Amusement Today, October 2025

WWA Trade Show readies for attendees in Orlando

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusemaenttoday.com

ORLANDO — World Waterpark Association (WWA) planners of the 45th Annual Symposium and Trade Show are excited to bring together water park owners, operators, developers, designers and suppliers to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” The annual event is set for Oct. 20 to 23, at the Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida.

“We’re thrilled to bring our 45th Annual WWA Show back to Walt Disney World Resort this October,” said WWA President Rick Root. “The buzz has been building, and with registration trending ahead of last year’s show in Las Vegas, we’re anticipating a strong show.”

Root said Disney’s world-class guest amenities help make the WWA Show experience even better for attendees, from complimentary transportation and discounted park tickets to exclusive extra park hours. This year, WWA Show attendees staying at a Disney Resort will also enjoy free admission to Typhoon Lagoon on their check-in day.

On the trade show floor, attendees will find more than 400 booths showcasing thousands of products essential to daily water park operations. Designers and ride manufacturers will debut the latest ride and attraction innovations, making this a must-attend event for operators eager to see the newest products firsthand.

“The water park industry continues to expand worldwide, driven by constant innovation in design, theming and guest amenities,” Root said. “Our sold-out exhibit hall is another great reason to be here; you get to see the future of the industry in person. More than just showcasing products, WWA exhibitors are committed to helping operators tackle their toughest challenges with practical, actionable solutions.”

The WWA Show remains the largest water leisure education and training event in the world. With more than 100 new and returning speakers, the 2025 program offers sessions on everything from protecting your brand online and maximizing group sales to leveraging tech on a budget and bringing new life to existing facilities.

Attendees will also find certification programs for AFO, CPO, Ellis & Associates and StarGuard Elite, as well as all-day workshops.

“We’re fortunate that so many of our industry’s top professionals are eager to share their best practices,” said Root. “This year’s program features leaders from ADG, American Resort Management, Ellis Brands, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Island Waterpark, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Landmark Aquatic, Lucky Strike Entertainment, P2:3, Premiere Parks, Pro Parks, ProSlide Technology, PYEK Group, Safe Slide, Wild Rivers Waterpark, WTI, White Water, Wilderness Resort and, of course, Walt Disney World, just to name a few.”

As an Education Committee member, D’Anna Johnson from Wilderness Resort recently shared in World Waterpark Magazine: “From learning how to build a culture that retains seasonal staff, to gaining insights on the latest aquatic risk management techniques, these sessions are more than lectures - they’re interactive forums for growth. Whether you’re a GM, Aquatic Manager, or part of a safety or HR team, the knowledge shared in these rooms is often what elevates your operation from good to great.”

Although the official agenda to the symposium begins Monday, Oct. 20, WWA coordinates industry multiple-day courses that begin on Saturday, Oct 18, with day one. Those are StarGuard Elite Lifeguard Instructor Development Course, Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Course, Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification Course, and Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Instructor Licensing Program. Ellis and Associates courses run for three consecutive days, while the others run for two consecutive days.

On Monday, Oct. 20, WWA University workshops are offered. Those being offered during this year’s symposium include Waterpark Design, Development and Expansion Workshop; Ready, Set, Go! A Guide to Getting Started Workshop; and Waterpark Maintenance School.

The WWA Annual Golf Tournament is also set for this day. It will be held at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge.

Tuesday morning, Oct. 21, kicks off with an array of educational sessions. Some of those are What Does Drowning Look Like; Maintaining Ideal Balance In Waterpark Design; Pricing Strategies For Immediate Revenue Boosts; Defending Your Park Against Social Media Takeover; Tech For Parks On A Budget; Next-Gen Waterparks: Redefining The Experience With Technology, Innovation, And Design; MAUI: Menu Analytics For Uncovering Insights Into Smarter F&B Decisions; Train Like A Pro By Turning Team Training Into A Performance and Riding The Wave To Record Group Sales Revenue.

The Opening General Session is held this day. The trade show is open from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. From 5 to 6 p.m., a welcome reception will be held on the trade show floor.

During the afternoon trade show hours on Tuesday, attendees are welcome to visit the WWA Booth on the floor for Chat with Committee Members. A schedule of when representatives of the different industry segments is offered.

That evening is the WWA’s Annual Reunion Party at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, starts with more educational sessions, including Bringing New Life To Existing Facilities; Measure Success With F&B Financial Metrics And KPIs; Defending Negligent Security Liability Claims; Everything I Re-Learned Doing Mouth-To-Mouth CPR; The Greatest Show on Earth…Again: Reigniting the Passion for Guest Service and Building Personalized Guest Experiences At Modern Waterparks; The Depths of Design: Optimize, Budget, and Plan for Success; Strategies For Developing A Leadership Pipeline; Creating Compelling, Productive, And Profitable Retail Experiences; Partnership Strategies for Waterparks, Schools and Universities; Are You A Safe Park Or A Lucky One?; The Business Strategy Behind Creative Water Amenities In Resorts; 50 Programs In 1 Hour; Demystifying Technology Implementation And Data Usage In Waterparks; Big Trends For Small Waterparks; Parental Supervision Expectations And Requirements and Building A Positive Team Culture.

The Keynote Session will be offered at noon.

The trade show will run from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The WWA will again offer Chat With Committee Members at its booth.

Thursday, Oct. 22, starts with the WWA Advanced Water Quality Certificate Course; 2025 Food and Beverage Trends; Marketing Roundtable: Strategies and Trends Shaping Waterpark Success; Off-Season Utilization for Seasonal Parks; Spotting And Sealing Gaps In Your Waterpark Marketing Strategy; Enhancing New Hire Orientations for Success; 50 In-Service Ideas In 50 Minutes and How Programming Transforms The Waterpark Experience.

“Beyond education, the WWA Show is all about connections,” Root said. “Attendees can network at committee meetings that run throughout the week and, of course, during Member Committee Chats at the WWA booth, the Annual Golf Tournament, the Welcome Reception, daily Trade Show lunches and the always-popular WWA Reunion Party at Typhoon Lagoon.”

Root said like many sectors, the water park industry has faced challenges in 2025, including unpredictable weather and economic pressures. Still, the sector continues to find creative ways to grow. New parks and expansions worldwide highlight the industry’s adaptability and innovation, from G-force thrill slides to indoor waterpark environments and stunning freshwater lagoons.

“We continue to see water attractions being integrated into all kinds of resort and recreation environments,” Root said. “Public sector aquatic centers are renovating and expanding facilities to include waterslides, lazy rivers and splashpad attractions. New development in the water park resort space is flourishing with major expansions from Kalahari and the new Bavarian Blast Waterpark to stunning water park resort openings from Great Wolf Lodge and the new Okana resort.”

Water parks have infiltrated the cruise industry, with onboard slides and attractions and whole new parks being developed on islands designated exclusively for cruise passengers. Carnival, Disney and Norwegian have all added new water park attractions in 2025.

Major international projects this year include: Aqualantis Waterpark at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Turkey, Sun World Ha’ Nam in Vietnam, and the highly anticipated expansion of Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi.

“We’re excited to share many of these developments with our members and celebrate our Leading Edge and WWA Board Award recipients during the General Session,” said Root. “Our industry is laser focused on providing guests with the safest, cleanest and most fun environments possible. That drive, and the joy our guests bring, will continue to push the water park industry into an exciting new era.”

Soaky Mountain Waterpark debuts

first-of-its-kind WhiteWater waterslide

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

SEVIERVILLE, Tennessee — This past summer, Soaky Mountain Waterpark debuted a new type of waterslide. Rafter’s Rage, built by WhiteWater of Richmond, British Columbia, is a first-of-its-kind Wall Runner waterslide.

Dispatched from an eight-story slide tower, guests aboard a six-person raft negotiate precisely engineered, large curving walls that provide a unique lateral drifting sensation, where the raft moves sideways, while maintaining its forward momentum. The attraction has a lower height requirement than some of the park’s other multi-person slides, which presents more opportunities for families with young children.

The slide is located adjacent to the park’s Avalaunch water coaster behind the Black Bear Rapids Adventure River.

Dave Andrews, general manager of Soaky Mountain Waterpark, said, “Guests are in for an exciting treat with the debut of our newest attraction, Rafter’s Rage. It’s an absolutely thrilling, six-person raft ride that starts roughly eight stories in the air, spans 825 feet and sends riders zooming down the slide at speeds of 19 mph.”

The six-person tube on Rafter’s Rage is conveniently brought to the top of the tower via a conveyor. A ride attendant transfers the rafts from the lift to a dispatch conveyor, making it easy to load. After guests have made the trek to the top of the 86-foot tower, they are weighed as a group. The rafts require a minimum of three guests and have a maximum weight limit. A sign advises would-be riders that they may be asked to join other groups. As with most waterslides, more weight generally provides more action.

Once the all-clear is given, thrill seekers begin their journey as the load conveyor moves the raft into the slide opening. The first few sections are solid blue, but soon give way to a dark blue tube highlighted with translucent blue swirls. As guests exit the tube, the colors brighten, the chute opens up, and the slide feeds them into an arc, creating a sensation of defying gravity as the raft clings to the curve. But instead of gliding back and forth, the raft uses lateral drift around the wall’s face, combining airtime with acceleration in a way that keeps adrenaline high as riders experience the unique lateral drift.

The tubers enter another enclosed section followed by a second lateral drift element. The final sequence has riders entering a third dark section, this time highlighted with diamond stars, before gliding into the splashdown pool.

Andrews added, “We have a lot of bright colors on our slides, and we wanted to carry that through the new slide. The iconic brand-new pieces are showcased in a different color. The choice of colors here hints at nightfall into sun back into nightfall and then into the sun again.” All the dark blue sections are enclosed, the drift sections in yellow and orange are open.

“With the debut of the world’s first Wall Runner, we’ve seen how an attraction can capture attention well beyond the park gates,” said Pat Finnegan, WhiteWater’s vice president of business development. “In business development, my role is to work with parks to imagine and bring to life bold ideas like this — concepts that deliver unforgettable guest experiences while driving awareness and growth. Helping Soaky Mountain Waterpark expand its reach online, Wall Runner earned over 13 times more views on social media than the park’s standard reel on Instagram. Its never-before-seen lateral drift experience sparks conversations and creates stories guests want to share, turning moments of excitement into powerful marketing that strengthens a park’s position in a competitive market.”

The park has several notable attractions from both WhiteWater and ProSlide. When asked about the decision-making process, Andrews indicated they approached both manufacturers and presented what they wanted to accomplish, the area they had to work with and asked each what they could provide. WhiteWater had a brand-new product that Soaky Mountain could debut, and that was what drove the decision. Andrews added that both companies make great rides, and they will always approach both for future attractions.

Andrews said the decision to build was made in June of last year, ground was broken as soon as the season ended, and work progressed smoothly throughout the winter months. The slide was completed, commissioned and opened on time at the start of the season. Marketing efforts and advertising helped build excitement and keep the passholders engaged, so when opening day arrived, the park’s season passholders said they were excited to ride it.

The 2025 season also introduced several new food and beverage options, including Twist & Shout, a new culinary area located in the main plaza. This new spot featured handmade specialty pretzels and pretzel bites, along with fan favorites that include the cinnamon sugar, jalapeno, and pepperoni pretzels, as well as classic pretzel dogs. The menu also offered fresh-squeezed lemonade and refreshing ICEEs. Additionally, the waterpark’s popular Candy Cabin expanded its offerings to include a selection of specialty donuts and coffee, perfect for a morning treat.

Soaky Mountain Water Park was announced in 2019 as a 50-acre outdoor water park counterpart to the popular Wilderness at the Smokies resort and indoor water park. It is owned and operated by Wisconsin-based Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks. Completed in 2020, it managed to open on June 27, 2020, at the height of the global pandemic with safety protocols and restricted capacity levels.

Located across the street and up the hill from the Sevierville Convention Center and Wilderness at the Smokies, it is open to all guests, although there are special package deals for those staying at the resort.

●soakymountainwaterpark.com
A partnership that saves lives

INDUSTRY VOICE: Rick Root, World Waterpark Association

Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids ages 1-4. It shouldn’t be. Most drownings occur outside of guarded pools and aquatic facilities — in unguarded hotel pools, vacation rentals, backyard pools, bathtubs, beaches, and lakes. They can happen in any environment with water. But many parents and caregivers don’t know the risks involved.

When families with young children visit our facilities, we have their attention. The attractions industry is uniquely positioned to impact this issue by sharing information with the hundreds of millions of families we serve each year. No matter what kind of attraction one operates — there is an opportunity to share resources that save lives.

For more than two decades, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) has been the WWA’s trusted partner in this critical mission. The NDPA has proudly supported our initiatives like the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and National Water Safety Month, and we’ve witnessed firsthand how their commitment and educational materials make a difference.

One of the things that makes NDPA invaluable to everyone working to reduce drowning is its extensive library of free water safety resources. These materials – infographics, posters, videos, PSAs, and checklists for different environments and age groups — can help parents understand and address daily drowning risks.

Explore NDPA.org and discover the free resources available. Their resources are practical, professionally developed, and ready to implement. NDPA membership offers access to an even broader range of tools and benefits.

The attraction industry’s reputation depends on providing guests with safe and memorable experiences. But our impact can extend far beyond our gates. By partnering with NDPA and making their free resources available at our facilities, we can help protect families wherever they encounter water. We’re not just serving today’s guests; we’re safeguarding the families who are raising tomorrow’s employees and customers.

Don't skimp in the spook

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

I'm a lifelong haunt fan. As a teen starting to date, I remember taking many first — and, retrospectively, probably last — dates to local haunted houses for a fun time. Whether it was at an amusement park, something by the local Jaycees or even something a school had put on, spooky fun was just too tempting to resist in the fall. There was even a local (Mason, Ohio) year-round haunt dubbed Night of Fright: House of Fear, which closed down two decades ago, but its legend lives on in the stories so many of us locally tell.

Over the years, the amusement industry has caught up to realize the real appeal of the spooky season. Local parks now have some kind of haunt-themed event during September and October. And, whether it's kiddie trick-or-treat with friendly monsters or dark, gloomy haunted mazes designed to scare and surprise, the turnstiles have kept spinning for them.

Oftentimes, however, many attractions have created their haunts and then become complacent. They just dust off the previous year's attractions, maybe add a new coat of paint, and then roll it out for another season. Haunts and Halloween fun are subject to the same kind of "been there, done that" as older rides and roller coasters. Guests need truly new and innovative thrills and scares to keep coming back year after year. In an increasingly competitive market for the Halloween dollar, attractions cannot lather, rinse, repeat. They must innovate, they must be creative.

That's one of the reasons I delightfully enjoyed the new Six Flags offering of The Conjuring (appearing at four of the chain's parks). The company worked with Black Plague Productions to create something truly unique and immersive. The creative scares ranged from simple to high-tech. While not every surprise brought screams, each of them brought smiles of delight and laughter from a great time.

Spooky fun does not need to be high-dollar. Just like a Halloween costume, all it takes is an imagination and a little creativity. But that little bit of effort goes a long way, and will keep the guests coming back eager for more frights and delights.
Planes, (coaster) trains and automobiles

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 56th annual Street Rod Nationals at the Kentucky Exposition Center on the Kentucky State Fairgrounds featured a unique combo for the eyes. The four-day show, (July 31 through August 3) produced by the National Street Rod Association, drew 10,000 vintage vehicles. Directly across the street is Kentucky Kingdom with two of its signature rides quite prominent in the backgroung : Lightning Run (Chance Rides Hyper GT-X Coaster) and 150-foot Giant Wheel (Vekoma). The nearby Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport meant planes often frequented the skies. COURTESY STEVE SMITH

Jacob (Jake) Round, Baynum Solutions

Jake Round brings fresh energy and focus to Baynum Solutions as the dedicated Life Floor sales representative. Though new to the amusement world, he carries a strong family connection — his mother, Linda Round, is a highly respected industry veteran and familiar presence across parks and suppliers. Sharp, personable and quick-witted, Jake has already taken Baynum’s Life Floor division to a new level, building strong connections and delivering real results. Known for his reliability and drive, Jake is already leaving his mark in the water park space.

Title:

Sales / Project Coordination — Life Floor

Number of years in the industry: 1.5 years.

Best thing about the industry: We all work for everyone else to have fun; for everyone else to have the best experience that they can share with their family and friends!

Favorite amusement ride: The Beast at Kings Island — An amazing classic!

If I weren’t working in the amusement industry, I would be … I have always had a fascination with space, and I studied biology in college. If I wasn’t in the amusement industry, I think I would be in school still studying. Ew!

Biggest challenge facing our industry: The cutting back of spending by younger generations and keeping our parks engaging and interactive from top to bottom to keep attendance high.

The thing I like most about amusement/ water park season is … seeing everyone enjoy what we have been working on. Specifically with Life Floor, seeing a family enjoy the safety and playability of the flooring we installed reminds me of why I do what I do and reiterates the best part of the amusement industry.

Pumpkin spice — a good thing or bad thing? Bad, out of season! Good for those two weeks in the fall when it is acceptable.

The last time I was on a skateboard was … never. I am sure I would end up on the ground!

In a single word, my kitchen is … creative.

The thing that makes me happiest at my job is … The ability to collaborate to make something for everyone to enjoy.

The first water park I ever visited was … The Beach Waterpark in Mason, Ohio. RIP!

You have found a time machine. What decade will you travel to? Not a decade, but I would love to go back to the peak of the Roman Empire.

My favorite Marvel movie would have to be … It’s actually Favorite Marvel Show (pretty niche): Agatha All Along! Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza were born for that!

Which is cleaner in your car, the back seat or the trunk? Back seat for sure. My trunk is a black hole for everything that I have ever misplaced.

The thing I remember most about trick-or-treating as a kid was … My mom used to put on a haunted trail for the entire neighborhood.

The thing my parents taught me that I still find important is … Empathy for others. Having empathy for others should be a universal standard, but unfortunately it can be overlooked.

My biggest fear would be … Spiders. I didn’t have that fear until I worked in a spider lab in school. Something about being in a 10-by-15-foot room with about 2,000 spiders can really give you a phobia!

I am so fast at … Drinking a bottle of wine.

The thing about me that is the most different than my best friend is … I am definitely a lot more outspoken than my best friend.

An arcade game I rock at is … Pac-Man.
World Waterpark Association 2025 Symposium and Trade Show

List is current as of Sept. 23, 2025.

