CARY, Ill. — The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 industry awards during the annual Beers and Cheers event, held at AEI on March 19th.

These prestigious awards recognize outstanding contributions to the amusement industry, with winners selected by fellow AAMA members.

This year’s honorees are:

• Allied Member of the Year: Bruno’s Arcade
• Supplier of the Year: Embed
• Distributor of the Year: AVS Distributing
• Manufacturer of the Year: Apple Industries

Additionally, the 2025 Family Entertainment Center (FEC) of the Year award was presented to Alley Cats Burleson. Unlike other categories, the FEC of the Year is determined through a rigorous selection process, including a self-application window, a thorough review of visual and written submissions, secret shopper reports, and extensive discussions by the selection committee.

“AAMA is honored to celebrate these exceptional companies and individuals who continue to drive innovation and excellence in our industry,” said AAMA Executive Vice President, Pete Gustafson. “Their dedication and contributions help shape the future of amusement and entertainment.”

For more information about AAMA and its awards program, please visit coin-op.org.

BREMEN, Germany — Huss Park Attractions, the German ride manufacturer, is celebrating the opening of Toxicator at Alton Towers Resort in the UK. Standing at 78 feet high, with a 16-foot elevated platform, the new ride is the highest Top Spin ride of its kind, and the company worked in partnership with Merlin Magic Making and Alton Towers Resort to create the unique experience.

The attraction is the next chapter in the story of Forbidden Valley, with Toxicator representing new technology by the Phalanx – the secret (and fictional) organization that controls the Nemesis beast. During the experience, riders are flipped upside down and suspended face-first above a bubbling pool of “toxic alien acid”, with water fountains erupting around the attraction.

The Top Spin Suspended from HUSS
The Top Spin is one of Huss Park Attractions’ most successful products and is found in parks worldwide. The Top Spin Suspended model features 38 seats arranged in a back-to- back (B2B) layout where each row faces the opposite direction. This cutting-edge suspended seating design provides an exhilarating floorless gondola experience, enhancing the sensation of freedom.

Riders on Toxicator can enjoy stunning views on both sides of the suspended gondola. They can also ride comfortably and safely, thanks to upgraded seats and shoulder restraints, and there is no need for a crotch or lap belt, allowing for optimized operation.

Guests can walk through a tunnel beneath the attraction, getting close to the action and the overhead splash hazard. This installation features a brand-new multifunctional water

fountain system on both sides (right over the entrance and exit to the tunnel), capable of spraying up to 8 meters high, synchronized to the ride controls.

Toxicator includes new show ride cycles with synchronized motion, lights and water games to custom soundtracks. The water feature is ready for summer and winter operation, with dryers already installed on-site, and the whole attraction and fountain system can be illuminated for the park’s award-winning Alton After Dark events.

Located in Forbidden Valley, Toxicator is flanked by the Nemesis Reborn coaster, which opened last year after an 18-month transformation to replace its 250-tonne, 716-metre-long track.

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — After a short break from production, the world of film at Movie Park Germany is waking up from its winter sleep! Germany’s largest movie and amusement park starts the new season on April 4 and has a colorful mix of entertainment and events on the schedule. “Once again this year, our aim is to create a day just like in the movies for the whole family,” says Managing Director Thorsten Backhaus. “Entertainment and events play a leading role in this.”

Guests can experience new action right at the start of the season when the new Movie Park Germany Stunt Team moves into Studio 6. In addition to a revised storyline, some new car and bike stunts will provide entertainment. The team has plenty of stunt experience and has already performed shows at theme parks such as Parque Warner in Spain and Mirabilandia in Italy.

Cinematic magic returns to Studio 7 this summer. This year, award-winning illusionist Christian Farla will be performing his newly designed show “Magic Impossible” with spectacular new large-scale illusions. Among the new highlights are “The Showgirl Box”, direct from Las Vegas, “The Scorpion” and the world’s largest illusion act, the “Drill of Death”. The magic show can be experienced between July 7 and August 31, 2025.

