,” said Lynda Brotherton-Sherrod, global marketing director, Intercard. “They are also the perfect product for this project with Topgolf and FEG. The readers speak to the impulse buyer who doesn’t want or need to be upsold but instead would like to play one game and leave. They provide an easy — impulse — upsell opportunity.”

The Impulse Plus readers, one of Intercard’s newest products, have been recognized for their ease of use and convenient size. Impulse Plus readers work with a single tap of a credit card, mobile wallet and Intercard game cards. In addition, the Impulse Plus reader does not need to be connected to a kiosk yet still delivers a secure payment gateway for users. Earlier this year, the Impulse Plus reader was a nominee in the Best Innovation category for Amusement Today's 2026 Golden Ticket Awards.

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Intercard has been providing solutions for the FECs, attractions, fairs, carnivals and more for over 30 years. Through its personal, customized cashless technology systems and proprietary state-of-the-art software, Intercard has a proven history of helping clients increase revenues by up to 30%.

To prepare for the project, Intercard’s team met closely with FEG to understand the types of games and attractions that would be utilized at the Topgolf locations as well as the space and layout of each location. Together, they customized the right product mix from Intercard’s seamless line of technology solutions that would help Topgolf meet its guest experience and revenue goals.

"Working with the leadership team at FEG to expand revenue for the premier brand, Topgolf has been a great experience,” Scott Sherrod, CEO, Intercard told Amusement Today. We take pride in increasing revenue for our customers and Topgolf is a great addition to our global family of customers."

"At Topgolf, we're always looking for ways to elevate the guest experience and really be the Ultimate Sports, Entertainment and Golf Destination," said David McKillips, CEO, Topgolf. "Bringing FEG into our venues adds another way to play and connect. By thoughtfully curating experiences for each location, we're giving our guests even more reasons to visit, stay longer and create memorable moments with family and friends."

"Topgolf built one of the most innovative venues in hospitality," Jackson added. "FEG builds the games expertise that goes inside it. Bringing those together is the kind of partnership that raises the guest experience for both of us."

“At Intercard, we set standards,” concluded Rob Geiger, customer relations director, Intercard. “Our products have become the industry standard for route and FEC operators who want to capture new revenue streams and plan for growth. We are proud to be part of this project with FEG and Topgolf, who continue to set standards for customer service and satisfaction in the amusement industry.”

●intercardinc.com

Chuck E. Cheese Adventure World

prepares for a nationwide rollout

IRVING, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese is bringing Adventure World, its multilevel indoor playground, to more than 20 communities across the U.S. in 2026 and 2027.

The first Adventure World opened in Arlington, Texas, in November 2025 and quickly became one of the most successful openings in Chuck E. Cheese history. Families said two things stood out: getting up close with Chuck E. and friends in a way they never had before and the chance for kids to invent their own adventures. Now more families will get one close to home.

In 2026, Adventure World plans to open locations in West Fargo, North Dakota; Chandler, Arizona; Rochester, New York; Houston, Texas; Plano, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The company also plans to unveil locations in 2027 in the cities of Flint, Michigan; MacArthur Park, California; Hawthorne, California; Crestwood, Illinois; Lakewood, Colorado; Chesterfield, Missouri; and Los Angeles, California.The FECs will also appear on the international stage, with three locations opening in Jalisco, Mexico.

“Families have told us they want a place where kids can move and use their imagination all day, with food and celebrations built right in,” said Randy Forsythe, president of Chuck E. Cheese. “That’s exactly what we built. Now we get to share it with kids in a lot more cities.”

Designed for families with kids of all ages, Adventure World offers 12,000 to 18,000 square feet or more of dedicated active play, exploration, hands-on adventure, dining and celebrations in one family-friendly destination.

Token of holiday cheer

DALLAS — Embed's integrated cashless payment solutions already fuel a significant portion of the FEC industry. This holiday season, the provider has found a decorative way for entertainment centers to give their guests another reason to gift a visit to their venue. Embed has unveiled holiday-themed game cards that feature festive seasonal and holiday designs, ready for operators to load with game value and offer as holiday gifts at their arcade or FEC. COURTESY EMBED

NCL expands private island offerings with addition of water park

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

GREAT STIRRUP CAY, The Bahamas — Norwegian Cruise Line has officially debuted its newest centerpiece destination, unveiling the all-new Great Tides Waterpark on its private island of Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian Getaway brought in guests for a special preview on September 1, then voyagers aboard Norwegian Luna were the first to visit for the grand opening on September 4, 2026.

Spanning nearly six acres across the 270-acre island, the water park represents a multi-million-dollar enhancement designed to elevate the line's Caribbean itineraries and compete with top-tier private island experiences that are becoming more common across the cruise industry.

Designed in partnership with aquatic engineering firm Martin Aquatic, the park balances exhilarating amusements with laid-back island amenities. Martin had previously installed Great Life Lagoon, a Blue Mar Basins large, 28,000-square-foot lagoon pool with a swim-up bar and plenty of partially submerged lounge chairs offering a spectacular ocean view. Also installed was Splash Harbor, a kids’ splash pad. Great Cay also offers long stretches of beautiful beaches along with multiple eating establishments and bars. These amenities are complimentary to any cruise ship docked at the cay. The addition of a six-acre Great Tides Waterpark greatly increases the guest offerings, but the water park is an upgraded experience available at an additional cost.

WhiteWater West of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, provided 19 attractions, including 11 high-profile slides and eight kid-friendly slides within a dedicated splash zone. Standing 170 feet tall, the central landmark, Tidal Tower, houses eight high-speed waterslides. Headline rides include Breakwater Blasters, a Master Blaster water coaster featuring a WhiteWater-first slide “jousting” section, where two sets of riders are propelled toward each other in a conjoined flume separated by a low wall.

Rapid Mat Racer takes the form of Parallel Pursuits, an award-winning, side-by-side competitive racing water slide featuring low separating walls so riders can see and hear each other during the race, offering even more ways for groups and families to race and compete.

Great Tides marks the debut of Nautilus, a unique element where riders drop into a circular slide, rise up a wall and oscillate back and forth. As they lose momentum, riders are sent out a side chute at a 90-degree angle. Because the oscillations are random, the tube can exit either forward or backward as it continues down the next chute. Tropic Spiral, a raft slide, includes two Nautilus elements throughout the course. The first is enclosed; the second is intersected by an AquaTube body slide, featuring a slide-within-a-slide configuration.

Cliffside Cove is home to the cruise industry’s first-ever 10-foot and 15-foot cliff jumps, dropping thrill-seekers into a 12-foot-deep pool. The zone also features The Great Slide, an extra-wide slide that can accommodate up to four people at a time side-by-side. It is the first in The Bahamas. Two additional body slides, Fearless Falls, terminate a few feet above the water so guests go airborne as they exit the slide.

When it’s time to relax, an 800-foot-long dynamic river known as the Wandering River features a cave-style multimedia tunnel with dynamic, changing scenery, so each trip through the tunnel may be different. The river includes a swim-up bar for adults looking to float with a cocktail in hand.

For young cruisers, Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot WhiteWater RainFortress 5, features interactive water cannons, eight junior-sized slides, more than 70 interactive water play features and a 300-gallon tipping bucket.

Alongside the aquatic attractions, the water park introduces new complimentary and specialty food options to elevate the island dining experience. Highlights include a dedicated food truck park featuring Low Tide Smoke (slow-smoked barbecue), Catch of the Cay (fresh seafood), and Tidal Treats, which serves soft-serve ice cream in fish-shaped waffle cones.

For guests seeking solitude, private cabanas for up to six guests are available for reservation within the park. Adults can also opt for passes to the adjacent Vibe Shore Club, an exclusive enclave featuring premium loungers and a private bar.

Other touches include cool-crete paving so guests can walk around all day without enduring uncomfortable heat on their feet. The floor of the RainFortress is covered with Life Floor slip-resistant soft tiles that are easy on the feet, especially those of young children.

“Great Tides Waterpark represents an exciting new chapter for Great Stirrup Cay and a defining moment for Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of NCL. “Every element has been thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable island day for guests of all ages.”

“In working alongside Norwegian Cruise Line on the development of this water park, our team sought to create a comprehensive amenity that the whole family could enjoy together,” said Josh Martin, president and creative director of Martin Aquatic. “There are kid-focused elements, adult-centric escapes, and then moments for everyone to experience as a family.

“We’ve worked in the cruise market for the last decade, and we have an inside perspective into guest expectations for private island developments,” added Martin. “Collaborating with Norwegian again after designing their last island amenity on Harvest Caye has been a truly rewarding experience. We are thrilled to see the positive guest response to a water park project that we put so much passion into.”

The addition of the water park coincides with the opening of a double-berth pier at Great Stirrup Cay, allowing two ships to dock simultaneously and eliminating the need for tender boats. Day passes to Great Tides Waterpark are currently available as shore excursion bookings across NCL Caribbean itineraries calling on the island.

NCL has 21 ships in its active fleet with sailings all over the world. Currently, the Norwegian Dawn, Joy, Getaway, Aqua, Luna, Viva, Bliss, Prima and Escape have cruises that include the Bahamas, with itineraries that often include a port call at Great Stirrup Cay. Guests can pre-book a pass to the water park up to two days before sailing and are encouraged to do so, as the water park does limit the number of guests, and availability once onboard is not guaranteed.

Wild Water Adventure opens lazy river with Family Fun Pools' help

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

LOUISVILLE, Ohio — When the Clovis, California, water park, Wild Water Adventure, opened its new lazy river this season, it was a welcome attraction. It also was a nice showcase for Family Fun Pools, based in Louisville, Ohio.

The new jungle-themed Wild Water Adventure lazy river, called the Lost River Adventure, opened at the beginning of the 2026 season. The lazy river is 1,000 feet long, four feet wide and 30 to 66 inches deep.

It utilizes Family Fun Pools’ Uniwall product, which is a self-supporting wall for pools built out of the ground or severe elevation changes.

“This year has really showcased the versatility of Uniwall,” said J.T. Durbin, president of Family Fun Pools. “While we were involved in the Wild Water Adventure Lazy River in California early this spring, our team has since been hard at work on custom residential backyard pools throughout Northeast Ohio, as well as a few campground pool projects coming together this fall. The beauty of Family Fun Pools with Uniwall is that it scales with ease. The same pool system that powers a massive commercial lazy river nationwide is what allows us to build virtually any pool shape for a local homeowner.”

Wild Water Adventure’s Lost River Adventure has become a centerpiece for the park. Guests were excited about its opening, even though delays kept it from opening at the beginning of the season.