40 Below Company 110

911 Cell Phone Bank 1115

AC RadioCom LLC 1001

accesso 1123

Admit One Products 1004

AERIA/JKJ 1116 - 1118

AllChem Performance Products 232

American Holtzkraft, Inc. (AHI) 1224 - 1226

American Red Cross Training Services 906

Amusement Restoration Companies (ARC) 209

Amusement Today 426

Apellix Power Wash Drones 210

API Water 1307

Aqua Case / Aqua Leash / Aqua Dry Bag 512 - 514

Aqua Tile 214

AquaCal AutoPilot Inc. 139

Aquadei, LLC 142

Aquafinity Company 231 - 233

AquaRevival LLC 531 - 533

AquaSeal Resurfacing LLC 304

AquaShield Products 740

Aquatic Development Group (ADG) 711 - 812

AquatiControl Technology 1313

Aquatics Int'l 1214

AquaWorx 423 - 425

Aquify Systems Corp. 731 - 832

Architectural Design Consultants Inc. (ADCI) 1105

Arete Industries 1235

Arihant Waterpark Equipment 406

ARTI Grafiche Julia 115

ASC Pumping Equipment Inc. 316 - 318

Association of Aquatic Professionals 1113

ATX Float 917 - 1018

Avius Ltd. 1505

Ballast VR 1131 - 1133

Baynum Amusement Solutions 637

Beacon 300

BECS Technology, Inc. 806

Bendetti Optics 413 - 415

Ben's Soft Pretzels 100 - 102

Berk Enterprises 508

Big Squirt! 1037

Bluewater Commercial Water Solutions 132 - 134

BoMar Soft Playgrounds Int'l. 1138

Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. 1026

Carol Flemming Design 545

Case-Mate 1412

Chemtrol, Div. of Santa Barbara Control Systems 1013

Chlorking a Hayward Company 505 - 507

CL Industries 230

Clear-Flow 1030

Cloward H2O 739 - 741

Cold River Mining Company 639 - 641

ComOps 1206

Concrete Science LLC 532

Contract Furnishings Int'l., Inc. 1201 - 1203

Cool Jewels by Phillips International, LLC 523 - 527

Coretech Systems 1100

Cost Inc. 219

Counsilman-Hunsaker 908

CPI Amusement - Pageantry World 737

Craft Standard Draft Cocktails 108

Creative Water Solutions 1316

Daldorado, LLC 317 - 418

Efficient Air Systems Inc. 212

eLifeguard.com 1144

Ellis & Associates Inc. 1033

Empex Productions Limited 1017 - 1019

Encore Coatings 200 - 201

Endura Polyglass Coatings 1312

Endureed Premium Thatch 119

EPIC Outdoor Cinema 1221 - 1223

Fibrart S.A. de C.V. 339 - 440

FlexGround 218

FLOPEEZE Funwear 1320

Florida Patio Furniture Inc. 1039 - 1041

FlowRider® 630 - 632

Fluidra 838 - 840

Fluidtrol 430 - 432

Foothill Communications, Inc. 1029

Forsch Polymer Corp. 1413

Foundations Worldwide, Inc. 444 - 445

Freezing Point LLC 202

frogg toggs 303 - 305

Full Swing 1415 - 1417

Gatemaster Technology Corporation 1243

GetOutPass 1032

Giacona Corporation 1218

Global Management Amusement Professionals 530

Haas & Wilkerson Insurance/WWA Insurance 511 - 612

Harwood Engineering Consultants, Ltd. 1009

Haystack Dryers Ltd. 714

Hayward Pool Products 503

Headwater Construction Group 400

Herborner Pumpentechnik GmbH Co. KG 731 - 832

Hollaender Manufacturing Company 1136

Holtzman Group Hospitality Experts (HGHE) 707

HydroApps 1233

IAPMO R&T 1130

Ideal One Amusement Software 236 - 238

InCord Play 528

Integrated Insight 1508

InterActive Play Waterparks 401 - 500

Intercard Inc. 307

IAAPA 117

International Foam Pros 1414

International Ride Training, LLC 946

Island Grove Wine Company 944

iSlide 824 - 826

Jonesway 1318

Just a Menu 205

Kanu Surf 126 - 128

Kay Park Recreation Corp. 1301

Kona Ice, Inc. 1128

Landmark Aquatic 801 - 900

Landmark Studio & Design 1145 - 1244

LASCO Fittings Inc. 836

Launch Logic, Inc. 807

Life Floor 624 - 626

The Lifeguard Store 1006

Luba's Fashions 417 - 419

Lumapro USA 140

LuxurySpa S.R.L 311 - 412

Mack's Earplugs 139

Magic Playground GmbH 1303

The Magnum Ice Cream Company 1402

Martin Aquatic 723 - 727

MaxLiner 1227

McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance 141

Merchant Cost Consulting 1515

Mer-Made Filter and Filtrex 1511 - 1513

Mermaid Cove by Once Upon An Island 1315

MicroGlass LLC 144

Mid-America Pool Renovation, Inc. 1310

Miracote - By Crossfield Products Corp. 1007

Mobaro 1031

Modern Vending Solutions 1205

MooTon Group Inc 1309

MST Bar Inc. 1216

National Aquatic Safety Company (NASCO) 240

Neptune Benson / Xylem 716 - 718

Nets & More 125 - 127

Nets Unlimited Inc. 901

Neuman Aqua Ltd. 829 - 932

Neuman Group 829 - 932

Nutmeg 844

OpenAire Inc. 736 - 738

Oveit, Inc. 136

Paddock Pool Equipment Co. Inc. 925 - 927

ParksPlus Underwriting Agency LLC 145

Patch Retention 113

PDC 312 - 314

Pebble Technology International 111

Pelican SplashWorks 1231

Pentair Water Pool and Spa 1215 - 1217

Perry Becker Design 217

Perry Weather 245

Philippians 2:3 Consulting 1022 - 1024

Polycoat Products 206

PolySoft Pty. Ltd. 1015

Pool Safe Inc. (PSI) 422 - 424

Poolcorp Commercial Aquatics 911 - 1012

PoolEquip LLC 1111

Poolside Adventures 1106 - 1108

Premier Polysteel 907

ProMinent Fluid Controls, Inc. 1117 - 1119

ProSlide Technology Inc. 603 - 706

Pulsar Systems 905

PVF Industrial 226

Rain Drop Products LLC 114 - 116

Ramaker & Associates, Inc. 622

Ramuc/TUFF Coat Div. of MRT 903

RAVE Sports 717 - 719

Raypak Inc. 1416

RCI 1306

Recrea AB 803

Recreation Management 1114

Recreonics 805

Rescue Technology 222

Resin Rock LLC 1202 - 1204

Resort Cabanas 328

Riverflow Pools LLC 546

RocketRez 431 - 433

ROLLER 323

RoxiSpice / Roxi Group 644

Safe Slide Restoration 623 - 724

Scanning Assist, LLC 1418

Serum Watercare LLC 137

SGM Inc. 1210 - 1212

Shade Creations by Waterloo 327

Shade Systems Inc. 1219

Silesia Velox Grill Machines Inc. 1229

SiLi Sigmund Lindner GmbH 229

SIVA LLC 1140

Slide Guys Restoration 306 - 308

SlideRenu Service Company 745

SlideRite Waterpark Restoration 1230

Smarte Carte, Inc. 402 - 404

SnowCloud 1317

Soft Play LLC 902

Spears Manufacturing Company 429

Speck Pumps - Pool Products Inc 302

Splash About International 1112

Splash Radio!/Neptune Radio! 118

SplashBotix by ARM Automation 138

SplashTacular 823 - 924

SR Scales by SR Instruments, Inc. 923

StarGuard ELITE LLC 822

State Fair Mini Donuts Inc. 1304

Steadfast Safety 130

Stenner Pump Company 712

Sunbite 506

Suncoast Aluminum Furniture 804

Sunkid 333

Super Industries LLC 1237 - 1239

Superior Recreational Products 613

Swan Aquatics 244

SwimmingPoolWindows.com 224

Synergy Aqua Tech LLC 1003 - 1104

Taffy Town Inc. 123

Taylor & Associates Inc 203

TEARepair Inc. 1506

Techni-Lux 1103

Telescope Casual Furniture 813 - 918

Texas Boujee Q's 1408

ThruFlow Decking 1406

Tiburon Lockers Inc. 1125 - 1127

TicketSpice 1107

Tollanis Solutions Inc. 1241

TRC Recreation LP 216

Tropical Palm Trees 1132

Tube Pro Inc. 931 - 933

TUFF Coat Rubberized Non-Skid Coatings 903

TUUCI 517 - 618

TUV NORD 615

TUV SUD America Inc. 547

Ultra Polymers, Inc. 215

Union Aqua Parks 1407 - 1409

Unique Rabbit Studios Inc. 120

USA Inc. 516 - 518

USA Shade 904

Van Stone Conveyor, Inc. 809

VENU+ / Best Lockers 207

VIP Solutions LLC 331

Visiontron Corp. 1222

Vistar - A division of Performance Foods Group 204

Vortex Aquatic Structures, Int'l. 816 - 818

Water Odyssey by Fountain People 522 - 524

Water Safety Products Inc 602 - 606

Water Slides de Mexico 223 - 324

Water Technology, Inc. 829 - 932

Water Wars 213

Waterco USA Inc. 103 - 107

Watermen Brand Inc. 330 - 332

West Coast Netting 1232

Westlake Pipe & Fittings 836

Westlake Water Solutions 131 - 133

WET Engineering Inc. 802

Whirley-DrinkWorks! 1002

WhiteWater 629 - 732

Winterland Inc. 407 - 409

WonkyWare 800

Workforce.com 325

World Waterpark Association (WWA) 1023 - 1124

Wristband Resources 112

Zebec Inc. 617 - 619

Zpro Waterparks 403 - 504
Vekoma provides Yeti Trek family coaster to Canada’s Santa’s Village

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

BRACEBRIDGE, Ontario, Canada — If one hears the name Santa’s Village in terms of amusement parks, several properties could come to mind. A search on RollerCoasterDataBase would yield a handful of like-named parks. But a particular coaster is now putting the Canadian facility on the map.

Santa’s Village is nestled on a scenic 60-acre site in a bend of the beautiful Muskoka River. The family-owned park has opened Yeti Trek, a new roller coaster from Vekoma that sends riders on a smooth ride on a quest to spot yetis within a canopy of century-old pine trees within the park.

“We chose Vekoma because their layout design was incredibly creative, they came highly recommended by parks we visited across North America and Europe, and their coasters are engineered to operate even in temperatures as low as -10°C,” said Sara Dunkley, owner.

Vekoma’s Ricardo Tonding Etges, vice president sales and marketing for the Americas, finds the attraction to have unique and notable traits. “Yeti Trek is a family coaster that appeals to everyone. It starts with a unique triple down drop overlooking the Muskoka River and the gorgeous greenery in the area. Right after the drop, you have the station fly-through, which is spectacular to ride and watch. After that, the ride offers a low-to-the-ground, fast-paced journey, full of twists, hills and turns.”

The addition of Yeti Trek is part of an ongoing, multi-year effort to continue to upgrade Santa’s Village and make it a premier amusement park.

“Santa’s Village holds a special place in the hearts of so many families,” said Dunkley. “We’ve spent the past several years investing in new attractions to ensure our guests experience something truly magical each time they visit. Yeti Trek is more than a roller coaster — it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that connects families with the magic of the North Pole and the beauty of Muskoka.”

“Even though Yeti Trek is classified as a family coaster, it’s far from a ‘small ride.’ It’s a high-quality attraction that delivers a surprisingly thrilling experience while staying accessible for younger riders,” said Tatiana Sutherland, marketing manager, Santa’s Village. “For coaster fans, Yeti Trek stands out because of its smooth track design, dynamic pacing and unique features — including the ‘fly-through’ moment where the train blasts right through the queue house over the heads of guests waiting in line. That combination of immersive theming and clever engineering gives it a level of polish that’s rarely seen in family parks.”

Yeti Trek gives the park a much more significant ride in comparison to its other coaster, Peppermint Penguin Coaster, an SBF Visa spinning coaster.

“The park wanted to create a unique family coaster which would first and foremost accommodate and please their family demographics, while also putting the park on the map for coaster fans,” Tonding Etges told Amusement Today. “They wanted something smooth, re-rideable, quiet and fun, as well as maintenance-friendly and proven design. Unique elements like the triple down drop and the station fly-through were the added bonuses.”

“The idea was sparked by a coaster we saw in Germany that featured a goat on the back, which inspired us to reimagine the concept with a Yeti,” said Dunkley.

A small Yeti hitching a ride on the back of the train is one of the cutest characteristics of the ride.

“That became the foundation for the ride’s creative direction,” said Sutherland. “From there, it evolved into a true collaboration between Sara Dunkley, the team at Vekoma, Bob Montgomery, and a talented illustrator in the U.K. The final touch — the name Yeti Trek — was conceived by Brad and Sara Dunkley, the park’s owners.”

“The park also did a fantastic job with the theming of the ride. The station building is so eye-catching, and the storytelling with the Yeti and the search for it was spot on,” Tonding Etges complimented.

“The reaction from guests has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Sutherland. “Families love that Yeti Trek offers just the right balance of thrills and accessibility — kids feel brave tackling their ‘first big coaster,’ while parents and older siblings still find it genuinely exciting. Many guests have called it the highlight of their visit and a reason to plan a return trip.”

Riders only have to meet a 39-inch height requirement.

“It is fantastic to see young and old kids wanting to ride it over and over again, and the feedback could not be better on both the experience and the smoothness of the ride,” Tonding Etges said.

The train on the ride features 10 coaches, making for 20 passengers per ride, secured with a lap bar restraint. The ride experience is just over a minute long. The ride is designed to meet an hourly capacity of 700 people.

“By adding a ride of this caliber, Santa’s Village has elevated its profile in the coaster community,” noted Sutherland. “It’s still welcoming and fun for kids, but it also offers enough excitement to earn respect from enthusiasts, making it a true signature attraction in the region.”

Santa’s Village opened in 1955, making it a six-decade love affair with the community. In 2024, the park closed a powered coaster from Zamperla purchased 40 years ago. Yeti Trek offers bigger thrills.

Once the project was complete, everyone involved was delighted with the outcome.

“We started conversations back in early 2023 with the owners and they eventually visited Vekoma in May 2023,” Tonding Etges explained. “It has been a great pleasure to work with them. The park has such a unique location and vibe, surrounded by abundant nature and an incredible amount of shade. Santa’s Village Ontario is a real gem and is different from anything else in North America.”

“From an attendance standpoint, the impact has been significant,” Sutherland told AT. “The buzz around Yeti Trek has drawn in both new visitors curious to try the ride and longtime fans eager to experience the park’s biggest investment to date. It’s helped Santa’s Village stand out in a competitive tourism market, boosting not just daily attendance but also season pass sales, as guests want the flexibility to ride again and again.”
Rocky Mountain Construction's Fire Runner blazes into Lost Island

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

WATERLOO, Iowa — When Lost Island Theme Park opened in 2022, its heavily themed atmosphere had a mix of rides, some of which were brand new, and others were acquired from around the globe. Of its three roller coasters, only Lokolo (SBF Visa Wacky Worm) was new.

Now in 2025, a sizzling new attraction opened this summer. Fire Runner has debuted in the park’s Mura realm, one of Lost Island’s element-based themes. The Mura realm is created around a fire motif.

“Every four years the Mura clan holds a Cinder Festival full of friendly competitions, feats of strength, colorful vendors and spicy foods,” said Eric Bertch, general manager, weaving the ride’s tale. “The finale of this festival is the Fire Runner Challenge, where participants race a course that includes a lava tube, avoiding fiery obstacles, scaling buildings and running into a volcano — think doing parkour with fire. The winner of the race is crowned Fire Runner. Guests have a photo opportunity with the Fire Runner headdress in the lava tube queue and can hear an original composition for the Cinder Festival as they near the starting pavilion.”

Working with quite a story, Fire Runner rises within the land at a height of 92 feet.

Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) was the supplier of the coaster. It is one of the company’s Raptor track coasters, known for consisting of a single rail that passengers straddle while seated in the train.

“We chose our original ride mix based mostly on which ones were missing from our part of the world,” said Bertch. “When deciding on our first new addition, we wanted fan feedback on which attraction they most wanted. We had several online polls that narrowed it down, and the RMC Raptor ended up the winner.”

“The Raptor offers a great thrill and super unique ride experience,” said Hunter Novotny, international ride consultant, RMC. “The inline seating gives an intimate ride experience while feeling like it’s the rider vs. the ride in a lot of ways — and who doesn't remember those moments of childhood and the feeling of conquering their first big ride? Utilizing RMC's track process and layouts that can vary from friendly to scream-inducing, the Raptor coaster is a product that demands attention in every facility it’s in.”

Fire Runner sports a similar layout to a popular-selling design from RMC.

“The compact Raptor has been a great ride for fitting a massive, very unique thrill in a tight footprint,” said Novotny. “The unique single-rail, inline ride experience of the Raptor ride gives parks a great marketing platform, and this layout particularly has some incredible elements and different experiences from one end of the train to the other.”

In addition to a near-vertical drop, the snappy layout features three inversions, all taken at high speed. The top speed of the ride is 52 mph.

“The guest reaction has been overwhelmingly positive,” Bertch told Amusement Today. “Guests absolutely love the ride; they marvel at the details of the lighted lava tube and cannot wait to get back on.”

The bright, bold colors are an ideal fit into the themed environment.

“The team at Lost Island stole the show on this ride,” complimented Novotny. “The orange and charcoal colors in the Mura region in the park really bring in a thrill factor and daunting presence. The immersive queue and station make the experience feel like you are on a true Lost Island, leading up to the journey on the coaster itself.”

“The station building's severe clay-tiled peaks integrate seamlessly with the rest of our Mura skyline,” noted Bertch. “We chose colors to complement the rest of the realm and positioned the ride so the first drop appears from the front gate to fall into the volcano.”

The first installations of RMC’s single-rail coasters were in 2018. In the years since, enhancements and improvements have been developed.

“Lost Island has a longer 12-passenger train, adding to throughput as well as the more pronounced differences in the ride from front to back,” Novotny told AT. “Plus, there have been wheel and coating improvements.”

“The ride is smooth, the architecture unlike any ride in the Midwest, and the experience is one guests won't want to miss,” said Bertch.