In the fall, the Halloween Horror Festival once again casts its dark shadows and over 280 monsters will be unleashed on all brave horror fans between September 27 and November 9. After the spookiest time of the year, Germany’s largest movie and amusement park brings the year to a festive close: From the end of November, Christmas wishes will come true at Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas on over 20 event days and Hollywood in Germany will sparkle like in a US Christmas movie with over 800,000 lights. Shows and entertainment will once again be the focus in the third year of the event.

An extraordinary achievement: 50 years of adventures, emotions and innovation that have made Gardaland Resort an icon of entertainment in Italy and in Europe. Since 1975, it has welcomed millions of visitors, becoming a place where every generation, young and old, has been able to create unforgettable memories.

Today, it continues to be the protagonist of international entertainment, winning the hearts of those in search of magic and excitement.

The 50th anniversary season will offer extraordinary experiences and not-to-be-missed innovations, with immersive adventures in the two re-themed areas and spectacular live shows.

• Animal Treasure Island, the new IP attraction created by Merlin Entertainments, will transport adventurers in an underground dark ride of 6,000 square metres, with twenty original scenarios and new specially created characters. Every aspect of the experience has been designed by Merlin Magic Making’s creative team, to establish an emotional connection with visitors thanks to characters that took more than a year to develop. While maintaining animal traits, these characters embody easily recognisable values and behaviours, eliciting empathy. The first character to debut, Captain Nine Lives, is a charismatic and determined young adventurer, ready to infect visitors with her courage and insatiable thirst for exploration. The project, designed for international expansion, goes beyond the attraction itself: Animal Treasure Island will be a real island of adventure, where emotions and stories come to life thanks to an engaging design and a setting with attention to detail, inviting visitors to explore and let themselves be carried away. Over 250 loudspeakers with 360-degree binaural audio will deliver unprecedented sound immersion, while custom hardware and an original soundtrack (with tracks dedicated to each scene) will accompany the experience.
• The second unmissable 2025 adventure is Dragon Empire, a completely re-themed area that will take visitors on a journey through the millenial traditions of the Eastern world, with vibrant colours, captivating music and celebrations ready to enliven the whole day.
• At the entrance, a majestic gateway dominated by shades of blue and red and embellished with red lanterns, decorative fans and ropes in five colours, welcomes guests and immerses them in a festive atmosphere, “as if New Year began each and every day“.
• In the heart of the remodelled area, attractions – which hold further surprises for visitors – will be flanked by spectacular shows and music, turning every visit into a memorable experience.
• Among other new arrivals, an innovative show will debut at Gardaland Theatre, where technology and creativity come together to create a unique experience. Thanks to the use of extraordinary special effects and incredible performances, the show will overcome every language barrier, involving the audience in an adventure that is accessible to all. Inspired by highly topical themes, it will spark interest and food for thought for all ages.

During this special year, Gardaland further strengthens its commitment to putting visitors at the forefront, recognising their pivotal role in the 50 years of success that have helped shape the history of the Park.

To celebrate this occasion, tailor-made initiatives to directly engage guests will be offered throughout the season. The first will be free entry on your birthday, a gift that will make your day even more special, with an adventure made up of attractions, shows and the company of your loved ones.

FRISCO, Texas — If kids in North Texas have any “spare” time this summer, they can head over to Strikz Entertainment every day for two games of free bowling.

Strikz Entertainment, North Texas’ premier entertainment venue, is participating in Kids Bowl Free, a program that allows free bowling all summer long to kids ages 14 and under.

Once signed up, each child can redeem two games of bowling each day from March 24 to Sept. 12.

“Kids Bowl Free is a great opportunity for kids to get out of the house during the summer and have some fun bowling,” said Neil Farren, founder and owner of Strikz Entertainment. “Many kids have grown up bowling at Strikz and we’re excited to continue that tradition.”