According to a story printed in the Fresno Bee, Johnny Holmes, the park’s general manager, said at the beginning of the season that the new attraction “is ready to go.” There were certain walkways and grading issues, however, that needed to be addressed.

“It’s been a massive project,” Holmes told the Frenso Bee. “We are as excited as everyone to get this open. The river looks great.”

Uniwall has definitely been a good fit for many water park attractions. Company officials boast that Uniwall eliminates costly and time-consuming framing, less steel and less concrete. It also helps eliminate some of the problems of forming, reinforcing and shooting vertical walls. With most abuse of pools occurring in the top part of the pool where expansion and contraction is greatest, the fact that Uniwall is non-porous creates an easily maintained surface.

For its part, Family Fun Pools company officials have been excited about its current projects and its future.

“It’s an exciting time for Family Fun Pools right now,” Durbin said. “We’re going through some positive changes behind the scenes as we modernize and expand our operations, but our main focus is still the same as it’s always been — delivering a great product and quality materials for all customers, be it a local backyard swimmer, a regional builder or a major water park.”

Nitro Blast from ProSlide rockets in new twists, screams at NRH20

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — New attractions always garner interest. Listen to the screams, and it is easy to tell when riders are having fun. NRH20 debuted its latest thrill slide this past July in time for the national holiday. Called Nitro Blast, it is an installation from ProSlide Technology.

“The feedback has been great,” said General Manager Stephanie Hee-Johnston. “This project has been in the works for a while.”

The attraction is positioned on a site previously occupied by a former NBGS water coaster called Green Extreme, which set records when it was built. It was retired in September 2023, and the park knew it needed a replacement.

Hee-Johnston has been with the park since 2003. She recalls when the Green Exteme was at the park. “It was an amazing ride,” she said. “But this is great. It’s just completely new for us. We’ve had some body slides put in over the years, but our last really main attraction was the Viper in 2011.”

This is the first attraction from ProSlide the park has invested in.

“We had gone to look at attractions to see what we would like for the park,” Hee-Johnston told Amusement Today. “When we were visiting other parks, this is really the one that we came across that we really liked.”

It’s easy to like. There are numerous experiences all wrapped up in one attraction. It begins with a double-down, which produces delightful airtime seconds into the ride. Each side has two saucer sections, two uphill blast sections, side-by-side racing points and enclosed tubes with luminescent stripes and shapes — all combining into a thrill ride with a variety of experiences.

Unfortunately, the plans were to open Nitro Blast in 2025, but it was delayed until this year.

“It was a mix of things,” explained Hee-Johnston. “We’re owned by the City of North Richland Hills, and so projects have to be bid out. So, if no one submits bids, then there’s no one to move forward with. You may have to start that process over again.”

Being city-funded made the project complicated, delaying it a year, but now Nitro Blast serves as the premier attraction at the park. NRH20 is part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“We try not to have multiple projects on the books at once,” she said. “That’s why they are spread out. We don’t do something every year because you would have to carry that debt.”

When asked by AT if the city decides upon attractions or the park, Hee-Johnston answered, “Some of both. We actually choose what we’d like and then present it to the city council and city management. I feel we do a really good job of coming up with why we want a particular ride, why it’s a good fit for the park, for the city and for the guests that come here.”

Being part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, NRH20 can utilize the city’s indoor facilities for lifeguard training prior to the water park opening in the spring.

“I think people were excited to see the throughput on Nitro Blast,” Hee-Johnston said. “We haven’t had to utilize the extra queuing because the line moves faster. Sending two rafts at a time, plus being able to have four rafts in the ride, you can send them before the previous riders even get to the end.

Each raft seats two riders.

NRH20 ended its public season on September 20. An additional final weekend featured a special event called Doggy Beach Bash, where guests can bring their dogs to the park. The park also hosts Float the Flume that partners with Special Olympics of Texas. The park also partners with the organization in February for a Polar Plunge event.

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition debuts at Franklin Institute

AT: B. Derek Shaw

bdshaw@amusementtoday.com

PHILADELPHIA – Between February 14 and September 7, Labor Day, an immersive exhibit about Universal Theme Parks had its inaugural run at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. This limited‑engagement, in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal, titled Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, was held in an 18,000-square-foot area with eight galleries, 20 interactive experiences and 100 artifacts. It wasn’t about Universal characters as much as it was about highlighting industry careers in a science exhibit presentation.

There were hands‑on activities inspired by Universal attractions and IP such as Jurassic World, Minions, Jaws, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Secret Life of Pets. This behind-the-scenes exhibition marks the storytelling, innovation and world-building behind Universal’s famous creations, from the studio tour to the latest Universal Epic Universe.

“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition is a trailblazing concept that pulls back the curtain on an industry that entertains and thrills millions, revealing the science, innovation and creativity in some of the most epic experiences in themed entertainment,” said Larry Dubinski, president and CEO, The Franklin Institute. “The exhibition brings beloved moments to life in new and exciting ways, delivering a truly unique and fun experience that we are proud to present as a world premiere in 2026.”

“The themed entertainment industry is innovative and future-ready, and has never been explored this way before,” said Abby Bysshe, chief experience and strategy officer. “We curated this exhibition so that every object tells a story, and every interactive introduces a creative concept, all within a fun, hands-on environment. Guests aren’t just observing how theme parks are made, they are stepping into the process. Working with talented partners like MDSX and Universal Destinations & Experiences has been incredible, and we are extremely proud of the experience that unfolds within this exhibition,” she added.

Bysshe explained how this first-of-a-kind traveling museum came to fruition: “It was about a two-year timeline. We initially approached Universal about this idea, knowing Epic Universe was coming up. That’s not always how this industry works. Sometimes the IP’s will go out with an idea and have a couple of companies bid. We’ve worked with Universal in the past with Jurassic World: The Exhibition we hosted here, and a couple of other things. It seemed like a really good partnership from the beginning. There’s an incredible number of people that travel between Philadelphia and Orlando; it’s one of the most popular routes in the U.S, from a flying perspective. We knew this was a great starting point for this story.”

Why host the exhibit in a science center?

“I think science centers are uniquely positioned to talk about that innovation story around something like this. There hasn’t been a theme park exhibition in a science center in a very long time since the nineties. We were really excited to work with it, and Universal was excited to be able to tell the story,” said Bysshe.

Throughout the galleries, guests were able to program an animated figure, experiment with projection mapping, call a live show and more. Visitors saw objects, props, design models, mood boards and production materials that illustrate the stages of design and the creation of theme parks and experiences — from the earliest idea to the finishing touches.

Immersive photo-ops placed guests inside a ride vehicle, alongside a walk-around character, in a classic Jaws storyboard, and with Nintendo’s iconic Super Mario Block. Video shorts featuring storyboard artists, lighting designers, prop masters, and others offered a rare glimpse into the universe of innovation driven by the creative forces that push the boundaries of themed entertainment. ASTM International's committee on amusement rides and devices (F24) was a key contributor to this educational exhibition.

The most popular experiences included Nintendo-related items, interactive animated figures of sheep, designing your own roller coaster and designing your own monster/horror masks.

There were eight gallery themes: An Unconventional Spirit; Storytelling & Wonder; Technology & Innovation; Thrills & The Rush of Adrenaline; Scares & Horror; Big, Bold & Entertaining; Authentic & Immersive; and The Creative in You.

Bysshe went on to discuss the possible outcomes from an exhibit like this: “The thing that always astonished me is that it is like building a city, building a theme park. Every single career you could possibly think of is in this industry. We spend a lot of time in our exhibits really trying to get people to understand that there’s a variety of careers across a variety of industries and things you may not think about. I think people think about roller coaster designers and engineers as the first thing that pops into mind, but there’s just so much more to this industry. It’s an industry that also has crossover with the museum world. We want to inspire the next generation and hope they’re connecting at some point with wannabe careers, whether it be a cook in the retail space, or in a costume design position or an engineer, or animatronic development.”

During the 29 weeks the exhibition was in operation, busy weekends saw three to four thousand visitors each day. Many of the weekdays were filled with scheduled school groups, with up to 2,500 a day.

“We’ve done a lot of entertainment exhibitions here at the Franklin Institute around a lot of different IP’s," said Bysshe. “We were excited to take a little bit of a different look and do a little more of the innovation story and the behind-the-scenes and talk about how things are made more than the entertainment immersive experiences that we’ve done. It feels ‘very us’ to make exhibitions like this, and we also wanted to make something that was unique to the museum industry. That’s where we want to take this. I think there’s a lot of opportunity to have fun products like this, that tie really cool IP and really cool storytelling together but has that interactive experience that most museums are looking for. We were really building this with museums in mind, including our own. I’m excited that people are engaged with it. Epic Universe was a huge, amazing opportunity to build off of. This is a brand we’re excited to tell the story of all the amazing things they have done over their career. There’ll be more to come. We have a five-year tour, so hopefully there will be some new stuff to insert into the story.”

This exhibit, developed by the Franklin Institute, was built for national touring with at least four other North American locations in the next few years. Opening November 21 and running through April 18, 2027, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland is the second stop for Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition.

IAAPA Expo Europe sets a trade show record during London event

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

LONDON, U.K. — The trade show at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, held at the Excel London convention center in England on September 21 to 25, set a show record, boosting more than 245,417 square feet (22,800 square meters) of exhibits and featuring more than 870 exhibitors showcasing new products, technologies, services and experiences. The size of this year’s show was a 50 percent increase since the event was last held in London in 2022.

The event also welcomed 16,530 verified attendees out of 18,719 total registered, including 11,710 qualified buyers representing 8,956 buying companies across 118 countries. These attendees represented the global attractions industry in every way. There were representatives from amusement and theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, resorts, cultural attractions and more.

“The growth we’ve seen since we were last in London four years ago speaks volumes about the strength of the attractions industry,” said Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president, IAAPA ESA, after the event. “You could feel the momentum across the show floor all week long. From collaborative innovations being unveiled to new information being shared, Expo Europe is ultimately about bringing our industry together, and London gave us an incredible stage to do just that, while also looking ahead to what’s next.”

Beyond the trade show floor, the program offered more than 70 educational opportunities featuring 190 speakers, connecting attendees with subject matter experts to explore the ideas and challenges influencing attractions today. Sessions covered topics ranging from the evolving guest experience and emerging AI technologies to safety, sustainability, leadership and operations.

A special feature of the 2026 educational program was a focus on the importance of the food and beverage aspect of the amusement industry. According to IAAPA benchmark studies, food and beverage can account for as much as 30 to 35% of total park revenue, reinforcing its growing importance as both a guest experience driver and business strategy.