He also noted that the park added a small update to its companion app that allows guests to try four new foods for the Cinder Festival for a prize. Using engaging text and puzzles to lead guests to the new foods, in the park’s opinion, creates worldbuilding beyond just another coaster.
Farewell Reunion Weekend draws 500 from four park iterations

AT: B. Derek Shaw

bdshaw@amusementtoday.com

LARGO, Md. — It was a weekend of friends and fellowship, along with memories both old and new. In mid-August, a Farewell Reunion Weekend was held, attended by those who worked for any of the four parks that operated for 51 years on the same land in the metropolitan Washington D. C. area. They include Largo Wildlife Preserve, Wild World, Adventure World and, more recently, Six Flags America. In May, it was announced that Six Flags America would be shuttering on November 2, so a group of past and present employees rallied to hold an all-inclusive event.

“I think many people, when they heard the news, started thinking they should visit the park one last time before it closes. Quickly, a multigenerational group led by Darlene Reese-Sittig of Ellis & Associates and Janet Porter (Adventure World/Six Flags America park manager, 1998-2006) started meeting and dreaming up what a reunion even could and should look like,” said Joe Pudlick, corporate manager, season pass product marketing. In fact, the committee wasted no time getting the ball rolling. On May 1, the closing was announced, and six days later, the committee met for the first time. “After that, we were off to the races to determine dates and itineraries.”

Immediately, a Facebook page was created, allowing current and past employees to post pictures, memories and anything else they wanted to share from their time working for one or more of the operations.

The committee had two main goals: 1. Create a welcoming event for all members of the Six Flags America community, particularly current and former employees. 2. Help the park leave a lasting legacy by supporting the current generation of youth in the park through the Six Flags America scholarship fund.

The three-day occasion, held August 15-17, consisted of numerous activities. Friday evening was an informal gathering held off-property with a happy hour at Frisco Tap House, Gambrills, Maryland, presented by Ellis & Associates and Dippin' Dots. It was designed as a mix, mingle and reminisce occasion.

Saturday offered two separate events. During the day, there was a catered lunch in the Oak Grove Pavilion where all could meet up, take department photos and enjoy combined camaraderie. Throughout the day, meet-ups took place around the park. Later, there was a behind-the-scenes water park tour. Also, a meetup at the entrance to both wooden roller coasters was held with presentations made about each.

The highlight Saturday evening was a VIP farewell celebration held in the Steamtown area of the park. First, attendees enjoyed cocktails and appetizers in Filament’s Steampub (saloon). Concurrently, there was a showing of the Steamheist Stunt Show and the operation of rides in that section that was closed to other park guests. The highlight of the evening, also held in the saloon, was legacy awards in four categories: park, executive, innovation and leadership. The leadership awards included honoring all 13 individuals who served as park manager/park president in the 51 years of operation.

“At the VIP celebration, the committee was able to formally donate $20,000 (and growing) to the Six Flags America Scholarship Fund, much of which was brought to life by generous donations by past and present park vendors and, of course, all the alumni who participated in the event,” said Pudlick.

Relive the Magic-One Last Time! was the theme on Sunday, designed for department meetups in food and beverage, retail, games, rentals and warehouse areas. Attendees got to participate in numerous backstage activities that made the park legendary. Activities included whipping up a pan of fudge; dipping and decorating a candy apple; making a golden, powdered-sugar funnel cake; popping some kernels; preparing and serving a classic pizza-by-the-slice; folding the perfect souvenir T-shirt; jumping in and running a midway game; delivering a shipment like a pro and bringing the energy with an order callback — just like a busy lunch rush. This was followed by department photos and concluded with lunch.

Pudlick shared his best memory of the event. “For me, it was putting faces to names of people who have become almost park legend. There are more than 50 years of memories at this property — things that make us swell with pride and some that brought life lessons, but despite the span in time, it was easy to connect and fun to share stories from the property that has connected us. Our industry is small and interwoven. It’s great to see how many people have been involved in or touched by this property and now are spread throughout the country (and world) doing amazing things.”

Pudlick added, “The Facebook group began as a communication tool to reach as many generations of the park as possible. The intention has always been that it will live on as a place where alumni and park fans can remain connected, celebrate the park and celebrate each other.

“During and after the event, many people expressed gratitude and a desire to continue having events. While there are no plans at this time, I think universally it’s absolutely something we should do, and I welcome everyone to contribute to what the next iteration of these celebrations should be.”

Pudlick was quick to thank two individuals in particular for making the event possible with their leadership and dedication: Darlene Reese-Sittig and the support of Ramar Vaughan, current park manager.

The park has meant so much to so many staff across generations. It all came to light at the farewell reunion that will continue to resonate with all who attended.
Story Land capitalizes on Happy Hauntings with bigger version

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

GLEN, N.H. — In 2024, Story Land was celebrating its 70th season. New attractions were added, but a new event enhanced the park’s final fall weekends in a different way.

While Halloween events have been industry staples for a few decades, most of them are fear-based. Family parks have to carefully analyze how to introduce Halloween festivals to their audiences. Last year was Story Land’s initial offering. It was called Happy Hauntings.

“In 2024, we celebrated our 70th season at the park with several new ways to enjoy the park and visit Story Land. We opened our all-new Moo Lagoon water play area and added more days than ever before,” said Chris Kearsing, general manager. “We’ve seen strong demand from our guests during our September and early October weekends over the past few seasons. Based on this demand and in celebration of our 70th season, we felt 2024 was the perfect time to introduce a Halloween event and extend our season to offer families visiting the region even more to do on their visit to the White Mountains.”

That initial offering included 10 all-new, family-friendly ways to enjoy the spooky season. Because of Happy Hauntings, the park enjoyed its longest season ever.

Contrary to most Halloween events at theme parks, guests were encouraged to wear their best costumes.

“Our guests were thrilled with the event,” Kearsing said. “It was the perfect way to close out our season and allowed them to get even more out of season passes. We continued to research new ways to add to Happy Hauntings.”

The longer season proved to be a home run.

“Happy Hauntings extended our season by two extra weekends allowing the park to operate longer than it ever has before,” Kearsing told Amusement Today. “That coupled with great weather allowed us to see a huge boost in visitors during the month of October versus the past few seasons.”

Following the success of the first year, it was on to how to grow the event.

“Our team got together to look at what worked for Story Land’s first-ever Halloween event and evaluated how we can continue to make Happy Hauntings a success in the future,” Kearsing said. “In the first year of a seasonal event, you are always learning and looking for ways to enhance the experience for your guests for years to come.”

Now in 2025, the park has added activities surrounding Spookley, the Square Pumpkin. An all-new Spookley’s Hay Maze brings in the timeless tradition of guests discovering their way through an interactive maze. Hide & Seek with Spookley challenges families to find the 11 locations that Spookley is hiding. Those who final all 11 are entered to win a special grand prize at the conclusion of Happy Hauntings.

“Spookley has been very popular; he is actually an IP character that we have through an agreement with Character Arts,” said Lynsey Winters, communications director, Palace Entertainment. “After his success at Story Land, we added him to Lake Compounce and Idlewild for the 2025 seasons as well.”

Spookley has a following with his own website (Spookley.com), his own YouTube channel and is featured on Netflix.

“Our events team came up with additional activities with him and presented these ideas to Character Arts, and once approved we rolled these new activities out to the parks for our Halloween seasons,” Winters noted.

In addition, several successes from the previous year have returned.

“Our Trick or Treat Trail was a big hit,” said Kearsing. “Families really enjoyed getting their best costumes on and coming to the park to trick or treat with storybook characters.”

Other activities include story times, meet-and-greets, special Halloween-themed shows (“Unhappily Ever After” and “Cinderella’s Royal Celebration: Villains Takeover”), scream contests, scavenger hunts, costume contests, scary-oke and more. A pumpkin patch allows visitors to paint their own pumpkin.

“Story Land has always been a place where families come to create lasting memories, and Happy Hauntings has quickly become one of the best ways to experience the park in an entirely new light,” said Kearsing. “With Spookley’s return, festive shows, interactive activities and just the right touch of Halloween magic, Happy Hauntings brings the storybook charm of Story Land into the fall season.”
The Conjuring: Beyond Fear scares up chills at four Six Flags parks

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —Haunts are common among Halloween events, but four Six Flags parks are offering what they term an interactive, “screamium” experience. Carowinds, Kings Island, Cedar Point and Canada’s Wonderland are immersing guests into The Conjuring film franchise like never before.

What elevates this special attraction is that, unlike most houses where lines of people walk through, The Conjuring: Beyond Fear gathers customers into small groups of eight to 10. From there, the participants submit themselves to the story, a scene at a time. Characters within the maze guide the fearful (or possibly fearless) from room to room. Within each room, something happens that prompts an individual to carry an artifact throughout, or an appearance is made from the spiritual world.

“Guests have been amazed with The Conjuring: Beyond Fear experience, and they can’t wait to do it again,” said Chris Foshee, public relations, Carowinds. “It is the biggest and boldest experience we’ve ever done at SCarowinds, and it’s always rewarding to see such a strong response.”

The Conjuring: Beyond Fear is a separately charged attraction. Owing to its limited nature, prices vary between locations, beginning at $15. Certain parks allow for advanced registrations. The ride can be combined in a package with the Haunted Attractions Pass.

Throughout the journey, guests encounter beloved entities from the films such as The Nun, The Crooked Man and The Ferryman. The goal of the experience is to lock Annabelle away in her secure box — or risk catastrophic consequences for the living realm.

“Warner Bros. Studios has been amazing to work with and has really had a hand in the design, production and storytelling of the maze. It is truly the Conjuring Universe,” said Foshee.

Six Flags selected to work with Plague Productions (Savannah, Georgia) in creating The Conjuring experiences. Plague worked directly with Warner Brothers, took in extensive viewings of the film series and also took inspiration from the newest film's trailers (since the film was only recently released) to create the immersive experiences. The company chose to build the haunts with both high-tech and classic low-tech effects and jumps. In order to accommodate the attractions' location in multiple parks (and various structures), each scene was designed around one large set piece, which could be accommodated at all of the facilities and then embellished upon as the location's space availability would allow.

“Working with Plague Productions, this is unlike anything we’ve had at the parks before,” said Tony Clark, communications, Kings Island and Cedar Point. “The details in the scenes are amazing, and the set pieces are very immersive. The special effects are unlike anything we’ve ever had in our indoor mazes before. It’s exciting to have a story where it isn’t just a walk-through maze. It’s an experience combo of a haunted maze and escape room, which is something our parks have never done before. It’s been getting rave reviews.”

When asked if he had a favorite moment, Foshee said, “There are a lot of surprising moments, solid jump scares where the monsters seem to appear in mid-air. These next-level scares mixed with the level of detail and movie-quality accuracy really blew me away.”

The final room delivers tangible thrills as the entire room shakes as Annabelle’s resistance creates tremors through the space.

During the orchestrated tale, guests might find scare actors darting from closets walls and from the ceiling above. In one specific occurrence, guests are directed to crawl through an escape path. It’s very interactive.

“The Conjuring Universe has conquered modern-day horror movies, but they are so good, you don’t even need to watch the movies to enjoy and become immersed,” Foshee told Amusement Today. “It helps to know the movies, but it’s truly terrifying either way.”

Other haunted attractions not connected to The Conjuring attraction are available to guests, as are family-friendly experiences during the day.
Universal unleashes a sensory assault of fear at Horror Nights

ORLANDO — When darkness descends on Universal Studios Florida, the fog thickens and screams echo through the streets as Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) 34 once again unleashes its terror with precision and passion. This year’s event offers thrills and chills both familiar and shockingly new.

Brave-enough guests have the opportunity to encounter 10 haunted houses, four scare zones, and two all-new shows. Iconic names headline the roster: Terrifier, Fallout, Jason Universe, Five Nights at Freddy’s and WWE’s The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks. Balancing the recognizable with the original, Universal Creative has also designed original-content houses like Dolls: Let’s Play Dead, Hatchet & Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters, and El Artista: A Spanish Haunting, a stunningly beautiful house that unfolds its story like a cinematic masterpiece.

During this year’s media creative reveal, Senior Show Director Lora Sauls promised an experience that clings to the senses. “You are going to smell bleach, blood and things you don’t want to smell,” she explained. “We want it to stick to your clothes and follow you out of the house.” That dedication to sensory immersion is what defines Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights. It is also part of the formula that garnered the event Golden Ticket Award Legend designation for Best Halloween Event in 2024.

This year’s most talked-about house is Terrifier, a grotesque and relentless descent into Art the Clown’s world. Fans are warned that this is no dry run, with Sauls teasing, “You are going to get wet,” as theatrical sprays of blood and bleach hit those who dare walk through. It is horror without a filter, shocking in both gore and humor, and it's being called one of the boldest houses Universal has attempted.

Jason Universe delivers the classic slasher feel, transporting guests back to the woods of Camp Crystal Lake, where every shadow holds a machete. Meanwhile, Fallout translates the video game franchise into a lived-in apocalypse, complete with vaults, raiders, and the ever-present glow of radiation. Five Nights at Freddy’s, a collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, conjures jump scares from its sinister animatronic pizzeria, proving that HHN continues to reach across generations of horror lovers.

Between houses, scare zones carry the fear into the open. Masquerade: Dance with Death floods the streets with gothic pageantry, while Mutations: Toxic Twenties warps the speakeasy era into something deformed and dangerous. Guests wandering between frights find no safe passage as performers swarm and improvise in the fog. The new show Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay, transforms a once-vibrant circus into an unending nightmare, combining pyrotechnics, aerialists, and illusions in a sinister spectacle meant to draw you in just before you step back out into the mazes. Capping the night is Haunt-O-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey, a lagoon show that marries projection, music and fountains into a sinister finale worthy of the event’s scale.
A German strawberry-themed attraction operator, Karls, has announced plans to build a new park in Oxnard, California, a city with a population of 200,000, north of Los Angeles The facility will mark the first Karls attraction outside of Germany. Karls CEO Rober Dahl said in a press release that the company has received approval to build from the California Coastal Commission. Dahl said construction will begin soon, with hopes for the park to open in time for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

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Los Angeles’s Griffith Park carousel is getting a new lease on life just in time for its 2026 centennial, according to a story in the LA Times. The story stated that “the city of Los Angeles’ Recreation and Parks Commission inked a million-dollar deal to buy the historic amusement ride” late in the summer. “Beloved by Walt Disney, who snapped up a similar ride to serve as the King Arthur Carrousel at his Anaheim theme park, the Griffith Park merry-go-round took its last twirl in 2022,” the story stated. Restoration is planned ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

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Arnolds Park, Arnolds Park, Iowa, known for its Legend wooden roller coaster, has shifted to the 2025 offseason, but not before drawing record traffic this summer, according to a story that ran in the local Dickinson County Times. The park reported 510,000 visits from May through July, bringing 234,000 unique visitors from around the country. It is more traffic generated than in any previous year.

The story quoted CEO Jon Pausley that the park generated an estimated $16 million in revenue for the region this summer. Even though the summer season has ended, some on-site operations will continue into the fall and winter. Park museums, showcasing nautical and rock ’n’ roll history, are open year-round. The Queen II operates through October. Go-kart races still light up Friday nights in September. 

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Hank Gehlhaus, the longtime legacy owner of Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids, Keansburg, New Jersey, has a message for anyone concerned about the future of the 121-year-old Bayshore staple.

“Next year, contrary to any rumors we are closing down, we are not,” Gehlhaus told the Asbury Park Press. “We’re in business to stay.”

Gehlhaus, whose grandfather William Gehlhaus founded the park in 1904, said the summer of 2025 was a mixed bag; the water park was bustling all summer while the amusement park had “a downturn” in the key month of July.

The park will reopen in 2026.

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One of Southern California’s last true boardwalk arcades, Playland Arcade, will celebrate its 71st anniversary this October, continuing its cherished legacy of family fun and seaside nostalgia on the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.

As part of the celebration, guests can enjoy a variety of giveaways throughout October. Playland Arcade will also unveil a nostalgic display of vintage tokens, memorabilia, and family photographs to help visitors relive its storied history. Additionally, Playland Arcade will take part in Santa Monica Pier’s Locals’ Night on October 16, offering a special experience for the community.

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Sesame Place San Diego closed its doors on Sunday, September 21, and will reopen to fans in Spring 2026. On September 15, the location announced via social media that they will be transitioning to a seasonal schedule for future operation of the park.

Sesame Place is a children’s theme park based on the children’s educational TV program, Sesame Street. The park has attractions featuring the show’s key characters, actors in costume, and rides for children as young as two or three, with a guardian. Other rides are intended for older kids or families and have height restrictions.

There are only two Sesame Place theme parks in the U.S, the other one being Sesame Place Philadelphia, which is open year-round to guests.

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A green sea turtle found tangled in fishing line in the San Gabriel River was released back into the ocean in Seal Beach, California, after a three-month recovery at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, California.

During a routine check in the San Gabriel River in early July, the female turtle was discovered by workers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wrapped in fishing line.

Brogent, Huis Ten Bosch debut Japan’s first LED Flying Theater

Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan — Brogent Technologies and Huis Ten Bosch announced the grand opening of Air Cruise The Ride, Japan’s first premium flying theater, at the country’s largest theme park. Featuring an 8K LED dome screen, this landmark attraction delivers a vivid and immersive flight experience, setting a new benchmark for next-generation entertainment in Japan. Brogent Technologies provided the state-of-the-art flying theater system. The captivating attraction takes guests on a journey to discover the magic of Africa. Beginning with an exhilarating 180-degree takeoff and surrounded by the expansive dome, audiences are fully immersed in visuals, synchronized motion and dynamic 4D effects. COURTESY BROGENT TECHNOLOGIES
Immersive experience Bubble Planet debuting in Dallas this Fall

DALLAS, Texas — Continuing its global campaign to bring play, joy and inspiration to the world, Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience has selected the Dallas market for its next debut. A spherical interactive experience that promises to challenge guests' imaginations and awaken their inner child, Bubble Planet is set to arrive at Grapevine Mills in October 2025.

Bubble Planet is co-produced by Exhibition Hub — curator, producer and distributor of large exhibitions and family entertainment globally — in partnership with Merlin Entertainments and Fever, a global live-entertainment discovery platform. This Bubble Planet sits alongside Merlin’s existing attractions of Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center in Grapevine Mills.

“We constantly strive to create experiences that instill a sense of wonder and play in our guests. Bubble Planet more than delivers on this mission,” said John Zaller, executive producer of Exhibition Hub. “We couldn’t be happier to bring this fantastical experience to Grapevine and the Dallas market this year.”

In the multisensory experience, visitors travel through fantastical, interactive landscapes and explore imaginary metaverses filled with unique optical illusions and stunning photo opportunities.

