DALLAS, Texas — Fritz’s Adventure announces the appointment of Bobby Davis as Director of Operations, bringing his extensive leadership and operational expertise to the company’s second location in The Colony, Texas. As a key member of the senior leadership team, Davis will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the new adventure park, serving as the acting general manager.
A Dallas native and raised in the hospitality and restaurant industry, Davis brings years of valuable expertise to Fritz’s Aventure. His impressive career includes roles as Regional Managing Partner at Hissho Sushi, where he oversaw 97 units across Texas for five years, and as a Regional Manager at Andy’s Frozen Custard, where he helped expand corporate and franchise operations, including seven Dallas-area locations.
“We are thrilled to have Bobby join our team at such a critical time for Fritz’s Adventure,” said Travis Leaming, Chief Operating Officer at Fritz’s Adventure. “His proven track record in multi-unit operations, business expansion, and people-first leadership makes him the ideal person to lead the launch of our new location at Grandscape. We are confident that under his direction, Fritz’s Adventure will thrive as a premier family destination in North Texas.”
Davis’ leadership style prioritizes mentorship, team development, and a people-first approach, fostering a culture of continuous growth and excellence. His ability to build strong, well-trained teams will be instrumental in shaping the guest experience and operational success at Fritz’s Adventure.
“I’m honored to join Fritz’s Adventure and lead the team as we open in The Colony,” shared Davis. “This opportunity allows me to combine my passion for operations, training, and leadership development to create an unforgettable experience for guests and an exceptional workplace for our team. I look forward to building a culture of excellence and adventure.”
Fritz’s Adventure at Grandscape is set to bring the brand’s signature blend of indoor adventure, family-friendly entertainment, and interactive experiences to North Texas. With Davis at the helm, the new location is poised for success as it welcomes guests to explore, play, and make lasting memories.
WINDERMERE, Fla. — Innovative Attraction Management (IAM) is excited to announce the promotion and hire of several outstanding team members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and growth. These team members reflect IAM’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent within the organization, ensuring delivery of unparalleled experiences and services to IAM’s clients and partners.
“We are thrilled to recognize the hard work and achievements of these team members. Their new jobs and promotions are well-deserved, and we are confident that their leadership will continue to enhance the guest experience and drive our businesses forward throughout the attractions industry,” said James Harhi, CEO of IAM.
Katie Wojdyla – Chief Marketing Officer for Innovative Attraction Management
Katie Wojdyla was recently promoted to the Chief Marketing Officer for IAM. In her current role she oversees marketing efforts for Diggerland USA in West Berlin, NJ and Water Safari Resort in Old Forge, NY which includes, Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort and the Water’s Edge Inn. Katie started her career in the amusement industry growing up in her family business, who previously owned Water Safari Resort. She has worked in a variety of departments including food service, games, photo, HR, admissions, administration and camping, all of which have provided a backdrop for a lifetime of industry knowledge and experience. She returned to the company in 2004 after completing a B.S. in speech communication with minors in linguistics and French from Syracuse University. She led the company as Vice President and Director of Marketing with her sister, Kelly from 2012 – 2024. Katie’s most recent accomplishment is raising her 1-year-old daughter with her husband in Upstate New York.
Cathy Dunlap – Park President for Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Cathy Dunlap is the new Park President of Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge, NY, overseeing all the Resort’s properties: the Enchanted Forest Water Safari (water park), Calypso’s Cove (FEC), the Water’s Edge (hotel), and the Old Forge Camping Resort.
Originally from Carthage, NY, Cathy holds a B.S. in Natural Resources with a major in Recreation Management from the University of Vermont. Cathy began her career with an internship at Walt Disney World, later working at the Polynesian Resort and managing Guest Relations at Typhoon Lagoon. Over her 39-year tenure at Disney, she contributed to various resort openings and projects, including Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Kidani Village, Bay Lake Tower, Shanghai, and Aulani Village. She also managed volunteer teams for major events and played a key role in creating recreation for the NBA Bubble during COVID.
After retiring from Disney in 2024, Cathy returned to New York to lead Enchanted Forest Water Safari. Her family has a strong background in recreation, with her daughter Elle now a teacher in Orlando and her late husband Vic having been a lifeguard and waterski instructor at Disney.
Josh Karu – Park President for Diggerland USA
Josh Karu was recently promoted to Park President at Diggerland USA theme and water park. He has worked at Diggerland since it opened in 2014 and has been involved in the company’s growth, ride design, and daily oversite of the facilities operations and safety. Josh has been an active member of the amusement industry for over 25 years. He is a NAARSO Level III inspector and instructor, a Certified Pool & Spa Operator, and a certified lifeguard.