A sampling of specific educational topics were From Crisis to Leadership: Building Resilient Teams That Perform; The Future of Safety Training: Engaging and Coaching Your Team for a Strong Safety Culture; The Magic of Myth: Using the Subconscious Story Power of Commonly Misused Attraction Icons; Where Is Time Costing You Revenue? Less Friction. More Visitors. Rethinking the End-to-End Journey for Museums and Attractions; Solution Spotlight: Outdoor Factory – Immersive Experiences That Drive Traffic: From Storytelling to Feasibility; Solution Spotlight: DOF Robotics –The Rise of Edutainment: Blending Immersion and Education in the Next Gen of Attractions; The Investment Playbook: Financing and Attracting Partners for Destination Growth and Why Your Digital Project is Taking Too Long (and Costing Too Much).

Learning also extended beyond the convention center doors through exclusive EDUTours across some of the United Kingdom’s leading attractions. The agenda included visits to Chessington World of Adventures Resort and Legoland Windsor Resort, as well as a Merlin Entertainments Halloween event hosted at Thorpe Park, home to one of the U.K.’s leading Halloween events. Thorpe Park was celebrating 25 years of its Fright Nights.

The opening ceremony had a special extended format this year and proved to be very popular. It consisted of the networking reception with several drinks and snacks sections and live entertainment and the ultimate pop concert exclusively for IAAPA Expo Europe opening receptions participants, ABBA Voyage. The event was held at the ABBA Arena. Transportation was provided.

The 2026 IAAPA Expo Europe generated significant media interest across the region and internationally. IAAPA’s on-site press office welcomed more than 160 journalists and media professionals, with representation from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands and other markets.

IAAPA Expo Europe 2027 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on September 20 through 24.

●iaapa.org

Vekoma celebrates 100 years as the company looks to the future

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

VOLDROP, Netherlands and ORLANDO, Florida — In 1926, Vekoma opened its doors for business. A century later, the company has grown far beyond manufacturing steel plows for architecture. In fact, the company has manufactured numerous things. Following World War II, production turned into more industrial needs. By chance, Vekoma was asked in 1964 to manufacture a 40-meter Ferris wheel, which would be the company’s first foray into rides.

That got even bigger in the 1970s. Intrigued by the looping roller coasters in America, a meeting between Vekoma and Arrow soon put the company on a track to build roller coasters. Half a century ago, design and engineering was done by hand — and in some cases, gut instinct.

Theme parks were spurring thrill rides to be in demand. Manufacturers had to innovate. Vekoma stumbled on success with the boomerang coaster in the 1980s. Its compact footprint was a plus, and creating an attraction that lets the train of riders go forward and backward over the same track reduced costs. The Vekoma boomerang went on to sell dozens and is considered one of the most highly successful roller coaster models produced.

This was followed by the suspended looping coaster in the 1990s. Parks looking for marketable thrills bought them up.

Vekoma knew they were selling rides at an impressive rate, but even management admits that they had developed a reputation for producing looping coasters that were deemed aggressive. They knew they could do better.

The new Vekoma in the 21st century has met that goal. Flipping that reputation on its head, the manufacturer is now lauded by both the public and roller coaster enthusiasts for building glass-smooth rides. Bringing more control in-house over the engineering and production of track, along with improved train design, Vekoma has achieved a powerhouse reputation for delivering the goods. In terms of collaboration, installation and customer service, the company stands among the elite.

Although the company had designed wheels and other rides for some time, for a couple of decades, the production of roller coasters was the primary direction. Now, the company is introducing new flat rides, water rides, dark ride systems and more. There is unmistakable momentum.

“For decades, Vekoma has been known for creating roller coasters that bring people together through unforgettable experiences. Expanding our portfolio with new types of rides — dark rides, flat rides, interactive rides and new technologies — is a natural next step in that journey,” said Carin Davits, marketing. “Parks today are looking for more complete guest experiences, and we believe our expertise in engineering, storytelling, service and reliability can add value across a much broader range of attractions. We’re not moving away from coasters. We’re building on that foundation to help our customers create compelling destinations for every type of visitor.”

This September, the company employees and their families took a moment to celebrate an impressive hundred years.

The Voldrop location has a new production facility and headquarters. It impresses industry professionals with its efficiency and style. Likewise, the company has expanded with a North America office in Orlando as well.

“Vekoma’s success has always been driven by people,” said Anne-Mart Agerbeek, CEO. “Our new campus is a bold investment in those people and in the future of our company. By bringing together engineering, production, project management and support function in one integrated environment, we are creating the conditions for even closer collaboration.”

“We opened the Vekoma Rides Americas office in 2021,” said Ricardo Tonding-Etges, vice president sales and marketing – Americas. “From the beginning, the objective has been to better support our customers, not only during the sales process, but throughout the entire customer journey, including project execution and, most important, throughout the operational lifecycle of the coaster after delivery. Since then, the office has grown alongside our expanding portfolio of projects across the Americas, evolving from a one-person operation into a team of more than 10 professionals covering multiple disciplines.”

Long a sought-after supplier in Europe, Vekoma has seen its projects grow in the American market as well.

“In 2025, we relocated to a larger office in downtown Orlando, which has provided us with the space and infrastructure needed to support our continued growth,” Tonding-Etges said. “We also operate a warehouse in Florida, allowing us to stock critical spare parts locally and respond more quickly to our customers’ needs. Vekoma is a highly customer-focused company, and the ability to support our clients quickly and effectively throughout every phase of a project is extremely important to us.”

With installations designed and contracts signed for years in advance, the future looks bright for Vekoma.

“As we look to the future, our ambition is not simply to build more attractions but to create experiences that inspire people around the world while delivering exceptional service to our customers throughout every stage of their journey,” Agerbeek told Amusement Today. “Vekoma’s first 100 years were built on innovation, craftsmanship, customer focus and the dedication of our people, and these same values will guide us into the next century.”

Universal Kids Resort Hotel a key component to new theme park

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

FRISCO, Texas — When Universal Kids Resort opened in July, the Universal Kids Resort Hotel was a key component to the new attraction. Families wanting the complete experience not only can stay close to the action, they vacation right above the park. Guests enter the theme park by walking below an expanse of the hotel.

The hotel features 300 guest rooms and family suites. Rooms are undeniably colorful. Standard queen rooms — holding a queen bed and a twin-over-full bunk bed — is 288 square feet. A Deluxe Queen room is 314 square feet. Signature Queen rooms are even larger at 424 square feet and contain a separate toilet from the kid-friendly bathroom. Family Suites are the most spacious at 486 square feet and feature a king bed in a private room, bunk beds and a sofa that pulls out into a queen bed. Currently, Standard Queen rooms begin at $203, with larger rooms and specific views incurring higher rates.

Families staying on property are able to find all three meals at the hotel as they wish. Adults can also enjoy a full-service bar adjacent to the café.

“Curiosity Café is the heart of the Universal Kids Resort Hotel dining experience, offering families convenient, all-day meal options from breakfast through dinner,” said Josh French, Universal Kids Resort Hotel director and general manager. “Guests can fuel up before a day of adventure and wind down after exploring the park. The café provides a perfect place for families to connect. For parents, it’s also a welcoming place to relax while the family shares stories from the day.”

Staying at the resort comes with its own set of benefits. Hotel guests have their own dedicated entrance to the park and even enjoy early park admission one hour before general guests if they have purchased tickets for the day.

Further, once inside the theme park, any retail purchases are delivered directly to the rooms, which frees families from carrying the bags and plush.

“Every aspect of Universal Kids Resort was intentionally designed with young kids and their families in mind, offering a seamless stay-and-play experience with direct hotel-to-park access, exclusive hotel guest benefits and a compact footprint that keeps the fun within easy reach,” said French.

No vacation stay would be complete without a pool, and Universal Kids Resort Hotel has one with towels available for relaxing guests. The hotel also contains a workout room and an arcade for the kids.

“The fun doesn’t stop when families leave the park,” French told Amusement Today. “The Universal Kids Resort Hotel offers a variety of activities, including swimming at our hotel pool, arcade and lobby games, exclusive character meet-and-greets, as well as the family-friendly dining experiences.”

Hotel guests also have their own close parking lot.

“Since we’ve opened, it has been rewarding to see our guests make the decision to stay with us at the hotel even after the park closes to explore everything we have to offer,” French said. “When the sun goes down, families are enjoying evening swims, playing games with our Play Ambassadors in the lobby and sharing stories over dinner in the Curiosity Café. At the end of the day, that was our goal — to create an environment where families can rest, reset, play and connect.”

Hotel guests will also find packages available bundling their stay with park visits, including two-night stays with one and a half days in the park, beginning at 2 p.m. on the first day.

In the fall, Universal Kids Resort operates seasonally, closed Tuesdays and Wednesday the first three weeks of November and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Later hours will be included for operating days during the holiday season.

While Universal Orlando Resort has numerous hotels operated by Lowes, Universal Kids Resort Hotel is the first to be owned and operated by Universal.

Great Escape unveils

new theme park logo

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. — Now under the ownership of Enchanted Parks, Great Escape unveiled its new theme park logo, marking the next chapter for the longtime Lake George region attraction while celebrating more than 70 years of history. Formerly known as Six Flags Great Escape, the park’s new identity brings together recognizable elements of its Storytown U.S.A. roots, picturesque Adirondack setting and generations of family fun.

“Great Escape has grown and changed throughout its history, but the traditions and memories created here have always been at the heart of the park,” said Andrew Burggraf, park president, Great Escape Resort. “This new logo celebrates where Great Escape began while representing everything guests know and love about the park today. It connects our past with an exciting new chapter as part of Enchanted Parks.”

Great Escape traces its roots to Storytown U.S.A., which opened in 1954 and introduced families to classic storybook attractions and experiences. Several elements of the original park remain today, preserving a visible connection to more than seven decades of history.

The logo is the first in a series of updated identities planned for the property. New branding for the outdoor water park, Great Escape Lodge and the indoor water park will be unveiled later this year.

Ice Games unveils reinvention of the

classic alley roller with new Iceball X

CLARENCE, N.Y. — Ice Games (ICE) has announced the introduction of Iceball X. The game is a bold new evolution of the classic alley roller that keeps the familiar roll players love while adding an all-new playfield, immersive LED effects, new bonuses and an exciting multiplayer experience.

New to Iceball X is the multiplayer “The Great Race,” where two-to-four linked games transform classic alley rolling into a fast-paced, head-to-head competition. Color-coded dynamic lighting follows each player’s progress, while animated graphics on the dot-matrix display bring the race to life in real time. When a player crosses the finish line first, the entire alley erupts in a rainbow celebration — because every great race deserves a great finish.