Moving between 12 uniquely themed rooms, including two exciting new additions: the Hanging Balloons Room and the Kaleidoscope Room, guests will explore an immersive journey designed to awaken emotions and ignite the senses.

From the bubble bath ball pit to a virtual reality room, an undersea LED room, and an endless infinity experience, the Grapevine location offers more wonder than ever before. The combination of colors, lasers, lights and bubbles, enhanced by 360-degree projection technology and an interactive soaring virtual reality, promises a magical experience that invites every guest to release their inner child.

“Bubble Planet brings a sense of wonder and delight that fits beautifully in Grapevine,” offered Grapevine mayor William D. Tate in a statement to the local press. “As Grapevine Mills continues to grow with imaginative and family-friendly attractions, this addition makes an already dynamic destination even more inviting and will help visitors from near and far create even more lasting memories.”

●bubble-planet.com
Betson Enterprises expanded its national footprint with a new office in La Vista, Nebraska, to meet the growing demand for skill games in the state.

Having successfully established a strong presence in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Georgia, Betson is poised to replicate its success in Nebraska with the introduction of innovative skill game experiences from Light & Wonder.

“Nebraska is a fantastic new market for us,” commented Todd Cravens, president of Betson Gaming. “We’re eager to partner with local operators and businesses to introduce the state-of-the-art KASCADA Dual Screen Multi-Game cabinets from Light & Wonder. This expansion isn’t just about growth for Betson; it’s about providing new entertainment options and revenue opportunities for local businesses.”

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During IAAPA Expo Europe, Embed debuted eShop, an online one-stop store designed for operators in the U.K. and Europe. eShop enables FECs to purchase hardware, cards, parts and accessories anytime, anywhere-streamlining procurement into three simple steps: select, ship and pay. Initially rolled out in the U.S., eShop is now being expanded with additional product ranges, faster transactions, and 24/7 real-time customer support.

“eSHOP is about giving operators what they need, when they need it, without downtime or delays,” said Megan Lim, Global eCommerce Director at Embed. “By making procurement as easy as a few clicks, we’re freeing up FECs to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

The Embed Ecosystem — a collective of integrated hardware and software solutions — was also presented to the European, Middle Eastern and African markets during the expo, following its successful launch earlier this year.

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Play Playround is expanding its footprint at Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas with the debut of Duck Duck Boom! — a high-energy, arena-style attraction located just across from the main venue on the Atrium Level. Launched August 21, 2025, the new addition marks a significant growth milestone for the attraction, offering even more over-the-top, analog fun just steps away from its original 15,000-square-foot space.

“With Duck Duck Boom!, we’re expanding our footprint to meet that demand for purely analog experiences with a high-energy, laugh-out-loud challenge that’s as fun to play as it is to watch,” said Jennifer Worthington, CEO and co-founder of Play Social Inc.

Designed for up to eight players per round, Duck Duck Boom! features two rotating boom arms that sweep across the 30-foot by 30-foot inflatable arena, challenging participants to stay on their feet and be the last one standing. Combining the intensity of a bull ride with the excitement of a game show, this extension of Play Playground’s footprint brings spontaneous play and high-stakes entertainment to new heights.

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F1 Arcade Las Vegas announced its opening date of Friday, October 17, 2025. The highly anticipated, 21,000-square-foot destination inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will mark the brand’s largest U.S. location to date.

Bringing together the high-octane energy and adrenaline of Formula 1, F1 Arcade Las Vegas will feature 87 full-motion simulators designed for all different abilities. The cutting-edge technology allows guests to choose between high-thrill experiences around the world’s most iconic tracks.

The experience features several reaction-based games, including React, a lightning-fast reaction game similar to the Batak-style training used by drivers and Lights Out, where every millisecond counts in a high-pressure race start. The venue includes an outdoor terrace overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

“With all the racing buzz hitting the city this fall, we’re giving everyone a chance to feel that adrenaline for themselves,” said Adam Breeden, founder and CEO, F1 Arcade. “Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a first-timer, or just here to eat, drink and soak up the elevated vibe, it’s going to be a hell of a ride.”

RPM Raceway locations debut unique AR karting experience

NEW YORK, N.Y. — RPM Raceway is redefining go-kart racing with the launch of Kart Klash, the nation’s first-ever, real-life racing game that merges live go-karting with an interactive video game. With a commitment to transforming the traditional analog racing experience into a gamified adventure, RPM Raceway is expanding its offerings and helping to pioneer a new era of motorsports entertainment.

Launching mid-September simultaneously at RPM Raceway’s Stamford, Connecticut, and Long Island, New York, locations, with other locations to follow, Kart Klash reinvents traditional go-kart racing into a high-octane, arcade-style battle where speed meets strategy.

Driving go-karts equipped with F1-inspired steering wheels and LED displays, racers collect and activate power-ups, including Missiles, EMPs, TNTs, Boosts and Shields while navigating the track. Mystery boxes and boost zones add a layer of tactical gameplay, where each decision can make or break the race and give the edge needed to pass competitors on the track.

“Kart Klash isn’t just about recording your fastest lap, it’s about outsmarting your opponents and crossing the finish line first,” said Andrew Farage, CEO and co-founder of RPM. “We’re rolling out a social reinvention of go-karting that blends the thrill of racing with the interactivity of gaming, appealing to a demographic that may prefer strategy over raw adrenaline.”

RPM Raceway is further solidifying its position as a leader in karting innovation with the recent addition of a new fleet of next-generation electric karts at its Stamford and Long Island venues. In April, RPM was awarded the Guinness World Records for Longest Indoor Multi-Level Go-Kart Track in the World.

Built on RPM’s R-Tech platform and developed in partnership with industry leader SodiKart, RPM’s new technology represents a leap forward in racing innovation. Each kart is equipped with a next-gen LED heads-up display that delivers real-time stats, sector data and performance insights, streamed directly to each racer during the race.

●rpmraceway.com
Indiana State Fair's warmer weather helps attendance increase

AT: B. Derek Shaw

bdshaw@amusementtoday.com

INDIANAPOLIS — Heat was definitely a factor at this year’s Indiana State Fair. Even with higher temperatures, final attendance reached 854,977, which was a slight increase over 2024 figures.

“Weather is always a factor for us,” said LeRoy Lewis III, director of community and media engagement. “While we started with a beautiful opening weekend, we ended up having one of our hottest fairs in over a decade. We experienced nine days of 90-plus heat index, and the overall average high temperature was four degrees higher than the last 11 Fairs. Overall, we are grateful for another successful fair and ready to plan for 2026.”

The theme of the fair this year was The Soundtrack of Summer, which was a celebration of the songs, sounds, and sweet memories that define the summer season.

North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) was again the carnival provider, bringing 56 rides for both the main midway and the kiddie midway, located in another section of the fairgrounds.

“The Indiana State Fair was a smashing success this year,” said Lynda Franc, NAME corporate marketing director. “We brought back a bunch of fan favorites, including the Century Wheel (Chance Rides), the Crazy Mouse Roller Coaster (Zamperla), and the Double Decker Carousel (Chance). Kiddieland was a hit once again with families loving the dedicated space to bring their kids, which features kid-friendly rides, and fun decor — including sculpted character garbage cans. We had a wonderful year at the fair and are looking forward to being back next year.”

“Our long-standing partnership with NAME is incredibly strong and critical to us. We truly could not do the Great Indiana State Fair without them,” relayed Lewis.

“Cindy Hoye (executive director) and all of her staff are wonderful people and wonderful partners,” said Danny Huston, president and chief executive officer of NAME. “This being my home state, being close to home, we have a lot of family, a lot of friends that come to this fair. It’s such a community event. It’s so impressive what they do.”

The fair is a Hoosier tradition rooted in celebrating agriculture, youth and education, in an entertaining way. As the sixth-oldest state fair in the country, it continues to honor the past while evolving into the future.

“Between state-of-the-art facilities to first-class livestock shows and exhibits, our responsibility to bring together Hoosiers from around the State is at the core of our mission,” said Lewis.

There were a whole host of special promotions, including: $2 Tuesdays presented by the Indiana Secretary of State ($2 Food options, $2 admission, $2 rides); Military and First Responders Day with free gate admission; Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles hosted a half price gate admission day; Farmers’ Day via a free ticket to the fair printed in the paper and digital edition and a day with free admission for AAA members.

Advance gate admission discounts saved fairgoers $3. A family four-pack with a parking pass was offered, along with a foodie family four-pack that included $50 in fair bucks, an advance parking discount and an advance carnival midway discount too.

Lewis noted how the fair allocates their marketing promotional dollars. “Our media mix included a robust, omni-channel approach, including digital, broadcast, outdoor and social, plus local grassroots outreach efforts.”

The top three fair foods this year were Wilson Concessions’ cinnamon toast cookie butter pretzel bites, Swains Concessions’ pickle bacon ranch pizza and Nitro Hog BBQ’s BBQ nachos. All told, there were 35 new food items offered, which was a large attendance driver.

“Guests loved the Vinyl Revival/Art of Music exhibit — easily one of our most successful attractions we’ve had in recent years,” said Lewis. “The Big Top Circus, presented by Bee Window, was also a crowd-favorite, both of which brought something new and unique to the fair.”

The free stage was packed for national acts like Bill Murray & The Blood Brothers, Babyface, Melissa Etheridge, America, Three Dog Night and Chris Tomlin. There was a daily free concert for the 15-day duration.

“Like many large events, staffing can be a challenge. We have found successes through early recruitment, strong partnerships, bonus programs and a focus on creating a positive work environment. This year, we hired 942 summer and seasonal employees along with 28 interns,” said Lewis.

The 2026 edition comes around again from August 7 through 23. The fair is closed on Mondays.

●indianastatefair.com
The public affairs arm of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) recently said that federal ride safety legislation remains at a standstill.

Their dual approach regarding ride safety regulations involves opposing federal oversight while supporting state oversight. The organization recently assisted Montana in passing new ride safety legislation, bringing the total to 49 states with regulatory standards in place. Wyoming is the lone state without any ride safety oversight.

This new law strengthens their position against the proposed National Amusement Park Safety Act, which would shift ride safety oversight from state to federal jurisdiction — a transition they consider both unnecessary and counterproductive.

By strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including relevant U.S. House Committees and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, it will achieve Its goal. These officials acknowledge the industry’s outstanding safety record and recognize that federal oversight would create redundant regulatory structures.

IAAPA remains vigilant and prepared to respond should legislative momentum develop.

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The St. Mary’s County Fair Association introduced its new president during a presentation to the St. Mary’s County commissioners prior to the start of the 78th annual county fair in Leonardtown, Maryland.

John Richards, who served as president of the association for more than 40 years, announced he is stepping aside from the top role and now serves as vice president. Richards introduced Jay Farrell as the new president and praised the direction of the fair.

“I am very happy to have Jay Farrell as president,” Richards told the BayNet. “He is going to take us from where we are today to places you have never seen before.”

Farrell, who has volunteered with the fair for decades, called it a privilege to step into the leadership role.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be here, especially this year as president,” Farrell said. “It could not happen without the tremendous support of our volunteers and our board.”

Farrell mentioned that organizing the fair takes a full year. He said every month they are working on something, whether it is improving the fairgrounds or planning new events coming to Leonardtown.

“It still promotes rural heritage and agriculture,” said Farrell. “That is what our main goal is, to keep that going for the county.”

The 79th fair returns September 18-25, 2026.

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The five-day Santa Cruz County Fair, Watsonville, ran in mid-September with a newly selected CEO and fair manager at the helm. Dori Rose Inda, a local activist, has been working for years in providing agricultural and low-income workers with legal services.

Rose Inda told Lookout Santa Cruz that managing the fair is a continuation, of sorts, of her past work in the health care and legal fields: “What I saw in the fair was this sort of last leg of my career as an opportunity to continue in community service in a little bit different role, to focus on the work of joy.”

Inda, who had less than two months on the job, prior to the fair’s start, said, “It’s really been a situation of ‘hitting the ground running’ and of learning a new language. I remember the first week I was here, I was really just trying to be clear about what people were saying, in terms of the acronyms, or locations, or references to equipment or places.”

Rose Inda said that the first time during the 2025 fair, they offered shuttle service from their parking lot to the front gates, to help those not able to walk the considerable distances.

The fair returns next year, running from September 16 through 20, with Brass Ring Amusement’s Midway of Fun.

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The Raleigh Jaycees ended their turkey shoot contest at the North Carolina State Fair, after a 72-year run, which drew participants from ages 12 to 90. A fixture at the fair since 1952, the turkey shoot raised funds first for Raleigh’s Jaycee Park and later a long list of charity projects stretching back decades. In 2011, the Jaycees reported the turkey shoot accounted for a third of their budget.

The contest challenged shooters to hit targets — not live turkeys — with a 20-gauge shotgun from a distance of 25 yards, granting the winners a free Thanksgiving dinner and T-shirts proclaiming bragging rights. Recently, the Jaycees announced that the costs and requirements of building their booth forced them to bid a thankful farewell.

“We’ve celebrated the youngest family members winning the turkey for their table, laughed at the friendly but fierce competition between spouses and friends, and smiled at the many patrons who wore their winning shirt each year with pride,” wrote the service group in a Facebook post. “And — we’ve given away more turkeys and T-shirts than we can count!”

“It takes a lot of people to build a hay wall and operate this event for over 12 hours each day for 11 days,” stated the Jaycees in a post. “Luckily, we have been so fortunate to have so many dedicated people to help bring the turkey shoot to life for so many years. Thank you for helping keep the tradition going.”
Erie County Fair attendance 'on par' despite some weather woes

AT: Ron Gustafson

Special to Amusement Today

HAMBURG, N.Y. — Hot weather and a soaking rain on the final day didn't deter crowds from attending the 185th Erie County Fair on August 6 to 17.

“It was a good, safe and clean fair,” said Jessica Underberg, CEO and fair manager. “Our attendance was on par with our three-year average of around a million guests. The hot weather was our biggest challenge as we had six days in the high 80s and the last day of the fair saw more than two inches of rain.”

But the fair official said she was pleased with the response from the public despite the sweltering heat on some afternoons.

“We're not made for the heat, but people did come out as we have plenty of green spaces in the park that provide shade and areas to take a break,” she noted. “We're grateful for the response and our evening crowds were huge.”

Record food drive

The 12-day exposition got off to a record start on August 6 with its annual food drive. Those presenting four canned food items were admitted to the fair for free, which led to busy fairgrounds and a packed midway.

“It was our fifth consecutive record-breaking food drive,” an enthusiastic Underberg stated. “We collected 164,384 pounds of food which filled 297 pallets.”

Another popular promotion the first Saturday of the fair was admission for only $7.16. The fair's manager pointed out that the unique price point resonates with the general public as the telephone area code in the region is 716. Regular gate admission was $17 with 12 and under free.

101 years on the midway

Strates Shows, Orlando, Florida, presented the midway for the 101st consecutive year. New attractions were Skyfall, a Fabbri Group Saturno; Viper (Wisdom) and Rock Star funhouse. The carnival fielded 52 rides, including its giant wheel (Interfair), Thunderbolt (Chance), Wave Swinger (Zierer), Fireball (KMG), Rock Star (ARM) Pirate (Huss), Himalaya (Reverchon) and Venetian double-deck carousel (Bertazzon).

The show booked in a Zyklon coaster (Pinfari) through independent ride owner Butch Van Hull.

“The midway was down maybe a tick,” Underberg asserted, citing the weather as having an impact on carnival revenue.

“Despite stretches of unseasonably high temperatures in Hamburg and in all of the Northeast this summer, midway revenue held steady with our three-year average, underscoring strong guest participation and consistent spending,” noted Marty Biniasz, director of marketing for Strates Shows. "From rides and games to food concessions, results reinforced the fair’s reputation as one of the premier fair stops on our route and in the nation. We are encouraged by this stability and proud of the continued community support that keeps the Fair trending in such a positive direction."

The show offered weekday online pre-sale ride wristbands for $35 as well as an advance sale fun card loaded with 120 credits for $50. The cards were reloadable during the fair.

High school rock stars

A highlight at the Buffalo News Grandstand was a concert by classic rock band Foreigner, which also featured students from Starpoint High School in neighboring Niagara County. Two dozen youth accompanied the band's frontman, Kelly Hansen, in singing the chorus to Foreigner's biggest hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

“Those kids will have those memories forever — being onstage for that performance,” the fair manager said.

Country artist Tracy Lawrence was a strong draw as well as reggae fusion musician Shaggy. The fair also welcomed back the 2025 edition of The Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett And Union Gap and The Cowsills.

Seats for grandstand performances ranged from $39 to $101.

Free acts included rock band Everclear and MJ Live, a Michael Jackson tribute. The shows were booked through Jayson Entertainment Group, Hendersonville, Tennessee, which has serviced the Erie County Fair for decades.

World-renowned comic daredevil Bello Nock performed in the Ultimate Stunt Circus on the fairgrounds, which presented four free shows daily.

Exhibits and competitions

Underberg reported exhibits were up this year and livestock competitions remained on par with previous fairs. As an added treat, television chef and author Sandra Lee offered her expert opinion in judging food entries.

A French film crew was also on hand during the exposition to film a documentary comparing the differences between fairs in the U.S. to those in France.

The Erie County Fair, recognized as one of the largest county fairs in the country, is produced by the Erie County Agricultural Society, a not-for-profit membership organization. Nearly 600 community members are employed during the fair in a variety of positions on the 275-acre facility.

●ecfair.org
Zoombezi Bay debuts multiple unique waterslides, attractions

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

POWELL, Ohio — This past summer, Zoombezi Bay, the water park belonging to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, opened a new, dynamic addition to its attractions, anchored by the world's first Hive 20 water ride from ProSlide Technology. This innovative ride blends cutting-edge design with the Zoo’s mission-driven storytelling.

Developed through a partnership spanning 17 years with ProSlide, the park was thrilled to debut Conservation Tower, a landmark expansion featuring three new immersive attractions. Each ride is inspired by themes of conservation and environmental impact, transforming the guest experience into an adventure with an educational component.

Leading the expansion is The Hive, which features the world’s first pair of Hive 20 features. This groundbreaking ride sends guests through high-speed, high-G helix turns, offering sweeping panoramic views in a 360-degree journey that mimics the motion and energy of a buzzing beehive. The two massive beehive-shaped helices alternate between opaque and translucent yellow panels highlighted with honeycomb graphics. The tube chute leading into and out of the hive element alternates between yellow and black sections with glowing honeybees on the black panels. Children between 42 and 48 inches can ride with an accompanying adult. Guests over 48 inches can ride as a pair as long as their combined weight does not exceed 400 pounds — or they may ride alone.