Shawn Kidd – Assistant General Manager for Diggerland USA
Shawn Kidd was recently hired as the Assistant General Manager for Diggerland USA. Shawn comes to us from Island H2O Water Park where he served as Director of Operations since the park’s opening in 2019. Shawn’s prior roles include Client Partner for StarGuard ELITE, Corporate Director of Logistics for Innovative Attraction Management, and Aquatics Director for Myrtle Waves Water Park. His background also includes Ellis & Associates Client Manager serving the Walt Disney Company and he worked directly for the Walt Disney World Resort for 15 years in a variety of management roles across waterparks and resort recreation. Shawn specializes in aquatic safety with Instructor Trainer & Auditor experience with StarGuard ELITE, Ellis & Associates, and American Red Cross. Shawn has been an officer of the World Waterpark Association’s Government Relations Committee for 7 years and currently serves as Vice Chair. He has been a speaker, author & panelist for several trade organizations and was recently recognized with the Jill & Robbin White Lifetime Achievement Award via StarGuard ELITE. Shawn has raised two children, Alexander & Meagan, and moves to us with his significant other, Michelle.
David McLaughlin – Aquatics Manager for Evermore Resort, IAM Operation
David McLaughlin, Aquatics Manager, oversees the aquatics and lifeguard operations at Evermore Resort Orlando, managing an 8-acre crystal lagoon, 13 acres of beachfront, and multiple aquatic facilities.
Prior to joining IAM, he spent over 10 years in leadership roles with Loews Hotels, Universal Orlando, and Walt Disney World serving as an Advance Rescue Patrol Coordinator.
Talea Meneses – Aquatics Manager for Resorts World Las Vegas, IAM Operation
Talea Meneses, Aquatics Manager, is responsible for the aquatics and lifeguard operations at Resort World Las Vegas. Talea has been instrumental in the company’s success and growth with over 7 years of experience in aquatics, operations, programming, training, marketing, and staffing.
Talea’s journey in aquatics began in high school when she started working as a lifeguard. Her passion for the field and dedication to helping others have driven her to seize every opportunity for growth within the aquatics community. She has worked at some of the most prestigious properties in the Las Vegas valley, gaining valuable experience along the way.
Not only has she fallen in love with being around the atmosphere and the adrenaline of helping others; After graduating from high school, Talea pursued her passion for health and safety by attending college. She obtained certifications as an American Red Cross and StarGuard Elite instructor for lifeguarding and earned her Advanced Paramedic License from the EMS Training Center of Southern Nevada. Talea believes that success comes from engaging with and spreading awareness within local communities. Her commitment to excellence and community involvement continues to drive her professional growth and contributions to Resort World Las Vegas.
Christina (Tina) Ray – General Manager for Villatel Aqua Bay Water Park, IAM Operation
Tina has worked in many fields due to her husband’s 22-year military career. She has been a restaurant manager, worked in a daycare and has owned her own daycare to name a few. In 2019 Tina started her management career in water parks at Splish Splash Water Park in Long Island, NY. She started as a Food and Beverage Manager and was promoted to Director of In-Park Revenue in 2024. Tina is excited to join IAM as General Manager of Villatel’s Aqua Bay Water Park. In her spare time, Tina enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. They enjoy traveling, attending sporting events and just being together.
Natalia Seliga – Operations Manager for Villatel Aqua Bay Water Park, IAM Operation
Natalia oversees the aquatics and recreation operations at Villatel Resort. She has been working in recreation for 7 years, starting off as a lifeguard at her city pool. After moving to Orlando, she took on a leadership role at Walt Disney World as a Lifeguard and Advanced Rescue Patrol Coordinator before transitioning over to the Evermore Resort as a Lifeguard Supervisor. She is excited to be joining the IAM management team and looking forward to working with everyone at Villatel.
Bethany Devries – Aquatics Manager for Gaylord Pacific Resort, IAM Operation
Bethany has been in the aquatic industry since 2014, starting as a frontline lifeguard. After graduating from Cal State University San Marcos with a bachelor’s in mathematics, Bethany chose to stay in the lifeguard role and has slowly worked through the ranks. With experience working in large organizations such as Merlin Entertainments, Bethany has developed her skills in leadership and operations. Bethany loves what she does, and their favorite part of the industry is watching new lifeguards become more and more confident in their skills throughout their tenure as a lifeguard.
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Family Entertainment Group (FEG) is thrilled to announce the grand re-opening of a newly reimagined arcade at Knott’s Berry Farm. The revitalized 5,200-square-foot entertainment space, named The Factory Floor Arcade, will officially open its doors on Friday, May 21st, offering guests an upgraded gaming experience with exciting new attractions and a fresh thematic design. To celebrate the opening of The Factory Floor Arcade, all guests will enjoy half-price games from Monday, 2/24 through Friday, 2/28.