The redesigned nine-pocket playfield introduces five X pockets and a new challenge: hit all five to complete the X and unlock the X Bonus. Additional bonuses add even more objectives to chase, giving seasoned alley roller players a fresh challenge to master.

From the dynamic LED chevrons running down the alley to the illuminated side rails and audio that intensifies as the action builds, Iceball X brings a fun energy to every roll.

In a release accompanying the game's announcement, ICE stated the new game is "...delivering results. Iceball X is generating 20% higher earnings than traditional alley rollers."

●icegame.com

Mack Rides announces first-ever eatX dining experience at Karls

Europa-Park's Eatrenalin inspires unique blending of dining, dark ride

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

LONDON — With the launch of Eatrenalin at the Europa-Park resort in 2023, both Mack Rides and Thomas Mack, founder and CEO of Eatrenalin, looked to expanding the concept of a dark ride and dining experience to new locations, either as stand-alone experiences or entering the world of amusement parks.

Eatrenalin wowed people with its theatrical and ever-changing dining experience aboard what Mack Rides termed “floating chairs” through multiple environments. It was a high-dollar, two-hour dining extravaganza. Amazing as it was, the price point and time needed didn’t fit the amusement park realm.

Enter eatX. Announced in London at the IAAPA Expo Europe, Karls Elebnis-Dorf in Elstal, Germany, will be the first recipient. Following the success of three previous Karls parks, this location was one of three to open in 2014. The strawberry-themed family parks don’t show any signs of slowing down in regard to expansion or growing individual properties. This particular location opened a Vekoma family boomerang this season. Now it will be the first Karls location to offer this innovative food experience.

“The ambition was never to create a restaurant with an experience attached, or an attraction with a meal attached. We wanted to make both inseparable — each equally essential,” said Robert Dahl, founder of Karls. “For that hour, the outside world should disappear and you should even forget that you are in Elstal.”

In contrast to Eatrenlin, this experience isn’t taken in individual chairs but with moving tables (“FlowDiners”) to accommodate families. Also, the three-course meal is taken in a shorter timeframe more suitable for a park visit.

“With eatX and our patented FlowDiner vehicle, we bring together decades of expertise in world-class engineering, gastronomy and storytelling,” said Thomas Mack. “By merging these disciplines together, we’ve created an entirely new genre of dining attraction.”

Called “The Strawberry Dining Journey,” families travel through five worlds during the meal. A story is told based on a real event: the discovery of the garden strawberry in 1714. As guests enjoy their food, they will be surrounded by projections, sets, lighting, sound and movement combined into a seamless production.

“What excites us isn’t just the technology, but what it enables us to do: four people can travel through a story together, gathered around a single table. Families and friends experience it together,” said Dahl. “And that is at the heart of what Karls is all about.”

Recently, Eatrenalin received a Michelin star. “It was always the goal to have people come back to enjoy the quality of the food,” Mack told Amusement Today. “We were invited to the [Michelin] ceremony. I thought it might be a third star for our Amelite restaurant at the Bell Rock Hotel. I never thought there could be something for Eatrenalin. We were very surprised, and that made us very, very proud.”

Mack points out that the eatX concept allows the park to choose its own subject matter when creating the storytelling.

“We are talking to several amusement parks all over the world,” he said. “I am pretty sure we will see more eatX projects coming in the near future.”

When asked by AT if the concept taking off was rewarding, Mack replied, “You have to feel really good about that. It makes me proud. We started like five or six years ago with a great idea to change the way of thinking for today’s gastronomy. It also solves a little bit of today’s problems in the food and beverage industry with a preset menu. The chefs know exactly who’s coming, at what time and if there are any allergies. With eatX, you can use more casual food.”

The FlowDiner tables can seat six, accommodating most families. Two tables depart at the same time, so even larger families or groups can be together.

“I strongly believe that the whole experience in an amusement park is better if you eat well, if you have great food,” Mack told AT.

Morey’s Piers has announced that Denise Beckson, ICAE, vice president and chief administrative and external affairs officer, has been elected second vice chair of the IAAPA Global Board of Directors, placing her on the leadership track to become chair of the global association for the attractions industry in 2029.

Beckson was elected during a meeting of the IAAPA Global Board of Directors in London, held in conjunction with IAAPA Expo Europe 2026. She will serve as second vice chair in 2027, first vice chair in 2028, and chair in 2029, representing a significant recognition of her more than 25 years of leadership and volunteer service to IAAPA and the attractions industry.

“Denise has been an integral part of Morey’s Piers and the broader attractions industry for more than 30 years,” said Will Morey, president and CEO of Morey’s Piers. “Her ability to bring people together, navigate complex issues and advocate for the long-term health of our industry has made a strong positive impact here in Wildwood, throughout New Jersey and across the attractions community.”

Aquatic Development Group (ADG) announced the promotion of three key company leaders: Ray Lauenstein to vice president of project development, Salvatore D’Aniello to vice president of construction and project delivery and Julie Kline to vice president of sales and engineering. The promotions are part of ADG’s continued investment in its leadership structure as the company evolves and grows.

“ADG’s success has always been driven by the strength of our people and their ability to grow along with the company,” said Jim Dunn, president of ADG, “Ray, Julie and Sal each bring different expertise and perspectives to our leadership team, along with a shared commitment to our clients, our employees and the continued success of ADG.”

Matt Coleman, president of Melbourne Royal, announced the appointment of Darryl Ferris as Royal’s interim CEO, while the search for a permanent CEO continues. The recruitment process is progressing, however, the successful candidate will not step into the role until after the 2026 event.

Story Land's Frank Mahany passes away

GLEN, N.H. — Frank Jackson (Jack) Mahany passed away on July 14, 2026.

Born February 11, 1950, in Medford, Massachusetts, to Wendell R. and Shirley J. Mahany, he graduated from Medford High School in 1968 and Bryant and Stratton Business School in 1970. Although born in Medford, Mahany spent most every weekend in New Hampshire as his family restored what is now known as the Buttonwood Inn (Conway, New Hampshire).

Mahany began a summer job at Story Land (Glen, New Hampshire) in 1967 and worked nights at the Sunoco Station in North Conway. In 1968, while taking guests to Cinderella’s Castle in the then-horsedrawn Pumpkin Coach, he first saw the love of his life (in full Cinderella garb) exit the castle to greet the guests. Mahany fell in love. Eventually he won her over and they were married in 1971. After working full time at Story Land in the winter of 1970-1971, Mahany went to work at the Sunoco Station full time. For the next 24-plus years, he either worked for or owned the business.

Returning to Story Land in 1995, he worked until he retired as assistant general manager in 2018. He then operated the train two days a week until mid-summer 2024. He loved to interact with people and made countless friends in both careers.

In a statement on social media, Story Land stated, " To know Jack was to love him, and he will be missed deeply by all who had the honor of knowing him. His love and care for Story Land, our team, and most of all our guests, will never be forgotten."

2026 Golden Ticket Awards were full of memorable experiences

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

AUSTIN and ROUND ROCK, Texas — More than 300 industry professionals registered for the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards hosted by Amusement Today. Dubbed the “Networking Event of the Year,” attendees had numerous opportunities to socialize with colleagues, whether it was to meet new friends or catch up with old ones.

On September 11, more than 30 were involved in a morning fundraising golf tournament. Check-in and registration took place that afternoon at the host hotel, Kalahari Resort in Round Rock. Receiving their credentials and a bag of goodies, attendees could explore the hotel and its beautiful African artwork or enjoy the indoor water park.

As evening arrived, the downstairs lobby bar was filled with industry talk as a private reception allowed for fantastic networking. With food and drink and the hotel’s magnificent art, it was an engaging setting for people to connect with established partners and acquaintances and meet new people within the industry.

Although the opening reception ended at 10 p.m., the fun continued. The resort’s B-Lux bowling alley was reserved just for Golden Ticket attendees until midnight. While there was more food and drink to be enjoyed, the evening was filled with laughter, encouragement and great conversation.

"We work in the industry of fun, but sometimes we don't get the time to have fun ourselves," said Ride Entertainment’s Kris Rowberry, organizer of the first-ever bowling tournament. "It was wonderful to see our tournament participants and impromptu fans cheering, bonding and having such a great time during the tournament. Here's hoping we can replicate that energy next year and give the industry a chance to let its hair down once again."

At the end of the allotted time, trophies were given to enthusiastic applause.

On Saturday, September 12, attendees headed out to host facility COTALand. The park was nearing its completion with a projected opening for September 26, so with active construction, landscaping and aesthetic work in progress, attendees donned hard hats and vests to roam the park to see what was on offer, as well as hop on a few rides.

Once everyone returned to their accommodations to freshen up, the gathered professionals returned to Circuit of the Americas and its media center for the evening’s activities. Several people made a donation to hop on the park’s unique experience, Hot Lap. Buckling into a souped-up race car with a professional driver, participants sped around the F1 track at more than 150 mph. All charity activities benefited the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives and San Antonio’s Morgan’s Wonderland.

As everyone gathered, cocktails were available. Once the doors opened for the evening’s dinner, several people took advantage of having their photo taken with an official Formula 1 race car. The Texas cuisine was delicious and allowed for more networking.

The awards ceremony finally arrived, and everyone gathered in an adjoining hall for the grand festivities.

COTALand’s Matt Hughey welcomed everyone, as did the park’s mascots in an opening entertainment number. While Hughey would have loved for the park to have been completely ready, those in the audience could easily understand how delays affect the industry.

“I’ve been waiting six years to welcome all of you to COTALand,” he said. “More than anything, when you are challenged like this, having you guys here … you’re my second family. It warms my heart for you to hug me and say hello — it really makes it worthwhile.”

Amusement Today presented numerous awards in voted-on categories, the results of an international poll of more than 500 ballots. Further, AT acknowledged specific accomplishments with its Publisher’s Picks. Hughey was surprised being recognized as Person of the Year. Vekoma, celebrating 100 years, received Supplier of the Year. Kentucky Kingdom received the Turnstile Award for its multi-year efforts of bringing guests to the park through new festivals, new attractions and refreshed branding. One of the night’s true moments full of heart was Knoebels Amusement Resort accepting for Park of the Year when numerous members of the Knoebels family took the stage to receive the acknowledgement.