ProSlide’s Hive concept, unveiled at IAAPA Expo 2024, was inspired by the company’s own FlyingSaucer. Hive takes the concept a step further by adding a full spiral double helix. Unlike typical waterslide helices, Hive is open in the center and can be made with translucent sections, giving the slide unmatched visuals. Hive made its debut this year at two locations. Zoombezi Bay’s is the first in North America and the only Hive 20. A larger Hive 35 that can accommodate five-person rafts made its premiere at Chimelong Water Park in China.

“Conservation Tower is full of firsts — from the world’s first installations of the Hive 20 and Captina Falls, a RallyRacer with FlyingSaucer 8 elements, to the conservation theme that supports the mission of our organization,” said Anthony Sabo, vice president, Zoombezi Bay and guest services. “We could not be prouder to work with our great partners at ProSlide and debut these amazing attractions.”

“For nearly two decades, Zoombezi Bay has been a phenomenal partner in pushing the boundaries of guest experience,” said Jeff Janovich, senior vice president of global strategic partnerships at ProSlide. “With Conservation Tower, they’ve raised the bar for how storytelling and conservation can transform a water park into something truly meaningful. We’re proud to continue innovating alongside them.”

The new Conservation Tower lineup includes two additional high-profile waterslides. Mussel Mayhem features a TornadoWave 12 / Tornado 18 SwitchBack. This combo is the first-of-its-kind and is one of the longest waterslides at the park. The slide pays a twisting tribute to freshwater mussel conservation.

Freshwater mussels play an important role in Ohio’s rivers as each mussel can filter almost 15 gallons of water per day, but several species are considered endangered at the local, state and national levels. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Watters Aquatic Conservation Center has partnered with multiple organizations, including The Ohio State University, to address declining mussel populations.

Captina Falls is the world’s first RallyRacer with FlyingSaucer 8 sections that utilizes mats. It offers excitement in a fast-paced, side-by-side mat-racer format. Multiple Rally points let competitors check on their progress as they traverse headfirst down the pair of slides. A clock at the bottom shows each rider’s time and leaves no question as to who won the race.

The name pays tribute to Captina Creek in Belmont County, Ohio, which is home to the endangered Eastern Hellbender Salamander. Guests can see the salamanders at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and learn about the Zoo’s efforts to increase the population by raising the salamanders at the zoo. They are hatched from eggs and raised for about three years to give them a head start before releasing them into the wild.

All three slides on the tower use a ProSplash runout instead of a splashdown pool, which enables each of the slides to accommodate younger riders with a minimum height requirement of 42 inches. When the park was planning a new attraction back in 2023, guest survey results indicated that families were looking for more things to do with their middle-aged children who did not meet the 48-inch requirement of the park’s high-thrill attractions. Guests also complained about crowds and long lines, so the park knew its next attraction needed multiple slides.

Zoombeezi Bay has an interesting history with roots that go back to the previous century. Olentangy Park opened in 1896 as a trolley park for the Columbus Railway, Power and Light Company. The park closed in 1937 to make room for an apartment complex, and many rides were moved north to Zoo Park, a privately-owned park located across from the Columbus Zoo in Powell. The city of Columbus acquired Zoo Park in the 1970s and, in turn, leased the property to Ohio-based Funtime, Inc., the same company that operated Geauga Lake park near Cleveland, Ohio, and Darien Lake park located between Buffalo and Rochester, New York. The park was expanded and opened in 1983 as Wyandot Lake Adventure Park, which included a water park. Funtime was acquired by Oklahoma-based Premier Parks, which later acquired Six Flags, assuming the new name Six Flags Inc.

Following financial difficulties in the early 2000s, Six Flags sold the park to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 2006. During 2007, the former Wyandot Lake was closed and reconfigured into two parts. The amusement rides park became Jungle Jack’s Landing, and the water park became Zombeezi Bay. Jungle Jack’s is included with the Zoo’s admission, but the water park is ticketed separately, although there are opportunities at certain times of the year to purchase various combo tickets.

Conservation Tower was the largest capital addition to the water park in Zoombezi Bay’s history. All three slides received rave reviews, and because of the uniqueness, two of them were nominated for AT’s 2025 Golden Ticket for best new attraction in a water park. Parents with families were pleased with the 42-inch height requirement, and the message of conservation and preservation helped raise awareness of the Zoo’s efforts to protect endangered species in its home state.
The Ontario government has revealed the final designs of its revamp of Ontario Place. Images show a large spa and water park designed by the Austrian company Therme Group.

The project, which hands Therme a 95-year lease on the publicly owned waterfront lands, has faced criticism from the public for turning public lands into a private mega spa and water park.

Therme has shown plans for a water park that includes more than 20 waterslides, 10 pools, 14 saunas, nine steam rooms, cold plunges, an ice fountain, restaurants, cafés and bars housed in a 33,000-square-meter (355,000-square-foot) facility.

To appease the critics, Therme has agreed to build a public park alongside the private facility. The 16-acre park will include a public-access beach with changing rooms and walking trails, which will be free and accessible year-round.

Ontario Place will also be the new home of the Ontario Science Center, following the 2024 closure of its original landmark building after having developed structural issues.

Ontario Place opened in 1971 as an exhibition theme park designed to promote the Province of Ontario through exhibits and entertainment. The theme park closed in 2012 owing to declining attendance. Although several venues and facilities have remained open, the park has languished for decades. Multiple redevelopment plans have been proposed. The current plan involving the Therme Group was first proposed in 2021.

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Peters Township, Pennsylvania, debuted its new aquatic park in August. Rolling Hills Aqua Park features a water play structure with multiple levels, waterslides and a tipping bucket. The park also includes a toddler area, pavilion and a party room.

Planning for the park started before the pandemic and originally included a swimming pool and lazy river. However, those plans were about $7 million higher than the project’s $10 million budget. Plans were retooled to increase the size of the water play structure and set aside an area for the construction of a pool in the future.

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Florida’s famous Fountainebleau Miami Beach has submitted a proposal to Miami’s Historic Preservation Board to overhaul its outdoor pool deck by adding 11 waterslides, including one that towers to 120 feet. The historic hotel wants to attract more families with children as part of a city-wide initiative to shed its image as a party city in favor of a more sophisticated and sustainable identity.

The hotel’s stock of 10 existing pools will be decreased to five, along with two hot tubs and a kids zone. The waterslides will include a mixture of thrilling slides for adults and gentler slides for children.

Redevelopment of the pool deck is expected to begin in early 2026. The project will be done in phases in order to have some pools open throughout the rebuild.

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The city of Showhegan, Maine, has received environmental permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to build a whitewater river park. The Showhegan River Park will redevelop an existing downtown river corridor of the Kennebec River into a whitewater park suitable for kayaking, river boarding and river surfing.

In addition to reshaping the water flow, a controllable wave machine will generate a surfable wave.

A new riverfront boardwalk/promenade will connect the river to the city’s commercial district and will provide community green space, river overlooks, and an ADA-compliant paved walkway. The two-mile promenade will provide a link to downtown Showhegan and its locally owned shops and restaurants.

The development is a project of Main Street Skowhegan, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on the ongoing revitalization of historic Skowhegan. The organization received a $4.89 million federal grant, which was then matched locally through the tax financing program.

“Skowhegan is a historic mill town, and for a long time, the river was dirty. And we are now looking to the river, which is really the defining characteristic of our town, as a tool for community transformation,” explains Kristina Cannon, Main Street Skowhegan’s president and CEO. “So, it’s just the opportunity to get more people outside and engaged with nature.”

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Water World in Federal Heights, Colorado, bid farewell to its Calypso Cove area at the end of the 2025 season.

Calypso Cove, which had been around for more than 40 years, was home to home to Screamin’ Mimi, Tortuga Run, Pirates Plunge and Wally World.

It was retired to make way for fresh new attractions and modern amenities. The park gave locals an opportunity for last rides during a farewell celebration on August 24.
Seabreeze Park announces new water attraction for summer 2026

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Seabreeze Amusement Park announced a major investment for its summer 2026 season with the addition of a thrilling new family water attraction to its water park. The new slide, standing 50 feet tall with more than 1,000 feet of tube chute, will be the first of its kind in the Northeast.

Manufactured by industry leader ProSlide Technology, the attraction is designed for a unique racing experience. Guests, riding in pairs on a figure-eight inner tube, will launch side-by-side and race through twists, turns and drops to the finish line. Riders will dispatch into the first rally point before diverging on separate paths through an enclosed tube highlighted with translucent stripes. Competitors can check their progress as they emerge from the tube and enter the second rally point. The slides split again to set up for the high-speed saucer section, where thrill seekers will once again emerge into daylight and feel the powerful Gs as they fly around the edge of the saucer. Following the saucers, the slides line up again for the longest rally point that includes a double dip. The final thrill is a spiral turn through ProSlide’s newest hive element, which has riders careening through a 540-degree spiral with an open center for stunning visuals and high-speed thrills. The tube chutes meet up again one last time for the ending runout to determine the winning team.

“We're thrilled to bring this next-generation family experience to our water park,” said Genevieve Norris-Brown, Seabreeze COO. “At Seabreeze, creating fun, safe and memorable moments for families has always been our priority, and this new racing slide is the perfect way to continue that tradition.”

The new attraction will be located next to the Wave Pool and will include expanded lounge areas. The park projects an hourly ride capacity of 700 riders, with a minimum height requirement of 48 inches (or 42 inches with a companion). The slide is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026.

Seabreeze is one of the longest-running parks in the U.S., having opened as a trolley park in 1879. George W. Long Jr. began renting the park when the trolley line closed in 1936. He purchased the park in 1946 and passed it on to his grandson, Robert Norris, in 1975. The park is still owned and operated by the Norris family, now in its fifth generation.

The water park was added in 1986, originally opening with a water play area and two kiddie waterslides. In 1990, the park entered the big leagues with an adult waterslide from ProSlide, and that relationship has continued over the last 35 years with the addition of several of ProSlide’s popular products, including a CannonBowl and an Octopus Racer. Next year’s attraction will represent the park’s largest investment in a waterslide.
Carnival Cruise Line opens exclusive attraction-filled destination

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, The Bahamas — This past July, Carnival Cruise Line started welcoming guests to Celebration Key, its new private beach and pool experience that operates exclusively for passengers aboard one of Carnival’s ships. The first ship to call on the new destination was Carnival Vista on July 19.

Located east of the city of Freeport, the $600 million development features two of the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons, Calypso Lagoon for adults and Starfish Lagoon for families. The resort also features what is claimed to be the world’s tallest sandcastle, standing 10 stories tall.

Celebration Key follows other cruise lines' development of private destinations in the Caribbean to give those companies a competitive advantage by enhancing cruise itineraries with a stop at an exclusive port of call. The resort also helps Carnival foster a strong partnership with the Bahamian government. Carnival has more than a dozen ships registered with the Bahamas Maritime Authority.

The new private island destination offers visitors five distinct “portals” to explore. Each area of the island is designed with a specific theme, promising a unique experience for every visitor. Themed by the imaginative minds at PGAV Destinations, the resort is a spectacular sight.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed at Paradise Plaza, a vibrant central hub featuring live music and the magnificent Suncastle. This impressive landmark, a larger-than-life, walkable sandcastle, stands as the highest point at the center of the island. Guests can take in the view from the observation deck, then take the plunge down one of two body slides — the pink Flash Flamingo or the blue Mach III Marlin. The two slides, provided by WhiteWater, weave through and around the castle with exciting turns and colorful translucent effects. The waterslides are included with the rental of a cabana or supervilla, but other customers will have to purchase a wristband either online in advance, onboard the ship or once they get to Paradise Plaza. Guests are encouraged to purchase in advance, as long lines can form on the plaza.

Starfish Lagoon is a family-friendly area that boasts a 3.5-acre freshwater lagoon with a dedicated beach and a 5,000-square-foot Guppy Grotto splash pad with a two-foot-deep wading pool. Sports courts allow families to engage in friendly competition in volleyball, basketball, pickleball and more. The splashpad spray elements were provided by both WhiteWater and Waterplay, and Life Floor supplied the safety surfacing. The beach in this area is lined with loungers and cabanas for those looking to relax.

The adult-friendly Calypso Lagoon provides a lively atmosphere with a DJ island and the world's largest swim-up bar with 166 in-water seats. Nearby is the Sunshine Swings bar, which, as the name implies, has nearly 50 individual swings hanging from the roof all located at the edge of the bar. Two food truck locations and two full-service restaurants provide local favorites and tropical drinks. Guests can wade into the crystal-clear water, grab a paddleboard, or float in a tube in the lagoon. Although the Calypso Lagoon was originally designated adults only, in September the age requirement was lowered from 18 and over to 13 and over to allow more family members to enjoy that space.

Guests seeking a more tranquil, upscale, adults-only retreat can explore the Pearl Cove Beach Club, which offers a 6,500-square-foot infinity edge pool with its own swim-up bar overlooking the ocean, along with premium cabanas and exclusive dining.

Visitors can round out their experience at Lokono Cove, a retail area where they can immerse themselves in local culture. The cove features authentic Bahamian hand-made goods and artisan crafts, with vibrant murals and local art adding to the festive atmosphere.

More than 30 food-and-beverage venues span the resort, supported by live entertainment such as seasonal parades, traditional Bahamian rake-and-scrape performances, DJs and beachside games. Guests can opt for cabanas, daybeds, floating villas, sports activities, water sports, waterslides or simply unwind along more than a mile of white‑sand shoreline. Carnival patrons can enjoy complimentary access to the beaches and lagoons, beach chairs and umbrellas, and are provided with one meal voucher per person for casual dining; other activities, additional food, upscale dining, alcoholic beverages and cabana, daybed and floating villa rentals are an additional charge.

The aquatic amenities were designed and engineered by Martin Aquatic. The two central lagoons covering more than seven acres are powered by Martin Aquatic’s Blue Mar Basins technology, which is capable of maintaining pristine water quality for artificial lagoons exceeding one acre.

Other vendors involved with the project include Bermillo Ajamil & Partners LLC, serving as architects and landscape architects. Myrtha Pools provided the stainless steel pools and the construction of the resort was done by Bahamas Environmental Group.

Currently, the resort is capable of handling two large ships at a time. A pier extension is expected to open next year that will allow four of Carnival’s largest ships to dock at the resort simultaneously. The destination is included in more than 500 cruise itineraries, which are available for purchase on 18 Carnival ships departing from nine U.S. homeports.

The resort is already planning an expansion to the east of the existing resort with more infrastructure and offerings for guests, potentially a water park or other attractions. Phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2026. By 2028, Celebration Key is anticipated to welcome nearly 4 million guests annually.
Knott’s Berry Farm's Soak City celebrates its 25th anniversary

AT: Susan Storey

Special to Amusement Today

BUENA PARK, Calif. — In 1920, a berry farm planted the first seeds of inspiration for what would grow to become Knott’s Berry Farm. Eighty years later, the popular theme park destination expanded with the addition of a second gate that was all wet. Knott’s Soak City, located adjacent to the theme park, debuted in 2000 and has been bringing water-fueled excitement to families ever since. Spread across 15 acres, Soak City kicked off its 25th anniversary in May. The seasonal park, which operates May through September, features more than 20 fun-filled speed, tube and body slides, the Sunset River, (one of the longest lazy rivers in California) and a massive wave pool.

For the park’s youngest swimmers, the massive water playground, the Beach House, offers three stories of fun in the sun with more than 200 interactive features, including water guns, nozzles and sprayers. The park’s theme and design celebrate Orange County in the 1950s and ’60s, specifically the Los Angeles area beaches and coastline, and the ride and attraction names pay tribute to the famous surf beaches and towns. Since its debut, Soak City has consistently been named as one of the Top 20 water parks in the United States. This year, both the park and Tidal Wave Bay, its massive 750,000-gallon wave pool, were named Runner Up by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in the "Best Outdoor Water Park" and "Best Wave Pool categories."

For its 25th season, Soak City looked to the kitchen to excite its guests. The park debuted a new dining location, Cal Abunga's Beach Bar, adjacent to the wave pool. The all-new menu featured a variety of tempting flatbreads, along with a wide selection of drinks on tap and refreshing frozen beverages, served in a specially branded cup. Guests who booked a Soak City cabana also enjoyed an updated and elevated exclusive menu with plenty of dining options to choose from. Sliders, veggie wraps, chicken wings in a variety of flavors, shrimp cocktail, and spinach and artichoke dip headlined the menu, along with a tempting array of sweet treats, including Oreo churro bites.

Looking ahead, 2026 at Knott’s Soak City is prepping to be colorful and fun. Last year, Six Flags announced that refurbishment of the park was included in the company’s multi-year plan to spend $1 billion across its 42 parks. Aesthetic enhancements and a water park refresh are planned for the upcoming season. Knott’s Soak City last underwent a major upgrade in 2017, when it added the Shore Break six-slide tower and the Wedge family raft slide.

Knott's Soak City is separately gated from Knott's Berry Farm. The park is themed to the Southern California beach towns of the 1950s and features 23 speed, tube and body slides, a 750,000-gallon wave pool, a one-third-mile-long lazy river, and a three-story interactive kids' area.

●knotts.com
ADG partners with Citywave to bring more surf waters inland

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

COHOES, N.Y. — Aquatic Development Group (ADG) and Citywave USA have joined forces in a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating deep-water standing wave surfing across North America and the Caribbean. In the industry, this seems like a power couple.

ADG is an industry leader in water park and recreational design, construction and manufacturing. Its products and services have been utilized in over 4,000 facilities worldwide, spanning six continents. They have designed, engineered, and constructed more than 100 indoor and outdoor waterparks, and over 550 wave pools and specialty wave systems around the world.

With more than 20 systems operating worldwide since 2012, Citywave, a subsidiary of Urban Entertainment Concepts, has been delivering a powerful, continuous wave experience designed for surfers of all levels. The technology has been successfully integrated into surf venues, resorts, FECs, and more, offering a versatile solution for developers looking to create unique, surf-centric destinations, whose proprietary technology has pioneered and set the global standard for deep-water standing waves. Their ability to deliver a powerful, controlled, and endlessly rideable wave has made Citywave the go-to choice for surfers of all levels and inland surf developers. With a track record of success in over 20 venues, Citywave brings unmatched credibility, innovation, and rider appeal to this partnership — making it a natural fit as they work to expand access to premium surf experiences across North America. With over 50 years of expertise in wave systems and aquatic venue development.