Strikz also offers a Family Pass, valid all summer long for parents and older siblings who want to join in on the fun for one low price: $44.95 for two people, or $59.95 for four people. The registered child is not included in the Family Pass group. Registered kids and family members are also encouraged to purchase a Shoe Pass for $19.99 per person, which allows the pass holder to free shoe rentals while redeeming their Kids Bowl Free bowling time.

Kids Bowl Free will only be available on classic lanes when lanes are available. The offer can not be redeemed in the Rose Room.

Strikz is home to 32 bowling lanes including a private, boutique bowling room, as well as billiard tables, foosball tables, laser tag, arcade games for all ages, virtual reality rides, axe throwing, and the full-service Strikz Bar & Grill, and offers a variety of weekly specials, seasonal promotions and events. 

JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure Resort is excited to announce that Coral, the giraffe calf born on December 15th, has been successfully reunited with her family at Wild Safari! After spending some time in a giraffe barn for care and recovery, Coral is now back with her parents, Conan and Mariah, and the rest of the herd. Coral is thriving, and her brother, Pringles, is especially overjoyed to have her back in the fold!

Though Coral faced some early challenges, including difficulty standing, she has shown incredible strength and determination, thanks to the diligent care of the Wild Safari team. At just over three months old, she is growing rapidly and adapting well to her herd’s dynamic.

The park is also announcing the birth of another giraffe calf. The yet to be named baby boy is doing well, after being safely delivered over the weekend.

Guests will be able to see Coral and the rest of the giraffes when they visit for Opening Day on March 29th.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Hard hats, steel beams, themed coral and heavy machinery all took center stage at an exclusive hard hat tour of SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort today. This first look at the Resort’s newest addition, opening on May 23, 2025, introduces the world’s first “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience, blending ocean exploration with theme park thrills like coral carousels, deep-sea roller coasters and interactive exhibits.

“Just as LEGOLAND Florida is designed to be a child’s first theme park experience, SEA LIFE Florida is designed to be a child’s first aquarium experience, educating them through immersive exploration while fostering a love for marine life,” said LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s President Franceen Gonzales. “As the 11^th SEA LIFE Aquarium in the U.S., we are expanding opportunities for families with children ages 2 to 12 to create lifelong memories while also inspiring a passion for conservation.” Attendees on the behind-the-scenes tour were not only given insights on construction progress and design, but heard from SEA LIFE Florida’s curator, aquarists and project managers. The tour included a visit to the filtration system, a bird’s-eye view of the main ocean tank—at the heart of the “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience—and a sneak peek at 10 immersive galleries and 25 interactive exhibits. Renderings displayed throughout each gallery helped bring the visionary experience to life.

This spring, SEA LIFE Florida will transport guests into an underwater wonderland featuring:

• Incredible marine life, including blacktip reef sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, big-belly seahorses and more!
• A breath-taking ocean habitat with approximately 150,000 gallons of water
• A vibrant freshwater gallery and a colorful stingray bay
• A hands-on invertebrate touch pool for interactive experiences
• More than 3,000 animals across 150 species from Florida’s coastal waters and around the world

NEWPORT, Ky. — The official ribbon cutting for Newport Aquarium’s new exhibit, Jellies: Go with the Flow was held today in partnership with local and state elected officials. The new $1.5 million, 1,700 square foot exhibit represents the first physical expansion of the aquarium in more than 15 years. The space, designed to be a tranquil, relaxing escape, will feature more than 100 jellyfish from six unique species, floating in over 1,500 gallons of water.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the exhibit with “behind the glass” tours designed to show how the Newport Aquarium animal care team propagates these amazing creatures. The new space is particularly unique because it looks different from the rest of the aquarium in look, color and overall tone. The vibrant colors throughout the space make it a highly “instagrammable” opportunity for guests. The exhibit lends itself to a truly educational experience for kids of all ages as well as adults curious to learn more about the important roles jellies play in oceanic ecosystems.