“It was a great experience to present an award to my peers,” said Aaron Landrum, president and CEO, Chance Rides. “Everyone in this industry works hard to earn recognition, celebrate those wins with their teams and colleagues, and ultimately create joy for guests around the world. To be part of that as a first-time presenter is something I’ll cherish — and I hope I have the opportunity to do it again.”

The final category was Best Park. Frederik Mack of Europa-Park had the audience chuckling with his German-esque “Howdy, y’all” from his family and the 6,000 employees of the resort. He noted that the United States has always been a source of inspiration. It was the 11th time for Europa-Park to take the top award.

The final presentations were for the Legend Awards. Before the evening’s new recipients were honored, AT took a moment to reflect on two previous Legends lost this year, Dick Knoebel and Dolly Parton.

Todd Nelson, founder of Kalahari Resorts, was recognized for his philanthropic efforts alongside his commitment to quality in his properties.

Another surprise of the evening went to Len Soled of Rides 4 U as the second recipient of the Legend Award. Virtually speechless, he was moved by a standing ovation.

“As a first-time attendee, it was great to be there and see so many awesome industry leaders come together to celebrate the collective success,” said Wess Long, president, StarGuard Elite. “Kudos to all for making it happen! We know how much work it takes to make an event like the Golden Ticket Awards successful.”

Photos and congratulatory remarks to winners followed the ceremony. Some in attendance wanted to catch a nighttime ride on the park’s smooth-as-glass tilt coaster, Circuit Breaker, or other rides available.

“As a first-time attendee, I found the Golden Ticket Awards to be awesome. The events and venues were all first-class,” said Christian Gainer, third-generation owner and general manager of Santa’s Village. “I was fortunate to spend a weekend with the people who shape our industry, and it was inspiring. I was nervous at first, but upon arrival I was welcomed by so many friends. Networking was surprisingly effortless. I could be only one or two introductions away from interacting with anyone in the room. I love how everyone at the Golden Ticket Awards champions the amusement industry.”

"My favorite part was seeing all the innovation happening across the industry, especially the ways everyone is thinking about the guest experience,” noted Alex Dewar, sales director, Accesso. “Plus, riding my first-ever tilt coaster at COTALand was a pretty memorable way to spend the weekend!"

AT staff were pleased that the event was found to be a meaningful occasion, and the ceremony was a perfect blend of humor, heart and celebration.

“The event, in its entirety, was different for me.  It was sincerely heartfelt, deeply meaningful, and one I will never forget,” said Brian Knoebel, president, Knoebels Amusement Resort. “Having the largest contingent of Knoebel family members attending the GTAs, then hearing Christian Gainer, Eugene Naughton, Pete Owens, Matt Eckert and the Koch girls, and the Mack family speak of family and family business REALLY tugged at my heartstrings. My mind was consumed with trolley parks, piers, carnivals, generations of family members pouring their hearts into something meaningful, having three generations of Knoebel family members beside me and realizing the importance of family; whether as a guest, as an employee or as an owner — family is at the center of it all, and the core of our being. The Golden Ticket Awards reminded me of just how important this is during a time when our own family is still grieving the loss of my father. What a wonderful, yet different event reminding me just how blessed I am to work for a family business, especially one who has been exemplifying this for over 100 years.”

“I’ve always wanted to attend, but just never had the chance. I’m looking forward to Holiday World next year,” said Todd Andrus, vice president and executive director, IAAPA North America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Golden Ticket Awards back to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in 2027!” said Matt Eckert, president. “This industry is filled with incredible people who are passionate about creating memories for families, and having the opportunity to bring everyone together right here in Santa Claus, Indiana, is very special to us. Our team is already looking forward to rolling out the red carpet, showing off our Hoosier hospitality, and making the 2027 Golden Ticket Awards a celebration our industry won’t soon forget.”

The 2027 Golden Ticket Awards event will be September 10 and 11.

Each year, Amusement Today reaches out to its host facility to find employees who exceed at their jobs to assist with the ceremony. COTALand recommended these three individuals.

Kelly Carbajal (far left) is a student at the University of Texas at Austin, studying social work. She has pursued her studies with the intention of making a difference in her community and helping those in need. She hopes to carry that same passion into her role at COTALand.

Courtney Cobb (middle) is the assistant manager of operations at COTALand. Holding a bachelor’s degree in film, theater and television production from the University of Colorado, she has begun her career being involved with live events, hospitality, marketing and creating unforgettable experiences that involve the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Lollapalooza and more. She has co-authored a published novel and produced a documentary that streamed on Netflix.

Genesis Herrera (far right) is studying at University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in public relations. She is passionate about PR’s ethical and strategic nature in serving truth, mediating and working proactively ahead of problems. She aims to fuel her intellectual curiosity by taking advantage of its limitless professional opportunities and provide honest, critical communication in a time of many individualized perspectives, all while cultivating genuine relationships and becoming a well-rounded professional.

COURTESY ROBERT INGLE

Two new Legends honored during 2026 Golden Ticket Awards

The final two awards of the ceremony belonged to Legends. One was in attendance and one was not. Todd Nelson, founder and CEO of Kalahari Resorts was acknowledged for his building a quality brand of indoor water park resorts but even more so for his philanthropic work for the people of Africa in supporting their art and culture and supplying fresh drinking water.

Kalahari General Manager Jeffrey Yedlin accepted on his behalf as Nelson was out of state at the time.

The second designation caught the recipient by surprise. Len Soled of Rides 4 U was shocked to see his story portrayed on screen followed by thunderous applause. The award was particularly fitting in Round Rock and Austin as Soled was instrumental in supplying rides to both Tom Foolery’s, the FEC inside Kalahari, as well as COTALand.

Congratulations to Soled in person followed the close of the ceremony and made the night of celebration particularly festive.

—Tim Baldwin

Multiple 2026 Golden Ticket events support industry charities

This year, the weekend event was able to organize three opportunities that supported industry charities.

On Friday, September 11, the 5th annual golf tournament found teams of four enjoying a scramble format. Despite very warm temperatures, participants shared some great putts and good laughs. The tournament took place at the nearby TeraVista Golf Club.

That evening, bowling competition at Kalahari’s B-Lux bowling alley was full of groans and cheers. Not only were participants encouraging teammates on, close to a hundred onlookers enjoyed food, drinks and humor until the tournament ended just after midnight. Organizer Kris Rowberry of Ride Entertainment presented awards to high and low scores to both individuals and teams.

Even more encouraging, beyond the funds raised from participants, spectators contributed as well. Instead of “passing the hat,” a bowling bag helped prompt further donations. Just from that simple effort, hundreds were raised.

“The GTAs are always that one event that everyone looks forward to,” said Skyline Attraction’s Chris Gray, a primary figure who was left holding the bag. “I would like to thank everyone who participated in the charity events for the National Roller Coaster Museum and Morgan's Wonderland, especially those at the bowling event who donated more folding money. We raised almost $1,000 in Venmo and cash. It's hard to believe that people will just fork out cash to a middle-aged, overweight, balding dude. I'm sure the free booze helped!”

Rowberry and Gray are board members of the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives.

Circuit of the Americas and COTALand were also involved. Around 35 attendees pitched in to take a spin on Hot Lap, the campus’ race car experience. Donning helmets, industry professionals climbed in with a professional driver and raced the F1 track at speeds over 150 mph.

All three events raised more than $18,000 to be divided between Morgan’s Wonderland and the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives. The NRCMA is an unaffiliated, 501(c) (3), nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of historic roller coaster and amusement park artifacts. Visit: rollercoastermuseum.org to learn more. Morgan’s Wonderland is an amusement park in San Antonio paving the way for inclusion in the amusement industry. As a nonprofit, the park’s mission was to create a park where people of all abilities can play together.

—Tim Baldwin

Drone Over The Top is taking ride inspections to new heights

Faster scans, safer inspectors and lower costs drive growing industry

AT: Jack Lathrop

Special to Amusement Today

ORLANDO — Ride inspection has always been a climbing job. Inspectors scale ladders, ride man lifts and hang from cranes to get eyes on track, supports and welds hundreds of feet in the air. Dominique Papa thinks there's a better way up, and a growing list of venues agrees.

Papa is the founder of Drone Over The Top, an Orlando-based company that supports remote visual inspection (RVI) and non-destructive testing (NDT) with drones. In its first full season in the industry, the company worked alongside inspectors at Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio) on some of the park's largest attractions.

“A drone is worth less than a human life,” Papa said. She launched her drone business about five years ago, working in real estate and construction. A contact there pointed her toward IAAPA and its drone presentations, where she met contacts who encouraged her to attend AIMS, which she has attended every year since. A visit to Vekoma's headquarters in the Netherlands led to a partnership signed in August 2025. Once it went public following this year's AIMS Safety Seminar, interest arrived within weeks, and by May 2026, Papa was flying at Cedar Point.

What parks are finding is that the drone solves a problem inspectors have lived with for decades. The inspectors Papa works with estimate that 40 to 50 percent of their energy on a climb goes toward holding on, and they can only inspect what they can reach.

“We're not only making it efficient, but we're making it safer for people,” Papa said. “Inspectors can look at these pictures while sitting at a desk, and they don't have to potentially be stung by a bee 200 feet up in the air or slip and fall.”

The financial case is just as direct. Cranes, boom lifts and scaffolding can run $4,000 to $10,000 a week, and a single ride can require a crew of six. Drone Over The Top typically needs only one drone and one inspector.

“People don't think they have enough money for drones,” Papa said. “But this actually saves them the money that they would be using for a crane or man lifts.” Then there is speed. “As soon as I get into a park, I can put the drone up in the air in five minutes,” she said. “I don't have to wait a whole day to get the crane in or to get the scaffolding up.”

That speed was put to the test at Cedar Point, where the company scanned select attractions monthly, flying overnight ahead of the morning inspections that must clear every ride before it opens. The original plan centered on 3D modeling, but night models take days to process, and the park needed answers before sunrise.

So the team changed its approach midseason, streaming live footage to a third-party inspector working across three screens: the feed, his report and a shared image folder. Every 25 minutes, when the drone came down for a fresh battery, Papa swapped the memory card and uploaded the images straight into his report.

The chain of response was fast. When the team spotted an indication, maintenance knew within five minutes. Inspectors were on site within 10, and a certified technician could be making a repair within 30 minutes.

Cedar Point's guest code of conduct describes the park's commitment to “providing a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests,” a goal that starts long before the gates open.

For all that efficiency, Papa is clear that drones do not replace inspectors. AI software can help flag potential issues, but it needs to see an example thousands of times to recognize it reliably, and every coaster is different. Bird droppings, paint chips and the colored paint used to mark repaired welds can all fool a machine. She calls drones a tool that is part of the solution, not the solution itself. “There still needs to be human eyes attached to this.”