When announcing the partnership, ADG officials expressed excitement to align with Citywave USA.

“In our pursuit of delivering the world’s best standing wave technology, the opportunity to partner with Citywave USA, recognized as a global leader in the space, was compelling on multiple fronts,” said Bruce Quay, chief operating officer, ADG. “Citywave’s proven track record, and ADG’s decades of experience in reliable, quality manufacturing and service/support infrastructure create a powerful partnership. Together, we are positioned to deliver the most high-performance and reliable deep-water standing wave systems across North America. We’re excited to collaborate with the Citywave team to grow awareness and drive the development of Citywave USA locations across North America and the Caribbean,” Quay said. “Merging Citywave’s technology with ADG’s ability to pioneer wave technology and efficiently execute projects is a true force multiplier.”

Julie Kline, ADG director of sales and marketing, said the partnership is unique as it unites two industry leaders, combining complementary expertise to deliver a true turnkey solution.

“ADG brings end-to-end capabilities, design, engineering, and in-house manufacturing in Upstate New York, the only standing wave manufactured in North America, along with installation and long-term service support through our own crews,” Kline said. “This ensures not only quality and consistency, but also a lifetime partnership with our clients. On the other side, Urban Entertainment Concepts contributes experience in development, real estate, financing, and operational knowledge through their work with GoodSurf. Together, this creates a powerful platform for delivering more projects by pairing technical excellence with proven business and operational insight.”

Kline said ADG has worked with Urban Entertainment Concepts on various projects in the water park space over the years; however, the next Citywave project in North America will be the first as partners.

“The tech is unique in that it's clearly the most proven high-performance system on the market today,” she said. “The ride offers the ability to adjust the wave height from two to five feet, has a recovery area that allows surfers the ability to surf without having to paddle out to the wave, pop up, or swim out of the wave, and the ability to use real surfboards with fins. We hosted an open house for potential clients at GoodSurf in Dallas, Texas, and every individual who tried to surf that day left having had surf time. The ability to shrink the learning curve of surfing on this product is bar none. “

ADG’s expertise in the development of surf wave technology dates back to the 1980s, when they pioneered some of the first pneumatically generated surf pools in Southern California. This groundbreaking work helped shape the future of artificial wave technology, inspiring further innovation in the inland surf market. In the early 2000s, FlowRider inventor Tom Lochtefeld partnered with ADG to develop a commercially viable version of his product. ADG went on to design, manufacture, and install over 130 FlowRider systems across municipalities, resorts and water parks.

Recognizing the need for a more authentic surf experience, ADG shifted its focus from sheet waves to developing a deep-water standing wave, launching EpicSurf in 2021. Since launching its deep-water standing wave technology, ADG has continued to evolve and enhance the product. While a new installation is set to open soon in Florida, the future of the product will be focused internationally, with several EpicSurf projects currently in various stages of development around the globe.

Citywave USA was formed to sell, license, franchise, and operate Citywave surf systems throughout North America. UEC developed its first vertically integrated concept, Goodsurf Beach Club, in Dallas, Texas, and has since entered into discussions with numerous FECs, resorts, and marina developers to bring Citywave to their destinations. As the longest-standing, proven deep-water standing surf wave technology on the market, Citywave boasts more surfers on its systems than any other surf technology on the market.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Citywave USA’s expansion, enabling the brand to meet rising demand with unmatched speed, quality and local support.

“We’ve seen incredible demand for Citywave across North America and the Caribbean, and we knew ADG was the ideal partner to help us scale,” said Andrew Limbocker, CEO of Urban Entertainment Concepts. “I’ve worked with ADG for over a decade, and their team is hands down the most professional, capable and grounded group in the industry. Their expertise in sales, marketing, manufacturing and construction is exactly what we need to bring surfing to the masses. With a shared focus on ambitious growth and scaling the business through refined system costs, design efficiencies and streamlined delivery, this partnership has the potential to truly transform the future of the sport.

Ken Ellis, CEO at Aquatic Development Group, said when announcing the plans that: “Our partnership with Citywave USA is a powerful opportunity to bring this proven surf experience to a wider audience, creating meaningful value for developers, operators and investors looking to meet the growing demand for authentic, surf-driven attractions.”

Kline said that aside from the excitement of the new partnership, ADG has been busy with new business.

“Business has been great! We recently celebrated the opening of two major water park projects, Okana Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City, where we also served as the owner’s representative through our developer support services, and the Bavarian Inn Indoor Waterpark in Michigan,” she said. “Looking ahead, construction will soon begin this fall on EpicSurf in Tampa, Florida, which is set to become the largest standing wave on the East Coast.”

In addition, she said this summer also marked the debut of ADG’s wave system at Sunsplash Waterpark in Cape Coral, Florida, as well as a new touch tank exhibit at the Florida Aquarium, Tampa, Florida.

“Beyond these highlights, we’re actively engaged in projects across our core water park market and expanding into new specialty sectors, including surf and beyond,” she said.
Vortex Aquatic Structures celebrates 30 years of success in 2025

Industry's very first Splashpad installed by pioneering company

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada — Vortex Aquatic Structures International (Vortex), a Montreal-based global leader in aquatic play solutions, is celebrating three decades of revolutionizing how children and families experience play in urban environments, water parks and resorts around the world.

As the pioneer of the first Splashpad and the developer of award-winning innovations, Vortex has delivered 12,000 installations in more than 50 countries across five continents.

In addition to its projects in prestigious destinations, the company works closely with cities to create inclusive aquatic play spaces where children can interact, develop cognitive and physical skills and strengthen community bonds.

Far more than just places to cool off, these installations are true catalysts for healthier, more connected societies.

“Celebrating 30 years is a proud milestone for Vortex,” said Stephen Hamelin, founder and CEO of Vortex. “It’s a tribute to the power of innovation, purpose and people. What started as a way to bring joy to underused parks with our Splashpad has grown into a global movement, transforming how communities connect, play and thrive in public spaces. As we look to the future, we will continue to create inclusive water experiences that spark wonder, foster connection and enrich public life for generations to come.”

After 30 years, Vortex now employs nearly 250 people and operates regional offices in the United States, Spain and the Netherlands, with a strong global distribution network. In 2024, the company expanded its European operations with the acquisition of Dutch-based Watergames and More, doubling its regional revenue within a year and expanding its local manufacturing and service capabilities.

In 2025, Vortex inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Plattsburgh, New York, further strengthening its operations and responsiveness in the region. Production at the site is set to begin there in 2026.

“For the first 25 years, our focus was solely on exporting from Canada,” Hamelin said. “Today, we’re evolving into a true multinational [company] by establishing local footprints in strategic regions like Europe and the United States.“

Hamelin said that he feels Vortex’s success has been due to being very intentional about defining and living the company’s core values.

“These values have never been just words on paper,” he said. “They have served as our compass through times of change and uncertainty. By embodying them in our leadership, our decisions and our daily actions. We have built a culture that attracts the right people and fosters strong, lasting partnerships.”

He also said that the company has remained clear about the unique value proposition, consistently communicating. He feels that sets the company apart to help learn the trust and loyalty of their customers, while protecting and evolving that foundation to stay relevant.

“Finally, we have embraced growth as a process of constant evolution, not only by innovating in our offering, but also by bringing in the right talent at the right time, often even before the need was evident,” he said. “This openness to new skills and perspectives has been key to scaling effectively and sustaining long-term success.”

As a leader in the aquatic play industry, Vortex has continued to set high standards for environmental, social and governance practices. From day one, Hamelin said the company’s dedication to sustainability has grown, allowing it to responsibly manage water resources. By combining advanced water controller technology with tailored water management solutions that comply with local environmental regulations, Vortex provides solutions that deliver maximum value without compromising the future. Many Vortex systems recycle 100% of water used, while others reuse water for irrigation or return it to the local water table.

Looking ahead, the company plans to deepen its presence in Europe and explore strategic expansion into markets such as the Middle East.

Hamelin said, “These expansions give us the infrastructure to support international markets effectively, while ensuring we remain closely connected to the communities we serve. Looking ahead, our growth is not only about scale, but about strengthening our ability to listen, learn and lead with purpose in every corner of the world we touch.”

The anniversary celebratory event took place during the week of August 17, at the company’s headquarters, in the presence of Tim Thomas, mayor of Pointe-Claire. World-renowned Michael Suk, MD, JD, MPH, MBA, the chair of the Musculoskeletal Institute at Geisinger Health System and chair of the Board of Trustees for the American Medical Association, was also in attendance. Dr. Suk has partnered with Vortex for more than a decade through the Health and Play Consortium, a national initiative promoting the role of play in public health.

●vortex-intl.com
Island H2O combines foam, live music for under the stars events

AT: Susan Storey

Special to Amusement Today

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — While water parks are almost synonymous with fun in the sun, Island H2O Water Park has looked to the moon as both a guide and glowing disco ball. Island H2O, which opened in Central Florida in 2019, has continued to add unique special events and parties to meet guest demand. Its Family Foam Parties quickly became one of the park’s most sought-after events, and for the 2025 season, more dates were added to appeal to season passholders and casual guests.

Island H2O’s Family Foam Parties are part of the park’s guest experience and overall DNA. The events, held on select weekends, offer enhanced entertainment offerings and are included with park admission. The family-focused events, complete with dancing in foam to live music, garnered positive guest response that led to the addition of more dates to the park’s operating calendar. They also helped to inspire the team to dream up new ways to present the park to loyal guests and a whole new audience.

Central Florida’s water parks have offered “water park after dark” events to guests for many years. AquaGlow at Aquatica Orlando, Volcano Bay Nights at Volcano Bay, and Walt Disney World's H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon events each extend the water park experience with added entertainment and activities for families under the stars. The success of those events also highlighted a gap and potential opportunity. Island H2O recognized the success it was having with family-focused foam parties and began to discuss the potential of replicating the core elements of such events while aging up and attracting a potential new audience. The result, Island Nights, rolled out as Orlando’s only adults-only water park party under the stars. Island Nights included access to all the park’s top attractions, a live deejay and dance music, and dazzling light effects that together transformed the park after the sun had set.

"The creation of Island Nights was in direct response to our guests,” shared Trisha Sissons, sales and marketing manager, Island H2O. “Visitors shared with us that they wanted a fresh way to enjoy the water park. In particular, they liked the idea of adding and incorporating ‘after dark’ elements with an adults-only atmosphere. While the traditional daytime visit is perfect for families, we saw an opportunity to create and offer a completely different vibe in the evening, designed for guests looking for a grown-up, one-of-a-kind experience."

Island Nights events also added featured photo ops, tons of foam, and specialty food and drinks, including exclusive MarGLOWritas. The tropical party-themed events quickly sold out, and demand increased. The success of the Island Nights program further inspired the team to swim a little deeper and create an altogether new water park party experience.

In August, Island H2O announced the debut of the Live! Lagoon Stage and concert series.

“The wave pool is already the heart of the Island H2O experience; it is the center point for day guests, during our family foam parties, and at our Island Nights events,” continued Sissons. “The wave pool also has a huge marquee video screen, which easily draws guests together during special events like our Tailgate Weekends. We decided to up the ante and built a state-of-the-art stage that would allow us to hold live concerts with the wave pool serving as the “seating” area. Guests can experience the performances while in the wave pool, from a poolside cabana or along the shoreline. Island Nights Live! Edition is Orlando’s only adult water park party, and it’s been an exciting program to roll out for our guests.”

To kick off the live concert series, the park brought recognizable and popular headliners to the stage. Island H2O Live! Edition launched across two weekends featuring performances by two of the founding members of the American hip hop group, Migos, Quavo and Offset. Each performance brought high excitement as guests danced in the wave pool, floated in the glowing lazy river, rode the rides and slides, and dined on exclusive food and beverage options — all under the stars.

“Island Nights Live! Edition is more than just a performance,” said Dawn Priebe, Island H2O general manager. “It’s also the start of a whole new entertainment experience in Central Florida. With the launch of the Live! Lagoon Stage, we’re blending the energy of live music with the thrill of our water park in a way no one else is doing. Having Quavo and Offset headline our very first shows set the tone for what’s to come.”

Tickets for the Island Nights Live! Edition events sold for just $59.99 each, and upgrade opportunities, including private cabanas, champagne, exclusive pool access, and overnight stay packages at neighboring hotels were available. Island H2O passholders were also offered a limited number of tickets. The adults-only theme resonated with guests who quickly embraced the immersive party experience, vibrant nighttime atmosphere, and signature drink and food menu.

“Whether you're dancing in the wave pool or catching the beat from the sidelines, the Live! Lagoon Stage offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience live music with state-of-the-art sound,” added Priebe. “We’re energized and excited to give our guests the chance to experience the park in a completely different way — at night, under the glow of foam and lights, no sunblock required.”

Spread across 12 acres, Island H2O features 20 attractions, including the 24,000-foot dual-beach wave pool, a lazy river, the Drop-Down vertical drop slide, and Hashtag Heights, which offers guests the thrill of feeling weightless as they slide along the zero-gravity wall. The seasonal park will close for the year at the end of October.
Dixie Landing closed, water park reopening under new management

Gulf Parks assembling strong team to manage Blue Bayou in 2026

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

BATON ROUGE, La. — The new management taking over at Blue Bayou Water Park, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will begin its new endeavor by putting together a team.

Glenn Haggerty, managing partner of Gulf Parks LLC, said the park already has a wealth of attractions, so a new one is not in the near future.

“We have a lot of work to do, though,” Haggerty said. “We have quite a bit of maintenance since the park was closed for 2025. But first, we will build our staff.”

Haggerty said he wants to duplicate the great team the company has at Gulf Islands Waterpark, owned by Gulf Parks LLC in Gulfport, Mississippi.

“That is first,” he said.

Blue Bayou will reopen in May 2026, but Haggerty said a specific day has not been set. Gulf Islands Water Park also is set to open sometime in May 2026.

The Blue Bayou Water Park property is owned by Sam Haynes, who also owns the adjacent Dixie Landin' Theme Park. The water park didn’t open at all this season. Dixie Landin' opened in June for eight days, then closed. It was later announced that the park was closed permanently. What will happen to the theme park property is unknown.

Haggerty said the water park will continue to be called Blue Bayou, even though there have been some reports that the name would change to Soak ’n Fun, which is the company’s brand.

“But we are not changing the name of the park,” he said. “It will continue to be Blue Bayou.”

Haggerty said he and his other partners are very excited and honored about taking over management of the Blue Bayou property.

“It is like we are coming home,” he said.

Haggerty said he went to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Another managing partner, Mark Moore, who is also the company’s COO, worked at Blue Bayou at one point.

“This was his first job in a water park,” Haggerty said. “So, it is a homecoming for us.”

The third managing partner is Paul Rees, who is the CFO.

“I do a little bit of everything, so I don’t really have another title,” Haggerty said.

At the time of the change of management of Blue Bayou, the water park had as many as 20 attractions, including a lazy river, a behemoth bowl, a quadruple aqualoop, a wave pool and many other slides.

The newest attraction was Mambo, a quadruple aqualoop, which opened in August 2012. For the 2012 season, it also updated its lazy river, bathhouses, food menus and the kids' section.

Attractions listed at the park include the Mambo; Voodoo, a dark behemoth bowl; Azuka, a tornado slide; Racers, a water racer; Conja’, in-line waterslide; Mad Moccasins; Pirate’s Cove, a children's play area; Flyin' Pirogue; Hurricane Bay wave pool; Lafitte's Plunge, a 90-foot freefall slide and Atchafalaya Run, the lazy river.

Not only did this year bring the management contract for Blue Bayou to Gulf Parks LLC, but it was also the 20th anniversary of Gulf Islands Waterpark. Haggerty said being able to start managing the Blue Bayou in the same year makes the anniversary even more meaningful. He said they understand the territory and the culture.

“It was a natural fit for us,” he said. “We plan to offer a combined season pass for guests to both parks.”

Gulf Islands Waterpark offers an array of attractions that Haggerty hopes will just add to the fun if guests decide to purchase the two-park, season pass. Attractions there include Riptide Racer, Horn Island Blaster, Camille Cutter, Deer Island Express, Cat Island Catapult, Lil’ Pelican Bay, an area for smaller children; Ship Island Wreck; Lazy Pearl River; Barefoot Bay; Padscagaula, a kids crossing area for toddlers to tweens and Waveland Wave Pool.

Blue Bayou opened in 1989. Dixie Landin' opened in 1999.

The current owner will continue to maintain ownership.

According to a story in the Daily Report in June, the lease of Blue Bayou filed with the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court’s office, Gulf Parks LLC will pay $50,000 monthly in base rent for Blue Bayou.

“The lease is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2027, but the lessee will have the option to renew the lease for up to six, five-year terms,” according to the story. “On Sept. 30 of each year of the renewal term, the lessee will pay the landlord an additional $5,000 annually, increasing by $5,000 each subsequent year.

●bluebayou.com
New, distinctive resort hotels anchor the orbit of Epic Universe

AT: David Fake

dfake@amusementtoday.com

ORLANDO — When Universal Orlando Resort announced its fourth gate would rise within a second major theme park campus several miles away from its existing resort core, one question stood out: would guests feel connected to the experience if lodging remained back at the original property? Universal answered that question when it announced Universal Epic Universe would be supported by three new resort hotels to round out the new location’s ecosystem. Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Stella Nova, and Universal Terra Luna resorts ensure that Epic Universe is not a park in isolation, but a neighboring destination supported by its own integrated hospitality.

“This fourth gate changes everything for Universal Orlando,” said Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “It truly transforms Universal Orlando Resort into more than a full week’s vacation destination.”

Leading the trio is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room Loews Hotels-operated luxury resort that sits at the edge of Epic Universe’s Celestial Park hub with its own private guest entrance into the park. The hotel is intentionally boutique in feel. Its design emphasizes both Mediterranean and celestial motifs, with a focus on textures, light and intimate public spaces. Rooms overlooking the park provide sweeping views of Celestial Park’s central fountain, making them prime vantage points for the nightly LED spectacle that synchronizes fountains, lights and music. Guests at Helios Grand Hotel not only sleep beside the park but experience its visual entertainment from the comfort of their rooms into the night and long after the park closes.