“’Jellies: Go with the Flow’ is a direct response to visitors who provided feedback and requested this very type of exhibit,” said Rebecca Foster, Executive Director, “This will be a truly immersive experience that will amaze, entertain and most of all, educate our visitors. This exhibit demonstrates our commitment to bringing new and innovative opportunities for guests to have a truly transformative educational experience with every visit.”

The exhibit will include seven habitats filled with more than 1,500 gallons of salt water. In the water lives nearly 100 jellyfish in total with six different species represented, including:

• The South American sea nettle (Chrysaora plocamia): This species can grow up to 10 ft. flowing tentacles.
• Upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea spp.): This unique species lives upside-down to help photosynthesize the algae in its tissues.
• The dwarf lion’s mane (Cyanea versicolor): Never-before-seen in the Cincy region, these jellies are sometimes called “ghost jellyfish” due to their translucent appearance.
• Blue blubber jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus): A brightly colored species that pulses and undulates in a distinctive staccato pattern.
• White spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata): This species, named for their signature white spots on their bells, adds extra color and pizzazz to the exhibit.
• Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita): A guest favorite for its hypnotic rhythmic motion. This translucent species is relocating to the new exhibit, where three of its life stages will be on display.

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — Get ready for an exhilarating experience like no other! Five Star Parks, the largest owner and operator of family entertainment centers in America, is excited to announce the opening of its new Malibu Jack’s location. The world-class indoor theme park, located in the heart of North Richland Hills, TX will span an impressive 137,000 square feet – the largest indoor theme park in the state.

“The opening of Malibu Jack’s in North Richland Hills is a big moment for Five Star Parks, and we’re beyond excited to welcome the community to our newest location this summer,” said John Dunlap, CEO of Five Star Parks. “With so many incredible attractions to enjoy, we’re certain that it will quickly become the go-to spot for families seeking fun and adventure.”

Malibu Jack’s North Richland Hills will offer something for everyone! For groups, the venue will feature 12 family-friendly lanes of Duckpin Bowling, an innovative twist on traditional bowling that is fun for all ages. For thrill-seekers, the park will include an enormous 30,000 square-foot indoor go-kart track, the Cowabunga spinning roller coaster, the Jumpin’ Jacks Drop Tower, and the zero gravity Whirlpool ride with a dramatic floor drop. For kids, there will be an exciting Pedal Kart Track that allows them to channel their inner race car driver. In addition, the park will feature a Dark Ride Theater, a Texas-themed laser tag arena, and two mini-golf courses themed Under the Sea glow-in-the-dark, as well as a tropical Bogey Beach course.

In the arcade section, guests can enjoy over 130 video games, virtual reality experiences, and the Valo Arena mixed-reality playground. Younger visitors will love the pirate ship-themed Bounce Beach play area. After all that excitement, guests can refuel at the Jacks Social bar, offering a variety of delicious food. Adults can relax on the Hang Ten Patio and enjoy the innovative self-pour “Pour My Beer” beverage wall, which will feature 24 beers on tap, along with fun social games like giant beer pong, Jenga and cornhole. The venue is also perfect for team-building outings and will offer a “Corporate Cabana” for company events.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group today announced that it has received the Great Place to Work recognition for its company for 2025 for the third year in a row.  The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at FACE Amusement Group.

“We’re proud to announce that FACE Amusement has earned the Great Place to Work Certification for the third consecutive year! Thank you to every team member for your hard work, leadership, and dedication,” states Bucky Mabe, CEO, of FACE Amusement Group.

He adds “Your passion and commitment make our company not just a workplace, but a thriving community! This achievement speaks volumes about the incredible culture we’ve built together—one where our employees genuinely feel valued, engaged, and excited to come to work each day.”

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation.  The certification recognizes employers who create an outstanding employee experience. Certification is a two-step process that includes surveying associates and submitting a questionnaire about our workforce.