Not every structure needs a drone, either. The company generally skips anything under 20 feet or reachable by walkway. Every contract depends on whether a park wants daily, monthly, quarterly or annual inspections. For annual work, a 3D model that takes a week to build becomes a baseline parks can compare against year after year.

Meanwhile, Papa is testing a thermal drone to find standing water on water slides and monitor high-stress areas on coasters and is working toward a partnership with a U.K.-based drone software firm that would let manufacturers and parks schedule inspections through Drone Over The Top. Beyond the park gates, the company is in talks on a project at one of the foremost entertainment venues in the world.

The long-term goal is a drone, or a docking system, at every park, with “fewer people in the air and more people on the ground, safer.”

Venu+, Jipfish partnership enjoys successful European launch

Duo looks ahead to upcoming U.S. partnership debut

AT: David Fake

dfake@amusementtoday.com

ORLANDO — Venu+, the Orlando-based guest mobility and venue solutions provider backed by Z Capital Group (ZCG), and Dutch outdoor brand Jipfish are marking an early win for their new European partnership, with both companies pointing to a U.S. launch as the next step. The two announced an exclusive distribution agreement this past February that gave Venu+ sole rights to sell Jipfish's Wagon Pro, a commercial-grade pull wagon, to theme parks, zoos and holiday parks across Europe.

The Wagon Pro is a purpose-built offshoot of the wagons that made Jipfish's name with families: sturdy, FSC-certified beech-wood models sold directly to consumers and rated 4.9 stars on Trustpilot. For fleet duty, Jipfish swaps the wood for hardened composite panels, reinforces the frame for daily loading, and keeps the brand's signature folding design so operators can stack units flat in backstage storage between shifts.

"We are excited to bring the Jipfish Wagon Pro to our European partners," said Fraser Brown, Venu+'s commercial director for the European Union. "This product was purpose-built for commercial fleet applications and addresses the durability, storage and operational demands of large-scale recreation venues. We believe it will be a strong addition to our mobility offering across the region."

Jipfish has built momentum behind that regional push. The brand's wagons already roll at properties under the Center Parcs holiday park banner, and the company recently lined up a separate distribution partnership covering Australia and New Zealand through Orange & Co. Founder Boy Peters said the Venu+ agreement extends that same strategy into Europe's attractions market specifically.

"Partnering with Venu+ allows us to scale the Wagon Pro across Europe with an established operator that understands the unique needs of recreation venues," Peters said. "We're confident this collaboration will provide customers with a seamless commercial solution."

With the European rollout well underway, both companies are already framing the partnership as a launching point for the United States. Venu+ lists a nearly identical V+ Collapsible Wagon, built with the same hardened composite panels and folding profile as the Wagon Pro, among its American product offerings, and Peters confirmed the U.S. market is the intended next stop for the partnership itself, not a separate venture.

"We believe families should spend more time outdoors, enjoying the journey as much as the destination," Peters said. "A day at the park involves a lot of walking, and we wanted to make that experience easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable for everyone. For parks, it's a simple way to elevate the guest experience while improving operational efficiency. Our wagons arrive ready to use, are built to withstand year-round outdoor conditions, and deliver reliable performance season after season. Already proven in theme parks across Europe, we're excited to bring this innovative mobility solution to the U.S. market through our partnership with Venu+."

On the Venu+ side, Stephanie Lutz, the company's mobility product director, told Amusement Today that the wagons being prepared for American parks will arrive in black, green and blue — a distinct palette from the natural wood, carbon black and sturdy green finishes Jipfish offers European consumers. Lutz did not share a launch date or name specific operators, but the color plan signals that Venu+ is already treating the U.S. debut as a near-term priority rather than a distant possibility.

The European agreement landed amid an admirable stretch for Venu+. John Dunlap, who took over as chief executive officer in September 2025 after running Five Star Parks & Attractions, has since overseen the acquisition of locker suppliers Tiburon Lockers and VLocker, the launch of Venu+'s own ICON electric convenience vehicle fleet, and a photo-capture agreement with Merlin Entertainments covering attractions including Legoland parks, Sea Life Aquariums and Madame Tussauds. The company says it now operates across all 50 states and 13 countries on four continents, giving the Jipfish partnership a wide potential runway on both sides of the Atlantic.

For operators, the appeal lines up neatly with that broader strategy: a fleet-grade wagon that survives daily rental use, folds into a small storage footprint, and plugs into Venu+'s existing GoRoll rental platform and GoManager fleet-tracking software, already used across the company's strollers, wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles. Pairing hardware with its own rental technology has been a constant across Venu+'s recent acquisitions and launches, and the Jipfish partnership follows the same formula.

Neither company has disclosed the financial terms or length of the distribution agreement, and no date has been announced for the U.S. launch. For now, both sides are treating the European rollout as proof of concept: a wagon built for one continent's parks, headed next for the other's, with the colors already picked out.

Quarterly meeting advises operators, offers recommendations

Pennsylvania amusement ride safety advisory board holds meeting

AT: B. Derek Shaw

bdshaw@amusementtoday.com

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Representatives from the amusement industry, both park and portable, along with community volunteers selected at large, met at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture headquarters in late September for a quarterly meeting of the Pennsylvania Ride Safety Advisory Board. Input from this body is used to help the Bureau of Ride & Measurement Standards determine its course of action on each piece of equipment in the ride approval process. Typically, the options are approval, conditional approval or table the vote for a future meeting.

There were 14 ride/equipment approvals from eight different amusement entities to come before the advisory board. Nine were approved (some pending additional information), one with conditional approval, while four were tabled.

Chris Davis, chairman of the advisory board and deputy secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, ran the meeting. He made a few opening comments. “First and foremost, I think it’s important that we recognize that our group is focusing on safety, making sure our Commonwealth citizens are always safe when they go to any of these operations. From a personal experience, I saw two separate things when I was out at the fairs and parks this year. The first one was the pride of the operators. You could see the equipment was set up right, taking their time to make sure that it was safe. The operators are doing what they need to do to ensure that they are watching the loading and unloading of the operation — everything they are very attentive to. The other thing I saw [was] the community that comes together within these parks and within these fairs. You usually don’t see it anymore; it’s something that is lost. You see people joking with each other that may not have been friends beforehand. You see smiles, you see all this stuff that comes together in a community; that is the untold story of the amusement parks [and portable operations].”

Chairman Davis also congratulated the Pennsylvania parks that won Golden Ticket awards this year.

(All attractions are based in Pennsylvania, unless otherwise noted.)

Amusement Devices and Manufacturing, Shaller, Iowa, had two rides seeking approval, Reckless and Spin Cycle for Party On Air, a rental company in Danville, Kentucky, that does business in Pennsylvania. Both were approved pending weight limit and amperage consistent with the manufacturer's plate on the first one and pending load/unload blocking information on the second, a mini-Tempest ride.

Four pieces of Angel Playground, Zhejiang, China, soft-play equipment were tabled until supporting documentation with ASTM F-24 compliance is produced. They include Soft Play, Toddler Soft Play, Trampoline Court and Zipline with Obstacle Wall. The equipment is being built for Imagination Play in King of Prussia.

A Samba Balloon ride for Reithoffer Shows, Inc. was approved, pending the amendment of updated manual regulations regarding wind speed. The manufacturer is CDsud Park S.R.L., Napoli, Italy.

Invasion, a rim-drive gondola Ferris Wheel, manufactured by Flachs Sony Rides, Ostrava, Czech Republic, was approved for Knox’s Great American Midway, Franklinville, New York. The carnival does business in Pennsylvania.

A soft play unit, manufactured by Hunan Zhongyi Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd., Hunan Province, China, was granted conditional approval until the department sees life safety 101 documentation. This equipment is for Kids Castle, Philadelphia.

Three inflatables manufactured by Rainbow Inflatables, Guangzhou, China, were approved for use by rental companies throughout Pennsylvania. They include an Inflatable Balloon Bouncer, Inflatable Giraffe Obstacle and an Inflatable Zebra Animal Park.

Two products manufactured by ZipLineGear, Grants Pass, Oregon, were approved for two different Agri-tourism operations. A Chetco model zip line will be used at Renshaw Family Farms, Freeport, while a Flying Fox zip line model will be used by Flack Enterprises dba Bountiful Acres, Buckingham.

The final ride safety advisory board meeting in 2026 is December 8. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. in the lobby conference room, Department of Agriculture, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg.

Galaxy, Gateway Ticketing

power Hersheypark promotion

HERSHEY, Pa. — Hersheypark turned to its partnership with Gateway Ticketing Systems, specifically Galaxy and Gateway Ticketing's new web store, to handle the attraction’s seasonal promotion in early summer. By directing a portion of its ecommerce traffic to the new platform from June 23, 2026, through June 30, 2026, Hersheypark sought to ensure that guests could purchase tickets successfully, even as order volume increased significantly.

The limited-run implementation provided Hersheypark with an opportunity to test the new web store under real-world demand while establishing a foundation for its eventual full migration.

“Although not record-setting, we saw more than 7,500 orders successfully processed through the new web store across the eight-day sales period,” stated Steve Barrall, manager, ticketing administration at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. “The new web store improved order efficiency and saved us time by eliminating the post-sale resolution that was so often the result of heavy order volume in the past.”

Scalability was the primary factor behind Hersheypark’s decision to adopt the new web store for its early summer promotion. The theme park was particularly interested in the platform’s ability to accommodate increased demand while providing guests with a streamlined purchasing experience. 

Rather than requiring guests to navigate away from the attraction’s website, the purchasing experience could remain within the context of hersheypark.com. This created a more seamless experience for guests and maintained the connection to the Hersheypark brand.