Beyond the views, Helios Grand Hotel offers several dining and leisure options. Bar Helios, the rooftop lounge, provides craft cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired plates with vistas of both the park and the Orlando skyline. The hotel’s signature restaurant features a fusion of coastal European cuisine, while a poolside grill extends the resort’s boutique sensibility into casual fare. Cabanas line the resort’s shimmering aquatic oasis, designed to be a reflective retreat by day and an illuminated sanctuary by night. Inside, a spa and fitness center complete the sense of exclusivity, reinforcing the “celestial luxury” brand positioning.

Alex Tisch, the president and CEO of Loews Hotels & Co., highlighted the property’s significance: “It is a one-of-a-kind hotel not just because of its proximity to Epic Universe, but also due to the unique guest experience value proposition.”

With its rooftop dining, premium amenities, and direct park access, Helios Grand Hotel stands as the crown jewel of the new campus.

Universal Stella Nova Resort opened in January 2025 and delivers a unique vibe. Its theme is built around the discovery of new stars, expressed in sleek, futuristic design and bold geometry. Marketed as a “prime value” property, Stella Nova provides families with an affordable gateway to Epic Universe while maintaining immersive theming. The lobby feels like a cosmic observatory, with reflective surfaces and sculpted light fixtures that echo starlight. The pool complex, with an interactive splash pad for children, is framed by neon-lit art installations that keep the atmosphere lively into the evening. A casual food court offers interstellar-inspired menus, while a lounge with panoramic windows provides a more relaxed perch above the action.

Universal Terra Luna Resort, Stella Nova’s complementary counterpart, opened just weeks following its sibling. Where Stella Nova is lively and playful, Terra Luna is tranquil and reflective. Drawing on lunar landscapes and transitions of day and night, it provides a quieter atmosphere for guests who prefer a slower pace after a day in Epic Universe. Terra Luna’s design palette features earthy tones, moon-inspired wall textures, and warm lighting schemes that shift subtly through the day. The pool area is landscaped with natural stone features and shaded seating, providing a more secluded retreat. Guests dine in a marketplace-style restaurant that highlights global comfort foods, while the resort lounge emphasizes calm, atmospheric lighting that contrasts Stella Nova’s cosmic energy.

The decision to construct new resorts adjacent to Epic Universe was born of necessity. Without them, the geographic separation from Universal’s original parks and hotels would have left the park feeling disconnected. Together, the three resorts form a hospitality strategy that covers a spectrum of guest expectations. Helios Grand Hotel caters to boutique luxury seekers, while Stella Nova provides accessible retro-futuristic cosmic adventures, and Terra Luna offers an affordable, calming family retreat.

The strategy reflects a broader industry principle: a theme park without nearby lodging risks losing engagement once guests leave at night. By embedding hotels into the development itself, Universal ensures that guest spending, energy and immersion remain within the resort. It also echoes successful integrated-resort models seen worldwide, where hotels, dining and entertainment are built as part of the park experience rather than as peripheral add-ons. For Universal, this approach turns Epic Universe into a self-sustaining destination that captures both day guests and multiday vacationers.

Mark Woodbury, the chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, underscored the scale of the vision. “It’s the most technologically advanced park we’ve ever done. And that speaks to both the attractions themselves, the next generation of robotics drone technology, all the way through to the guest experience. The full guest journey is really being taken to a whole new level.” By placing three hotels around the park, Universal extended that guest journey beyond the gates.

Irwin also reaffirmed the importance of the resorts to the destination’s future. “This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe… Our Universe will never be the same.”

With Helios Grand Hotel offering boutique luxury and spectacular park views, Stella Nova delivering high-energy value, and Terra Luna grounding the experience in tranquility, Universal has completed a constellation of resorts that make Epic Universe not only the company’s boldest theme park but also a complete resort offering that beautifully complements its sister campus.
Efteling opens second on-site accommodation: The Grand Hotel

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

KAATSHEUVEL, Netherlands — In 1992, Efteling opened its first resort accommodation. At the time, it was simply the Efteling Hotel. Today, it is known as the Efteling Wonder Hotel. The original name just wouldn’t suffice once the park’s second hotel opened its doors on August 1. Each property needed to be distinct.

And they are.

Efteling first welcomed guests in 1952, and it immediately transported them into a world of fantasy. Over more than seven decades, the resort has grown and is one of the top five most-attended parks in Europe. The Wonder Hotel feels like a floating castle with enchanting, themed rooms. However, the new property, Efteling Grand Hotel, turns back the clock to another era when majestic facilities were the destination themselves. According to the park, the design of the new hotel was inspired by Wes Anderson’s film, The Grand Budapest Hotel.

What truly makes Efteling Grand Hotel a standout is that it is literally in the park. Visitors who are not staying at the hotel can walk through its spanning breezeway between the retail store and its elegant restaurants. Its striking presence is captivating to all who enter the front gate. The span of the building is 106 meters (348 feet) and is the largest building at Efteling ever built.

“It isn’t the highest,” noted Alex Van Gastel, general manager, Efteling Grand Hotel. “The highest is always the entrance. We will not build anything taller than its peak.”

That said, the property is incredibly beautiful with its architectural detail complemented by colorful gardens. On the exterior is a rotating, mystical-looking clock.

“It’s a magical clock,” said Van Gastel. “The idea is people come in from real life and go into the archway under the clock and transport into the wonder worlds of Efteling.”

A specific parking lot adjacent to the main one facilitates hotel guests. The marble floors and high ceilings of the grand lobby set the stage for people checking in. The chandelier features 193 golden keys.

“The keys are old-fashioned for the way hotels were once run,” explained Van Gastel. “We have a grand piano playing. The cabinets have various artifacts from 70 years of Efteling. You get the feeling the hotel has been here 100 years and has developed over time.”

A coffee shop is both guest-facing for park visitors as well as being open to those staying at the hotel. Day guests cannot enter the hotel lobby itself. The signature item at Café Biscuit is called pomdoortje. It’s a cookie with apple, cinnamon and white chocolate.

“They’ve been flying since day one,” said Van Gestel. “We sold 700 pieces the first day.”

Characters also grace the lobby to interact with hotel guests at certain times of the day, particularly in the evening.

Each room has a specific color palette owing to its views.

“The concept of a grand hotel from the 19th century that we took into Efteling came with cliché stories but also with modern-day elements and Efteling elements,” said Van Gastel. “With that, the positioning of the hotel within the park has beautiful views. We designed four color themes — yellow, red, green and blue. The yellow represents the roof of the main entrance building. Green represents the view of the Fairy Tale Forest. The “Aquanura” ponds are represented with blue. The red rooms primarily overlook the promenade.

A balcony allows hotel guests to overlook the nighttime water show, “Aquanura.”

There are 140 rooms, of which 53 are suites. In all rooms, the shower and toilet are separated to accommodate more members of the family.

“Research into this type of luxury market indicated there was a need for those to be separate,” Van Gestel explained.

The soaps in the room are the park’s own brand, Zenology. Of course, they are conveniently sold in the retail shop.

Restaurants were included in the hotel, and the look and quality of them are notably elevated.

Brasserie 7 serves classics with seven “magical” ingredients. Both park visitors and hotel guests can enjoy this café.

Mystique is another experience entirely. Families and friends dining there embrace a commitment of at least two hours minimum to take an evening-long journey of flavors and experiences. The diners themselves help craft the menu. The table features an astrological-type map with various colored stones.

“You can choose, as a table, from 12 ingredients,” Van Gestel told Amusement Today. “Those are activations between courses. Each stone represents a specific ingredient. What we are trying to do — instead of looking at a traditional menu — families have to play with each other to decide on which ingredients. The kitchen staff then plays with those elements. It is the dinner journey. Those will be small dishes between the main courses.”

Guests can opt for a three- or four-course dinner. Efteling sought out an up-and-coming chef, Teun van Berlo, to lead Mystique, and management finds his talents amazing.

Table decorations can turn out to be edible, or an appetizer can burst into flames. The goal is for the dinner to be an experience.

Reflective of earlier centuries, the pool and spa are found in a basement setting, making for comfortable conditions year-round, regardless of the weather. The larger pool features a mysterious marble ornament from which water jets add character. There are also a toddler pool and a baby pool. Kids may borrow a selection of pool toys. The spa offers a whirlpool, steam bath and sauna — or an ice shower.

The Efteling Grand Hotel has been years in the making. Van Gastel said the park was confident in its completion for August 1 by February of this year and began taking reservations in March. From the hotel opening, bookings were made out to the first week of January 2026.

Admission into Efteling is included in the overnight package.

AT asked, since the hotel was finally open if there were any surprises. Van Gastel said, “The logistics around the hotel. When you are inside a theme park with thousands of people per day, the logistics of deliveries coming in or waste going out have to be planned — a military operation. Everyone told me it was a tricky thing. We need to find a balance there. Plus, there is an Efteling fan base. In our retail shops, we sold out of certain items within 24 hours.”
Lifelong Showman, Ronald S. Weber passes away

Chesapeake, Va. — Ronald (Ron) S. Weber passed away September 2, 2025, after a five year battle with thyroid cancer. Weber was born on December 16, 1967, in Teaneck, New Jersey, to Jeanne Therese Poretta Weber and the late Ronald Otto Weber. He graduated from Paramus High School in 1985 and went on to the College of William and Mary to earn BA degrees in Government and Religion in 1989 and his MBA in 1994. He met the love of his life Melissa Lee Sutton Weber in college and they were married on March 27, 1993.

Passionate about the outdoor amusement business, Weber participated in just about every aspect of the industry. Beginning his career as marketing director of Amusements of America, he went on to own his own carnival and ran several small private fairs. He eventually opened Innovative Marketing and handled advertising campaigns for fairs and carnivals all over the country.

In recent years, Weber devoted himself to his role as the editor of CarnivalWarehouse.com, where he elevated coverage of the mobile amusement industry with his insight, knowledge and passion. Most recently, he launched the Amusement Warehouse Podcast, a personal project that allowed him to share stories, preserve industry history, and highlight the people who made the midway so special.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Weber had a deep love for tennis, both playing and watching, and shared that passion with others as a coach at Hickory High School and Catholic High School. Whether on the court or in the stands, his enthusiasm for the game never wavered.

Baynum Amusement Solutions announced the addition of Shannon Benjamin to its leadership team. With more than 30 years in the coatings industry, including senior roles at Sherwin- Williams’ Protective and Marine Coatings division, PPG Industries, National Coatings & Supplies and Basco Manufacturing, Baynum views Benjamin’s addition as a major step forward for the company and its clients.

“Shannon has been a trusted part of our work for years and having him on our team takes things to another level,” said Walt Bowser, president and CEO of Baynum Solutions. “He knows the specs, he knows the environments, and he knows what it takes to get the job done right. His AMPP certification in inspection and corrosion control gives us even more strength in protecting rides and attractions for the long haul.”

Accesso Technology Group has named Mike Evenson as its new Chief Commercial Officer. Evenson will be responsible for leading Accesso’s global commercial strategy and ensuring alignment across sales, marketing and business development, while driving market expansion and unlocking future growth opportunities.

“As we enter our next phase of growth, Mike’s proven ability to identify new markets, build lasting partnerships, and optimize commercial operations makes him an outstanding addition to our executive team,” said Steve Brown, CEO of Accesso. “His leadership will be critical in aligning our commercial strategy to deliver an exceptional experience for our customers. Together with our recently appointed COO, Lee Cowie, I am confident our leadership team is well-positioned to guide Accesso into its next chapter of growth and innovation.”

With more than 20 years of leadership at the intersection of technology, ticketing, live events, and customer engagement, Evenson brings deep expertise in scaling high-performing teams and advancing customer-centric innovation. At AudienceView, he held a series of diverse and progressive executive roles, including vice-president of marketing and product management, VP of Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer, where he unified brand, product, and go-to-market strategy to drive growth and transformation across the business.

KMI International announced the appointment of Emily Popovich, ICAE, as Director, Global Business Development. In this new role, Popovich will spearhead strategic growth initiatives across KMI’s full spectrum of market sectors — including hospitality, themed entertainment, marine and port, as well as aviation — while strengthening the firm’s position as a trusted partner to clients worldwide.

“Emily’s proven ability to build relationships and her deep understanding of our key industries make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said John R. Manning, Co-Founder, CEO, and chairman of the board at KMI International “Her collaborative spirit and big-picture perspective will help us expand our global presence and continue to serve clients with excellence.”
Six Flags, Peanuts extend agreement

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced it has extended its licensing agreement with Peanuts Worldwide for another five years. The new agreement extends Six Flags’ position as the exclusive amusement park partner for Peanuts in North America. The agreement also includes in-park entertainment and sports, food and beverage, retail operations, and exclusive Peanuts merchandise to December 31, 2030, ensuring that millions of park guests at Knott’s Berry Farm, Carowinds, Cedar Point, Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Dorney Park, Canada’s Wonderland, California’s Great America, Michigan’s Adventure, Valleyfair and Worlds of Fun will continue to experience and connect with the iconic Peanuts characters.

“We are proud to extend our long-standing partnership with Peanuts, which has delivered so many fun and cherished memories to our guests,” said Christian Dieckmann, Six Flags chief commercial officer. “Both of our brands are built on bringing families together and creating one-of-a-kind experiences and emotional connections.”

“It’s been exciting to see how the legacy Cedar Fair parks have introduced our beloved Peanuts characters to new generations of kids over the years, and this renewed partnership with Six Flags will ensure we expand those connections in authentic and meaningful ways,” added Tim Erickson, executive vice president for Peanuts Worldwide.

Silver Dollar City, O’Reilly Auto Parts partner

OZARK MOUNTAINS, Mo. — Two Ozarks originals are joining forces to make the journey even more Silver Dollar City memorable. That park's new partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts will launch the park’s first-ever Theme Park Transit Department — adding a touch of pioneer spirit to the modern-day convenience of a ride in.

Three themed vehicle types — the Stagecoach, the Carriage and the Welcome Wagon — will transport guests to and from their personal vehicles. Together, they’ll immerse visitors in the charm of an 1880s mining village while continuing Silver Dollar City’s proud tradition of offering free parking in an industry where paid parking is becoming the norm.

“This is more than a sponsorship, it’s a partnership between two brands rooted in the Ozarks,” said Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts. “Just as O’Reilly Auto Parts has served generations of families with reliability and care, Silver Dollar City has welcomed millions with hospitality rooted in tradition. Together, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind way for guests to begin their adventure the moment they step onto our transit vehicles.”

IAFE releases economic impact study

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) shared detailed information and results following a recent national study on the overall economic impact of fairs and fairgrounds across the United States. This comprehensive study provides valuable insight into the economic and fiscal contributions in the host communities of fairs and fairgrounds, showcasing significant numbers across various facets, including visitors, revenues, wages, employment and more. The study was implemented and completed by Johnson Consulting with the support of OABA, the Iowa State Fair and the Eastern States Exposition.

“For more than 250 years, fairs have been a vital part of their communities. This study shows that they are an economic driver in communities of all sizes across the nation,” said David Grindle, president and CEO of IAFE.

All fairs in the United States were strongly encouraged to participate by completing a simple form on the IAFE website at no cost. The full report is available at fairsandexpos.com.
Marah Rodriguez

Mobaro

Viby, Denmark

A view from the top…

Working as a lifeguard at Orlando’s Wet ‘n Wild water park is where Marah Rodriguez, ICAE, credits learning some of her earliest and most important lessons. Today, as regional vice president of sales for Mobaro, she applies and shares many of those skills with the next generation of water park professionals.

Empathy, focus and confidence

VIBY, Denmark — “You never know where you’ll be and who you’ll meet; the smallest interaction may lead to a great opportunity, even when you least expect it,” Marah Rodriguez, ICAE, shared. “I say that all the time, especially to young, emerging professionals.”

Like many in the water park industry, Rodriguez started as a lifeguard while in high school and stayed even as she attended the University of Central Florida.

“Along with my lifeguard duties, I also worked on the waterski rigs at Wet ‘n Wild,” she said. “While I was in college, a new water adventure park, Orlando Watersports Complex, was coming together. It included wakeboarding, kneeboarding and waterskiing, and the founder remembered me and my work and skills on similar attractions at Wet ‘n Wild. He offered me the chance to be a part of the opening team, and I became ‘Employee No. 1.’ It was a great experience to work at a park as it was coming together, and it gave me the opportunity to learn more about water sports and the recreation industry.”

After graduation, Rodriguez’s career path took a different direction, and she worked for organizations including the American Red Cross and AT&T.

“While I was with AT&T, one of those ‘you never know what door may open’ moments occurred,” she said. “My role was in advertising, and Water Safety Products (WSP) was one of the companies assigned to me as an account. I remembered them because I had used their products as a lifeguard at Wet ‘n Wild, and I shared that during one of my calls. Somehow, my name and what I was doing got to Pat Finnegan. He remembered me from Wet ‘n Wild and contacted me separately, asking if I would consider coming to work for him.”

For the next 15 years, Rodriguez served WSP and its clients. She got engaged with the World Waterpark Association, AIMS and IAAPA and expanded her professional network by attending industry events.

“I loved meeting new people and learning from leaders in the industry,” she said. “Then, one year, during the AIMS International Safety Seminar, I went to listen to a session that Vera Solis was presenting. While I didn’t personally know her, I knew she was highly regarded in the water park industry, particularly as a woman leader.

“During her presentation, she mentioned Mobaro and what the company was doing for water parks. I was intrigued and stopped by Mobaro’s booth to say hello to David Bromilow. I let him know Vera had spoken so well about what they were doing, and I liked what I heard. That’s all I said. I didn’t think too much about it. Several months later, I got a call. Mobaro was looking to expand its team, and David had remembered our brief conversation at AIMS and thought I might be the right fit. I took a leap of faith and joined the team. Mobaro was doing really good things for the water park industry, and I was excited to support the company’s efforts to expand in other global markets, particularly the LATAM region.

“I wouldn’t call it a full circle moment,” she continued. “But with every role I had, there has been a connection to my first job as a lifeguard. The simplest position, the briefest interaction, they can help define your future, even years later.”

“As a lifeguard, you learn how to focus and be focused,” Rodriguez added. “You understand safety is at the forefront of everything you do. We also focused on the importance of listening and leading with empathy. Those skills are critical in water safety, as you are often helping others when they are most vulnerable. They also apply in our personal and professional lives, too, and I work to apply those skills every day with my colleagues and our clients.”