●gatewayticketing.com

CALENDAR

Pa. Amusement Ride Safety Seminar

November 10 - 12, 2026

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

paridesafety.com

•

IAAPA Expo

November 16 - 20, 2026

Orlando, Florida

iaapa.org

•

2026 IAFE Convention & Trade Show

November 29 - December 3, 2026

Louisville, Kentucky

fairsandexpos.com/2026convention

•

AIMS International Safety Seminar

January 9 - 14, 2026

Orlando, Florida

aimsintl.org/aims-international-safety-seminar

•

International Aquatic Safety School

January 17 - 22, 2027

Phoenix, Arizona

jellis.com

•

NAARSO Safety Seminar

January 24 - 29, 2027

Columbus, Ohio

naarso.com

•

2027 IISF Trade Show & Extravaganza

February 9 - 12, 2027

Riverview, Florida

gibtownshowmensclub.com

•

IRT Ride Camp

February 1 - 5, 2027

San Antonio, Texas

ridetraining.com/ride-camp

•

Northwest Showmen's Club Safety Seminar

February 15 - 18, 2027

Portland, Oregon

nwshowmensclub.com

•

Pa. Amusement Ride Safety Seminar

March 2 - 4, 2027

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

paridesafety.com

•

Amusement Expo

March 15 - 18, 2027

Las Vegas, Nevada

amusementexpo.org

•

IAAPA Expo Middle East

April 12 - 25, 2027

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

iaapa.org/expos-and-events/expo-middle-east

Six Flags Magic Mountain, Solar Optimum energizes landmark solar carport project

VALENCIA, Calif. — Six Flags Magic Mountain announced that its landmark solar carport project has been fully energized. Developed in partnership with Solar Optimum as well as local community and government officials, the 12.37-megawatt installation represents a major milestone in Six Flags’ commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

M Bar C Construction, was responsible for the design, procurement, fabrication and installation of the structural steel carport structures supporting the solar installation.

The project is the largest solar carport installation in California and one of the largest single-site commercial solar carport projects in the United States. Designed to offset 100% of the annual electricity consumption of Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles, the installation demonstrates how large-scale entertainment destinations can leverage renewable energy to significantly reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining operations.

“This is a transformative moment for Six Flags Magic Mountain and our sustainability journey,” said Brian Oerding, park president of Six Flags Magic Mountain. “By investing in renewable energy, we’re taking meaningful action to reduce our environmental impact while helping build a more sustainable future for our guests, team members and community. This project demonstrates what’s possible when organizations commit to innovation and responsible environmental stewardship.”

The project remains interconnected with the Southern California Edison grid and is designed to offset the parks’ annual electricity consumption rather than operate as an isolated or off-grid facility. When solar production exceeds onsite demand and available battery storage capacity, excess energy may be exported through the utility interconnection. During periods when onsite generation is insufficient, the parks can draw electricity from the grid.

“This system demonstrates how innovative renewable energy solutions can help organizations meet ambitious sustainability goals while delivering long-term environmental and economic benefits,” said Arno Aghamalian, CEO of Solar Optimum. “Together [with Six Flags], we’re creating a cleaner energy future for generations to come.”

Epic Universe integrates floating solar into sustainability strategy

ORLANDO — D3Energy, a U.S. floating solar developer and EPC contractor, announced the successful deployment of its floating photovoltaic system at Universal Epic Universe.

The 1.4 MW floating solar system was energized earlier this year and now operates as part of the new theme park's broader renewable energy program. It is one of three on-site solar installations totaling 3.7 MW across Epic Universe. The overall solar program was managed by Qcells, with D3Energy responsible for the floating solar portion.

According to Universal, the three solar installations are expected to generate more than 6.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power more than 900 homes. Epic Universe becomes the first theme park to achieve LEED Platinum certification under LEED for Communities: Plan and Design.

The floating solar system creates a compelling link between renewable energy generation, battery storage and electric transportation. The array generates power for the park's electric bus fleet, with energy stored in batteries during the day and used to charge Universal's electric buses at night, demonstrating how multiple clean-energy technologies can work together to form a comprehensive energy strategy.

This marks D3Energy's second floating solar project for Universal Orlando Resort, following a system completed at Universal's main Orlando campus in 2021. Both projects utilize Ciel & Terre's Hydrelio technology, bringing the same proven platform to two Universal Orlando campuses.

"We're proud to continue our relationship with Universal Orlando through a second floating solar project," said Stetson Tchividjian, managing director of D3Energy. "Universal continues to lead the way in sustainability across the theme park industry, and it's exciting to see floating solar integrated into one of the most innovative destinations in the world."

"We also appreciate Qcells' leadership in managing the overall solar program and the opportunity to deliver the floating solar component alongside their team," Tchividjian added.

The Epic Universe project highlights the growing role floating solar can play in maximizing existing infrastructure and expanding renewable energy generation without requiring additional land. For D3Energy, it represents another high-profile application of floating solar at a major U.S. destination and demonstrates the continued adoption of the technology nationwide.

●d3energy.com

Sam's Amusements: leap of faith pays off after couple buy carnival

AT: Ron Gustafson

Special to Amusement Today

SHAWNEE, Okla. — Jodi and Gary Montgomery readily admit they took a leap of faith when purchasing a carnival company in 2009, as they came from entirely different walks of life.

“We stepped off a ledge when we did this, but we've made it work,” Gary told Amusement Today as the couple spoke candidly about taking the reins of Sam's Amusements and Carnivals, an established show with roots in Oklahoma and Texas.

His background was in truck repair, while she worked for the Minnesota-based 3M company for more than 20 years.

“I was a big kid in the sixth grade, standing six feet tall,” Gary recalled of his first job on a carnival lot. “I loved hanging out when the carnival came to St. Paul (Minnesota), and they asked me if I would like to help tear down the show.”

With his parents' approval, he got his first taste of carnival life by helping to dismantle a Tilt-A-Whirl ride.

“I remember getting all greasy doing that and finished working around five in the morning,” he said of his experience. “I was proud of myself as I earned $30, which was good money then. I did that for several years when the carnival was in town.”

Working alongside his father at the family's truck repair business, Gary Montgomery furthered his education in mechanics before opening his own shop.

“Hickey Culpepper, a concessionaire with Royal American Shows — they played the Minnesota State Fair at the time — called me up and said his motor home needed brakes. I went to the fairgrounds and did the work, and he had another truck that needed engine repair,” he said.

From there, work snowballed for Montgomery every year when the fair was taking place.

“I got jobs with independent guys on the carnival,” he explained. “I worked on anything from clothes dryers to rides; I did it all and spent 18 hours a day out there. I made friends with a lot of people then.”

Took the plunge

In 2008, the Montgomerys heard there was a carnival for sale in the Oklahoma/Texas area and decided to make an inquiry.

“I called them out of the blue,” Gary reminisced. “A woman answered the phone and said her dad owned the business. It was 10 minutes later, Sam Whitaker (owner) called me and we talked about the possibility of buying it.”

The conversation resulted in a trip to Clarksville, Texas, where Gary Montgomery witnessed the 15-ride carnival in operation.

“I saw potential in the business and made him an offer. Sam wanted time to think about it, and a few days later he called me back. That was in September of 2008, and we took possession of the business the following January,” he said of the acquisition.

Help from friends

The Montgomerys incorporated their new business while retaining the company name and embarked on a mission to update the carnival and learn as much as they could about operating in the mobile amusement industry.

“I was as green as they come, and most people would have bet we would fail,” Gary explained.

“We took a lot of risk, but fortunately it worked out,” Jodi asserted.

They were quick to point out that “good friends” in the industry stepped in with advice when needed, notably veteran showman Michael Wood and his late father, F.G. “Red,” of Wood Entertainment, San Antonio, Texas.

“Gary and Jodi are great human beings and exactly what the industry needs,” Michael Wood said of the couple. “We met Gary when he came out to work on equipment when we were in Minnesota, and though dad passed in 1998 before they bought the carnival, we had encouraged Gary to go off on his own. This business needs new blood like the Montgomerys.”

The show today

Rides included in the original purchase which are still operating with Sam's include a Hurricane (Dartron), Scooter bumper cars (Majestic Mfg.), Round Up (Frank Hrubetz & Co.) and Musical Chairs (Childress).

Carrying 26 rides total, the show also features a Sizzler and Go Gator coaster (Wisdom Rides of America), Eagle 16 wheel (Eli Bridge Co.), Fun Slide (Frederiksen Industries), Tornado (Fajume), Ballistic swing, mini pirate and jungle fun house (ADM), Sky Fighter (Allan Herschell), Zipper (Chance Rides), and carousel (San Antonio Roller Works).

The newest thrill ride in the arsenal is a Rock Star (ARM), and the carnival purchased and rebuilt an Electric 7 Tilt-A-Whirl (Larson International). Ride wristbands are $30, with single tickets $1 and rides requiring three to five tickets each. Discount ticket packs are 22 for $20 and 48 for $40.

Show-owned foods include two funnel cake trailers, two lemonade stands, and a popcorn stand. Between eight and 10 games are fielded at locations.

“I take care of all the food, and we do more than 25 flavors of funnel cakes,” Jodi noted. “I make them up (flavors) in my sleep.”

She also has a commercial driver's license and will move large equipment over the road when needed. And it's not unusual to see her in the ticket booth or putting on armbands during busy days.

“Jodi is very strong-willed and hard-working,” Gary said. “She does all of our permitting and some booking.”

Long season

Sam's Amusements and Carnivals plays 35 locations, mostly festivals and fairs in Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska and Texas, with a season that runs mid-March through the end of October.

The carnival employs around 40 during the season and will have up to 10 working at winter quarters in Shawnee.

Key personnel include Efrain Rafael De La Cruz Orantes, who “oversees everything,” and Kris Kennedy, who handles logistics. Both have been with the show since the Montgomerys took over.

Also, Dan Peek, ride superintendent, mechanic and welder, and Bill Emery, driver, logistics and fueling.

“For me, this is so exciting and refreshing after working in a corporate environment for so long,” Jodi said of the carnival business. “I like the challenge and the fact that we work so well together. It's so different than any other job, and there is no time of the day I won't answer the phone.”

She concluded, stating, “We work year-round and I've learned to have a lot of respect for others in this industry.”

●samsamusements.com

South Dakota State Fair's attendance dampened by Mother Nature

AT: B. Derek Shaw

bdshaw@amusementtoday.com

HURON, S.D. — “Mother Nature was tough on us this year,” said Peggy Besch, fair manager for the South Dakota State Fair. “We are a six-day fair. The first five days, the temperatures were in the upper 90s with high heat indexes. This is hard on both people and livestock. Some of our animals were already showing signs of stress as early as the second day, so we made the decision to allow people to leave with their livestock in the evenings on the second day of the fair. On the sixth day, it started raining in the early afternoon and rained throughout the day. While we can control many things, Mother Nature is not one of them.”

Final attendance for the six-day fair was 170,121, which was down 6% from the previous year.

“We had a little rain one day. Overall, a great week. South Dakota knows how to have fun,” said Mike Featherston, president GoldStar Amusements. The Faribault, Minnesota, operation brought in 36 rides, of which 15 were kiddie ones, 20 games and six food stands. “That’s all we could fit!” said Featherston.

The new ride for that spot was a brand-new 2026 model Casino (Breakdance-style, Kolmax Plus). This was the second place it played. The most popular rides were Giant Wheel (Chance), Musik Express (Bertazzon) and State Fair Slide (Frederiksen). Ride midway revenue was up slightly over 2025.

A big challenge was getting employees in a timely manner. Featherston feels, “We need a solution to the H2B program. Also, we sure could use some relief from this $6 a gallon diesel.”

On a heartfelt note: “Our friend Jaylin Koener turned 25 this year at the fair. His favorite ride is the Zero Gravity (Dartron). He rode it two different times for 45 minutes straight. [He] just kept getting on and off. We met Jaylin at one of our special needs events in 2014 or 2015,” said Featherston.

The carnival operator likes playing that spot. “[We] always enjoy working with Peggy and Candi [Briley] at the South Dakota State Fair.”

The fair had a positive experience with the carnival. “We have had the pleasure of working with GoldStar Amusements for many years,” said Besch. “They are a family-run operation with multiple generations participating. They are very conscientious about public perception and pay attention to details, everything from appearance, cleanliness, to customer service, and of course safety. As in any industry, communication is vital. They recognize this, which makes for a positive relationship and partnership.”

“The South Dakota State Fair delivers a unique experience you won’t find at many other places. Fairgoers have access to five full stages of entertainment, endless shopping, thrilling carnival rides, world-class livestock shows, exhibits and the chance to explore the grounds on the Kibble Equipment trolleys,” said Besch. “There’s truly something for everyone. Whether people come to the fair for the music, the food, the animals, the thrill or simply to soak in that one-of-a-kind fair atmosphere, the value comes from being able to experience it all in one place. It’s nonstop fun, nonstop discovery and a celebration of community, agriculture and everything that makes South Dakota special.”

There were many special promotions that made the fair even more affordable. Prior to the start, fairgoers could purchase advance weekly carnival Passports to Fun at Olympic Motors in Huron for $60. Also, there were $3-off coupons for daily ride wristbands at Taco John's in Huron, for three select days: Thursday, Friday and Monday. On Wednesday, all rides were $2. Thursday was Military Appreciation Day and Value-Added Ag Day, with all veterans and active military receiving free gate admission as well as all 4-H youth.

Labor Day was Red, White and You Day. Fairgoers who dressed up in red, white and blue had a chance to win prizes. Attendees could bring a canned food item between 7 and 11 a.m. and save $2 on gate admission. Finally, several local businesses partnered to “Pay it Forward” and randomly handed out free gate admission tickets at fair entrances.

They use a mix of traditional and digital media to include, but not limited to, billboards, social, television, radio, streaming and print. “It is hard to determine what platform is the most effective, as they reach different audiences. I think finding the right balance is key,” said Besch.

New foods this year included such items as a Nashville Kickin' Chicken, a sweet heat burger, alligator bites, lobster rolls, and Dole whip. Some traditional South Dakota favorites are Chislic and Indian Tacos. Chislic is deep-fried cubes of lamb and South Dakota's official snack. Indian Tacos are a Native American cuisine made from fried dough topped with beef and/or beans, lettuce and cheese. These are both staples of the South Dakota State Fair.

The fair took a major step forward in accessibility and inclusion by bringing Momentum Refresh to the grounds. It is the first universally designed, fully accessible, ADA-compliant mobile restroom and universal changing space in the U.S., offering features specifically designed for people with disabilities, veterans, aging adults and seniors, families and others with limited mobility or personal caregiving needs.

The restroom includes a powered, height-adjustable adult-size changing table; overhead ceiling hoist for safe transfers; peninsular toilet with bidet including adjustable grab bars; powered, height-adjustable sink; under-vehicle accessibility lift (UVL) for ease of access; adequate personal caregiver space along with an attendant staff for safety, assistance and continuous cleaning.

“It was a valuable resource for many fairgoers and something we plan to offer at future fairs,” said Besch.

Grandstand entertainment included Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash (bull riding), The Fray w/ X Ambassadors, Nate Smith w/ McCoy Moore and Jake Owen w/ Walker Montgomery.

Besch noted employment challenges and strategies: “During the six days of the state fair, we ramp up to about 375 to 400 employees. This can be challenging, especially given our rural location, having school in session, and youth sports having started up. These challenges have certainly led us to look at overall operations for creative ways to reduce labor and improve efficiency. We've done this by installing self-serve kiosks at some gate entrances, using technology more effectively (for example, implementing more features in software like Etix and ShoWorks), and installing POS systems. We have also reached out to nonprofit groups offering incentives for their particular programs in return for volunteer hours.”

Reflecting on the fair, Besch said, “I think our impact statement says it all: The South Dakota State Fair brings people together in an authentic place filled with genuine joy, where traditions feel alive, memories are made, and — for a while — life feels a little lighter. Through agriculture, family experiences and year-round events, the State Fair strengthens our rural roots, fosters connections and creates opportunities for youth to learn, grow and lead. More than an event, the State Fair strengthens community, builds pride and keeps South Dakota’s values alive for generations to come.”

The South Dakota State Fair Park is a multi-purpose, year-round facility focusing on agricultural, equestrian, youth, cultural and community events that are family-friendly and showcase the best in the state of South Dakota. The 2027 edition returns September 1 to 6.

Rainy weather takes its toll on 2026 Oregon State Fair attendance

Rainier Amusements, Helm and Sons

provide more than 60 rides for midway

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

SALEM, Ore. — Every producer of an outdoor event knows the success of that event is vulnerable to the wet sogginess caused by rainy weather. The 2026 Oregon State Fair had its turn this year, but officials there were still pleased with the results. The fair drew 357,996 guests during its annual run August 27 to September 6, in Salem, Oregon, on the grounds of the 185-acre Oregon Expo.

“That was down by 13.5 percent compared to 2025,” said Danny Pettey, spokesperson for the fair. “Unfavorable weather was the primary driver, as we experienced rain on five days, including several days of continuous heavy rainfall.”

The fair drew more than 413,000 in 2025; however, that was an increase of over 34 percent from 2024. So, it is kept in perspective.

“There were clear highlights this year,” Pettey added. They included the midway, stadium shows, pavilion shows, grounds entertainment, agriculture and animal exhibitions with 4-H and FAA competitions, creative living exhibitions and competitions and more.

The midway was provided by Rainier Amusements. There were 65 rides on the midway, including four new rides. They were Blackout, Fun Factory Funhouse, Global Swings and Wiggle Worm. Helm and Sons also brought along some offerings, including the thrill ride Medusa by KMG, a serpentine spinning ride featuring rapid rotation and a sweeping motion. This extreme ride cost guests $10 per ride.

One thing to note is that at the conclusion of this year’s fair, officials sent out RFPs for a new carnival provider.

"Issuing this RFP is a standard business decision as we enter a new contract cycle and evaluate our long-term needs and opportunities moving forward,” said Kim Grewe-Powell, fair CEO. “Running a competitive procurement process allows us to exercise appropriate due diligence and explore evolving industry options, while in no way diminishing the immense value we place on our existing partner and carnival operations.”

Proposals were due late last month, with the new contract scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027, and run for three years, with an optional two-year renewal based on performance and the Oregon State Fair Board approval. The RFPs stated that the fair board was seeking more than a traditional carnival provider, placing an emphasis on finding a long-term strategic partner focused on safety, guest experience, innovation and continued investment in the midway.

The operator selected will be expected to provide carnival operations for some of the fairgrounds' other signature events aside from the fair, including the Fourth of July Spectacular, Scare at the Fair, Holiday Village and other future events.

In other 2026 highlights, the fair debuted the world premiere of America 250 Live by Q Productions in the Pavilion. This was a free, one-hour, high-tech mega-show honoring America’s quarter-millennium with aerial stunts, LED choreography, lasers and live storytelling. Although the show was free with fair admission, visitors were able to pay extra for VIP seating.

The amphitheatre concerts were also very popular. There were Mainstage musical headliners that included Clint Black, Weird Al Yankovic, All Time Low, BigXThaPlug, Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys with The Pet Sounds Band.

New to the fair this year included the Ridgeline Mounted Archers, an arena show where horseback archers demonstrated speed, agility and marksmanship. The Highland Cattle Exhibits were also new. Guests were able to get up close and personal with the fluffy, famous Scottish Highland Cattle in the livestock barns.

And then there was the Draft Horse and Electric Drill Team Shows, where massive draft horse hitches and precision equestrian drill teams took to the arena floor every afternoon and evening.

There were also over 5,163 livestock entries this year, a notable increase over 2025.

Large animal exhibitions included dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats, llamas, sheep and swine. Small animals included rabbits, poultry, pigeons and doves, bantam and turkeys.

Creative living categories included crafts, culinary and entertaining, STEM, textiles, visual arts, authors table and the Gerry Frank Chocolate Layer Cake Contest.

Family and grounds entertainment highlights included the returning Artisan Village, Aces Flying Pig Races, Off Axis Stunt Show, Canine Circus rescue dog acts, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library story times, $5 Sunny Bites food discount day and interactive genealogy/history exhibits in Columbia and Cascade Halls.

Pettey said fair officials did do some upgrades to the grounds before the fair took place this year. The fair installed 17 new permanent water refill stations across the fairgrounds, 13 inside and four outdoor. The new water refill stations were funded via Oregon DAS grants, backed by portable stations during warm spells.

The fair integrated a brand-new public address system grounds-wide this year. The new system streamlined safety announcements and better aided grounds communications.

●oregonexpo.com

NAME's Ed Dame selected as Host of the Day at The Big E

WEST SPRINGfiELD, Mass.— Ed Dame of McHenry, Ill., was presented with a Host of the Day hospitality award at The Big E on September 29. Among those present for the presentation were North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) Vice President Blake Huston and his wife, Amy; Gary Magyoran and Justin Peperak, managerial staff with NAME; Midway ride operators and concessionaires from the NAME team; Eastern States Exposition (ESE) senior leadership; and ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy, who presented Dame with his award before the Sky-High Super Wheel at The Big E in West Springfield, Mass.

The Host of the Day award recognizes employees, volunteers and other members of The Big E family who embody the Fair’s philosophy of positive customer relations. It has been part of the Exposition’s customer service program since 1989, established for individuals who go “above and beyond the call” in their interactions with fairgoers.

Ed Dame of McHenry, Ill., has served as a manager on The Big E Midway under the leadership of North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) President Danny Huston and Vice President Blake Huston since 2010.

“Ed represents the very best of our team through his enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to creating a great experience for our guests,” said Blake. “This is all visible when watching him interact with the public. His actions make it evident that he loves his job and I appreciate his dedication to North American Midway Entertainment and The Big E.”