As she has progressed in her career, Rodriguez admits she sometimes felt like something was holding her back. “It was during the IAAPA Leadership Conference in Dubai that I realized something about myself,” she noted. “I met many industry professionals on that trip. I was interested in what they had to say, and they were interested in what I had to share, too. It was a key moment for me. I realized, like so many other women, I put limits on myself and had sometimes held back, almost talking myself out of doing or saying something. I decided then to change the way I think about myself and to help other women change their own mindsets. We need to encourage each other, ignore imposter syndrome and be confident in ourselves.” Since then, Rodriguez has used her voice across the industry. “Being engaged and supporting others is very important to me,” she shared. “I tell everyone, yes, it’s important to get involved, and yes, it’s good to have the confidence in knowing that you should be involved.”

“For example, when I first applied to serve on the IAAPA Water Park Committee, I remember momentarily hesitating, second-guessing what a supplier — me — would bring to the conversation. I pushed past that, though, and I’m so glad I did. I’m proud of what we do on the committee and for using my voice to support the industry. I always encourage others to raise their hand, too.”

Rodriguez helped found the Female Leaders of Amusement Parks and Attractions, which brings women together for networking and conversation during industry events around the world.

“My family teases that I will talk to anyone, anywhere, and I love that,” she concluded. “I hope others see me as an approachable person who will always lift others up and help them be their best self.”

—Susan Storey
Safe Slide restores every slide at L.A.'s Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

VALENCIA, Calif. — When a park reinvests in its current attractions, sometimes the changes can be subtle, and sometimes the results are dramatic. Credit Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles for a dazzling, dramatic makeover for 2025. The transformation wasn’t about new capital; it was a commitment to elevating the experience through imagination.

“Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles has been a beloved So Cal summertime destination for aquatic thrills and splashy family fun for three decades. From the start of this project, we set out to create a completely revitalized guest experience,” said Raffi Kaprelyan, regional general manager, West.

Hurricane Harbor opened in 1995. As 2025 was the park’s 30th anniversary, it seemed to be an appropriate time for the transformation. Owing to the age of many of the attractions, Safe Slide was contracted to assist in the bold, new look.

“They reached out in early summer of 2024,” said Tony Perry, co-founder, Safe Slide. “At first, it started as a conversation about specific slides, but it quickly turned into something much bigger. Before long, we were talking about refreshing nearly the entire water park in time for their 30th anniversary season.”

By “entire,” Perry was dead-on.

“Our team restored all 37 of the park’s waterslides, seven steel towers, and two play structures,” he told Amusement Today. “That included full interior and exterior fiberglass restoration, plus sandblasting and recoating all of the steel structures. It was a full transformation from the top of each tower to the final panel.”

When asked if the park wanted to match the colors previously in place or think outside the box with a newer color palette, Perry was quick to answer: “The park was completely rethemed. One of our favorites was Black Snake Summit, where we helped bring their creative vision to life by adding vibrant ring accents to mimic the look of a colorful snake. It made the whole complex feel more immersive and eye-catching.”

For each attraction to receive substantial attention, this was no small feat for Safe Slide.

“At the peak, about 60 team members were working together to bring the project to life,” Perry noted. “In just six months, the park’s full transformation was complete and ready for opening day.”

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is adjacent to the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. As guests make their way to the entrance of that park — as both entrances are just across from each other in a common plaza — thrill seekers headed for roller coasters can notice the colorful makeover towering above them alongside the walkway.

In addition to the eye-popping new look, the refurbishment brought about a smoother, safer surface.

AT asked Perry if he had a favorite.

“They all turned out great, so it’s hard to pick just one that made the biggest leap,” he said. “However, we’ve always enjoyed working on ProSlide Tornado funnels. They’re massive, iconic and always rewarding to bring back to life. That said, every attraction had its own ‘wow’ moment by the end, which made the whole project so fun to be a part of.”

While the slide refurbishment was a huge statement, Six Flags didn’t stop there.

The park also introduced a new storyline to make the park feel imaginative. The narrative of pirates abandoning their plundering ways in favor of offering island hospitality let Six Flags have fun with signage, landscaping and building structures. Driftwood became benches, and sunken ships are towering slides. Artistic opportunities complemented the new looks of slides. Even the employee uniforms are connected to the new rebrand.

In addition to the refreshed buildings, the cabanas have also been updated with a more aesthetically pleasing look and comfort amenities.

Exterior fencing along the park’s perimeter along the walkway was also added. New photo ops and a refreshed entry plaza were part of the transformation. Many walkways were completely repaved as well. Added shade was also welcome.

New palm trees and landscaping grace the lazy river.

“There is more still to come in 2026 with an all-new bar and entertainment stage,” added Kaprelyan. “Of course, the perfect complement to the guest-facing amenities called for augmented back-of-house areas to take care of our team who are taking care of our park guests during their ultimate day in the sun at Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles.”

Daniel’s Woodland fabricated the scenic overlay via props and photo ops. The creative designs came from Logan Wince (Show Machine), who was contracted to do the designs over all things scenic.

All the thematic elements have been touched up and look fresh. Because of the entire makeover, Hurricane Harbor L.A. received the Publisher’s Pick Turnstile Award at the recent Golden Ticket Awards.

“Safe Slide is proud to have partnered with Six Flags Hurricane Harbor L.A. on the complete water park transformation,” said Perry. “It’s been an incredible six months working alongside the entire Six Flags team — their collaboration and vision made this project a true success.”

●safeslide.com
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DMT, Mobaro set new standards for amusement ride maintenance

ESSEN, Germany — DMT, a TÜV Nord Group company, and the Danish software company Mobaro are working together to enable amusement parks to operate faster, safer and smarter in the maintenance of their rides. The AI-supported monitoring system DMT RideGuard monitors the technical condition of rides in real time and will now be seamlessly integrated into Mobaro’s leading platform for digital maintenance and inspection management of amusement parks. This means that safety-relevant operating data from rides can be merged with maintenance and inspection processes in one platform, saving time and resources.

Amusement parks are faced with the challenge of efficiently ensuring the safety and availability of their rides while at the same time increasing their complexity. This poses challenges for operators, especially during ongoing operations. With RideGuard, DMT has created a practical solution for the technical monitoring of rides that is already being used successfully in several amusement parks. Based on state-of-the-art IoT sensor technology, the system analyzes the characteristics of the ride in real time. Thanks to the intelligent evaluation of the collected data by a specially trained AI, DMT RideGuard reacts to any anomalies and informs the operator immediately.

“Artificial intelligence already plays a central role in the maintenance of systems and processes — now AI is also conquering amusement park rides,” said Dr. Maik Tiedemann, CEO of DMT and CEO of the TÜV NORD Business Unit Energy & Resources. “With the combination of AI-supported monitoring and digital maintenance management, we are setting new standards for the safety and availability of amusement rides. With RideGuard, we are leaders in AI monitoring of amusement park rides. Thanks to seamless integration into the Mobaro maintenance management platform, we are significantly improving effectiveness, efficiency and usability.”

Mobaro helps ride operators ensure safer operations, smoother workflows, and better guest experiences by digitizing and connecting safety, maintenance and operations — trusted by attractions worldwide. By linking the two systems, operators can not only recognize deviations immediately, but also document and control the corresponding measures directly in the same system — a decisive step towards greater safety and efficiency.

The first user of the new complete solution is Karls Erlebnis-Dorf in Rövershagen. Previously, the park relied on both systems independently of each other. Now DMT RideGuard will be made available via the Mobaro software without any further effort.

“At Karls, guest safety is our top priority. By integrating DMT RideGuard into Mobaro, we can spot irregularities in real time and act immediately, giving our teams the best possible support to keep our rides safe and reliable across all locations,” commented Maximilian Mairinger, Head of Experience and Events at Karls Erlebnis-Dorf.

Mobaro prides itself on offering the attractions industry a software and consultancy service to effectively take care of safety, maintenance and security procedures.

●dmt-group.com

●mobaro.com
Company broadens its worldwide footprint

Accesso expands collaboration with PayPal, broadens options

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

ORLANDO — Accesso Technology Group, a premier technology solutions provider for the leisure, entertainment, attractions and cultural markets globally, is deepening its collaboration with PayPal to deliver trusted, flexible and guest-friendly payment options. This next-generation integration builds on Accesso’s original PayPal Checkout support and introduces a significantly more powerful, flexible and conversion-optimized payment experience for venues worldwide.

Flannery Higgins, Accesso's director of marketing, said its work with PayPal had been centered on providing standard checkout options.

“With this new integration, we have expanded to a full suite of payment choices which include Venmo, Pay Later, PayPal Credit and Pay in 3 in the U.K.,” Higgins said. “This creates a more flexible and mobile-friendly experience to give guests more ways to pay. It also helps operators capture more sales.”

The new integration is available through Accesso Pay 3.0 and delivers a checkout experience designed to be fast, secure and conversion-focused. Guests can now choose from multiple digital and card-based payment options, while venues benefit from a platform that adapts to how guests prefer to pay while driving higher revenue potential.

Higgins said this collaboration will be highlighted at the company’s upcoming Accesso Client Conference 2025 in Orlando, Florida, at the end of September, where PayPal is a Gold Sponsor.

“In November, Michael Wiggins, our senior director of global services, will also speak at IAAPA Expo Orlando about Accesso’s latest flexible payment innovations,” Higgins said. “IAAPA attendees will also want to stop by Booth #5131 to test drive a demo of the latest mobile Accesso Freedom food and beverage ordering. Looking ahead, Accesso continues to invest in partnerships and technology that deliver flexibility and growth opportunities for our partners and clients.”

In announcing the expanded collaboration, Wiggins said: “Consumer expectations are evolving rapidly, and it’s vital we empower our clients with the trusted, flexible payment options guests expect. This expanded collaboration with PayPal broadens our wallet offering to provide an even stronger commerce platform built for growth. It’s about giving guests more ways to pay and giving our clients more ways to convert.”

This collaboration is helping venues around the world meet growing consumer demand for speed, flexibility and choice at checkout.

Accesso prides itself on the development of award-winning, cutting-edge solutions and adapts its proprietary technologies to meet the evolving needs of the markets it serves. Accesso first integrated PayPal into the checkout process for Accesso Passport online ticketing system users worldwide in 2014.

Then in 2022, Accesso Passport client venues were able to offer PayPal’s popular Pay Later options that included paying in four interest-free payments over six weeks and PayPal Credit2, a digital credit line that offers six months of special financing on purchases of more than $99.

In other Accesso news, the company announced in April of this year that it had been selected as the guest experience technology provider for the Qiddiya giga-project in Saudi Arabia. Located southwest of Riyadh, Qiddiya City is set to become the crown jewel of entertainment, sports and cultural experiences within the Kingdom, spanning over 300 square kilometers.

Then, in May, Accesso announced the asset acquisition of 1Risk, a leader in cloud-based online liability waiver and incident risk management data technology for the leisure and recreation industries, with particular strength in the ski sector. Founded in 2012, 1Risk developed technology to streamline the process of securing liability waivers for activities such as ticket and pass purchases, equipment rentals and lessons. Over the years, the SaaS-based solutions were expanded to include critical risk management tools, such as incident reporting and dispatch operations tracking, allowing operators to leverage data to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents over time.

The 1Risk liability waiver application, 1Waiver, is in more than 160 venues across North America, nearly half of which are also Accesso clients.

●accesso.com
Roller acquires BookNow Software, transforming guest experiences

AUSTIN, Texas — Roller, an all-in-one venue management platform, announced it has acquired U.K.-based BookNow Software, a CRM-native booking and operations platform.

The acquisition accelerates Roller’s mission to bring more smiles to guests of the attractions industry by helping venue operators grow faster and deliver exceptional guest experiences. The move strengthens Roller’s support for European customers with more in-region resources and improves its ability to service large multi-venue enterprises through deep CRM interoperability expertise.

“BookNow and Roller share a vision for empowering leisure and attraction businesses with cutting-edge technology that transforms the guest experience and fuels long-term growth,” said Luke Finn, CEO of Roller. “Their strong presence in Europe and expertise with CRM interoperability are key strategic levers that help Roller move faster in our mission to transform the guest experience and drive incredible ROI for our customers.”

Founder of BookNow Software, Luke Sims, joins Roller and will serve as CEO BookNow, a Roller Company. Sims’ significant technical and commercial expertise, combined with his hands-on experience as an owner and founder of the U.K.’s first trampoline park chain, expands Roller’s guest-focused leadership team.

“When we started BookNow, we were on a mission to serve large enterprise attractions, especially within the Salesforce ecosystem,” said Sims. “The opportunity to come together with Roller to achieve our shared mission became the obvious next step. I look forward to the incredible results we will help our customers achieve as a part of the Roller team.”

With this acquisition, BookNow customers will benefit from joining with a global category leader trusted by over 2,500 venues in more than 30 countries. Roller’s reputation for investing heavily in customer success and innovation, delivering 99.99% up-time, providing support with no blackout times and introducing more than 100 new product enhancements each year will be further enhanced with BookNow’s technology and client service, particularly in Europe.

Roller publicly announced the acquisition during IAAPA Expo Europe in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Roller showcased its latest technology innovations and solutions for attractions venues.

●roller.software
What’s new at the 2026 AIMS International Safety Seminar

The AIMS International Safety Seminar has long been recognized as the leading education and certification event for amusement and attractions professionals around the world. Each year, the seminar grows and evolves, bringing new opportunities for education, collaboration and growth. The 2026 event features exciting new program additions designed to deepen learning and foster stronger connections across the industry.

New for 2026, the International Operators Association (IOA) Two-Day program will be integrated into the Safety Seminar. This focused educational track is designed for inflatable owners and operators seeking to elevate guest safety operations.

Over the course of two intensive days, participants will take part in curated sessions led by seasoned operators and industry experts. The IOA Two-Day program will address real-world challenges and practical solutions with an emphasis on team leadership, risk management, operations, inspection practices/standards and proper maintenance.

Now integrated into the AIMS Safety Seminar, this track enables inflatable owners and operators with a more-profound technical knowledge while sharpening the operational practices that directly impact safety, efficiency and overall business success.

Now in its fourth year, AIMS International’s Academy of Amusement Risk Management, Safety and Security (AARMSS) complements the wide range of amusement industry safety education courses offered at the seminar with a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen your safety program. Built around four key pillars — safety, security, emergency management and risk management — AARMSS equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage safety, security and risk programs within the amusement industry. Graduates will have the opportunity to earn Certified Amusement Safety and Security Associate (CASSA) and the newly introduced Certified Amusement Safety and Security Professional (CASSP) certifications, enhancing their professional expertise and standing.

Although education is at the core of AIMS, networking and community are equally important. This year’s AIMS Celebrates event will be held at Dezerland Park, Orlando.

Dezerland, with its vibrant mix of attractions, entertainment and unique event spaces, offers the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration. Attendees will come together for food, drinks and entertainment while exploring the venue’s eclectic offerings — from car museums and arcade games to select indoor attractions.

More than just a social outing, AIMS Celebrates is an opportunity to connect with colleagues, meet new peers and continue important conversations outside the classroom. Building relationships in a relaxed setting often leads to collaborations and mentorship opportunities that last well beyond the seminar week.

The 2026 AIMS International Safety Seminar is shaping up to be a must-attend event, offering more content, more connections and more opportunities than ever before. With the IOA Two-Day program providing expanded learning and the AIMS Celebrates event at Dezerland delivering unforgettable networking, this year’s seminar promises to set a new standard for professional development in the amusement and attractions industry.
ASTM expands access to its own Compass Platform

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — To meet increasing customer demand for sophisticated digital formats and workflows, ASTM International is broadening its direct sales efforts and will not be renewing its long-standing and healthy reseller relationship with Accuris (formerly IHS).

“We have been listening to the voice of our customers and users and are excited about collaborating more directly to innovate the delivery of the information and data they need today and, in the future,” noted Andy Kireta, ASTM president. “Accuris has been an excellent partner for ASTM over the years, and we wish them well in the future as their business evolves.”

ASTM has recently completed a multi-year overhaul of its existing IT infrastructure, enabling significant improvements to its flagship product, ASTM Compass. With the newly improved platform, ASTM is in a unique position to provide standards users with expanded solutions, enabling them to do more with their standards.

As part of the enhancements, ASTM is well-positioned to partner with standards users to develop and implement the tools and connections to allow them to easily incorporate standards and technical content into their everyday workflows. Benefits available to ASTM Compass subscribers include both HTML and PDF standards format options, color-coded highlighting, a tracking feature that alerts when new versions are published, more than 300 ASTM videos — built by subject matter experts — designed for quickly onboarding new staff, a feature to pin frequently accessed standards to their Compass dashboard and much more.

“As the content owner, ASTM is in a unique position to serve customers by providing customized solutions with enhanced efficiencies,” added Kireta. “From accessing HTML versions of standards, and assisting with responsible use of AI, to new tools that work in concert with varying digital platforms and workflows, ASTM provides customers a reliable, credible, responsive source for their data needs during this rapidly changing digital age.”
Advertiser Index

Advertiser Page#

3DK9 55

AERIA 13

AIMS International 67

ASTM Committee F24 62

Altitude Rides & Attractions 28

ARM 37

American Resort Management LLC 49

Baynum Solutions 10

Chance Rides 3, 67

CPI 20, 43

Eli Bridge Company 30

Ellis & Associates 41

Embed 31

ETF 68

Fabbri Group 24

Frederiksen Industries, Inc. 30

Gateway Ticketing 23

Get It Done Marketing 12

Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH 17

Great Coasters International 2

Haas & Wilkerson 21, 52

Hodgdon Consulting 62

Hoffman Consulting Group 68

IAAPA Expo0 27

IAFE Convention and Trade Show 39

IISF Super Trade Show & Extravaganza 40

Intermark Ride Group 11

International Rides Management 12

International Ride Training 53

Irvine Ondrey Engineering 62

Kay Park Recreation 5

Kumbak Amusement Engineering 62

Lagotronics Projects 12

LJM & Associates, Inc. 68

Mack Rides 19

Maclan Corporation 66

McGowan Allied Insurance 71

Mobaro 68

Montgomery Inn 34

NAARSO 69

National Roller Coaster Museum 51

Naughton Insurance, Inc. 12

Northwest Coasters 68

Norton Auctioneers 70

Parks Plus Insurance 29

Premier Rides 61

Rides 4 U 33, 70

Roller 32

S&S Worldwide 64

Safe Slide 63

Sartori Amusement Rides 12

Severn Lamb Trams International 14

Sippers By Design 22

SkyTrans Manufacturing LLC 12

StarGuard Elite 45

SunKid 65

V Locker 15

Whitewater West 9

William H. Robinson, Inc. 18

Wiegand Sports USA 68

Zamperla 72

Zebec 47