The transformed arcade embraces a 1920s factory theme, featuring immersive décor elements such as faux brick walls, steel beam treatments, and a newly themed redemption counter. Enhancements also include updated lighting and an overall refresh to complement the dynamic atmosphere of Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boardwalk area.
Guests will have access to approximately 70 cutting-edge games, including two of the latest virtual reality attractions: Godzilla and Rilex Coaster. Players can redeem their winnings at the arcade’s new redemption counter, stocked with a variety of exciting prizes. Family Entertainment Group continues its commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences across the country. The new arcade at Knott’s Berry Farm represents another step in enhancing family fun for visitors of all ages.
ST. LOUIS — Intercard, the world leader in cashless technology, has added amusement industry veteran and arcade operations expert Chris Barker to its team as an account executive.
Chris has been in the amusement industry for 25 years and has experience in installing, operating and maintaining arcades for amusement and water parks, FECs and route operations. He joins Intercard after a successful tenure as a district manager for industry leader Family Entertainment Group. There he helped develop the sensational “Human Claw Experience” that puts players into a large-scale claw machine by suspending them in the air over a pit filled with prizes that they try to pick up.
Chris has worked with several other industry giants, including Player One Amusement Group, Elaut USA and Tricorp Amusements.
“Chris’s extensive experience in large outdoor venues makes him a strong addition to the Intercard team as we continue to grow our customer base,” says Rob Geiger, North America sales manager for Intercard.
A Pittsburgh native, Chris’ first arcade memory is playing the classic “Fascination” rollerball game at the legendary Kennywood Amusement Park. He began his professional arcade career as a technician for Dave & Buster’s in Pittsburgh. His favorite arcade game is “NFL Blitz 1999.” “That was one of the games I played in high school,” says Chris, “I actually own one and I keep it nice and clean and running.”
Chris Barker is available at [email protected] to answer questions about Intercard’s popular products and services.
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Feeling lucky and ready to roll the LEGO dice? Grab your chips and head to LEGOLAND California Resort for a kid-friendly Vegas adventure! Built from more than 1.5 mil LEGO bricks, MINILAND Las Vegas has officially re-opened at the Carlsbad theme park, offering the perfect family-friendly Vegas experience.
MINILAND Las Vegas has been a beloved landmark at the Park for nearly two decades and Master Model Builders have been hard at work bringing the LEGO city to life once again with all-new details for guests to enjoy! With over 1,500 new Minilanders, 200 new LEGO vehicles and four new iconic LEGO built buildings, the newly refreshed MINILAND Las Vegas recreates the vibrant sights and sounds of the famous Las Vegas Strip.
What’s New in MINILAND Las Vegas:
- Hard “Block” Hotel: Standing more than six feet tall and eight feet wide, this structure is built from more than 130,000 bricks and took Master Model Builders more than 600 hours to design and build.
- “Trendy” Island Hotel: Crafted from 125,000 LEGO bricks, this hotel took nearly 520 hours to create.
- Giant Brick Pyramid: Reaching five feet tall and inspired by the iconic Luxor hotel, this build is made from 30,000 bricks and required 130 hours of meticulous design and building time.
- The Tallest Tower: Inspired by the STRAT Hotel, the LEGO build stands 15 feet tall, making it the tallest structure in MINILAND Las Vegas! Comprised of 33,000 LEGO bricks, it took Master Model Builders 224 hours to create.
- Intergalactic Car Show: This out-of-this world car show features spaceships and aliens, with a fun Elvis impersonation contest you can spot among the Minilanders!
LEGOLAND® California Resort is offering a fantastic deal for families looking to explore the new MINILAND Las Vegas with BIG savings this spring! For a limited time, purchase a Hopper ticket and get a second day FREE. Plus, families can turn their visit into a vacation and save up to 15% on hotel rooms!
Here’s the Deal:
- Second Day FREE Hopper Tickets: Choose a LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE Hopper or Resort Hopper ticket and enjoy a second day at the Park absolutely FREE! Combine this offer with hotel savings for the ultimate LEGOLAND® California sleepover
- When to Book: Starting today Feb. 20, for a limited time
- Travel Window: March 18 – April 28, 2025
For the third consecutive year, PortAventura World is kicking off its new season with Carnival celebrations. Every weekend in March, visitors to the resort will be able to enjoy the rhythms, colours, and festivities inspired by this iconic festival known around the world and also by those in the resort’s immediate surroundings.
Along these lines, this year the company has opted for new parades led by groups from neighbouring municipalities, boosting their visibility and demonstrating the incredible talents of the area’s vibrant ensembles. The chosen troupes are Colours Fantasy, Sinhus, Aerodance, Pandora and Torres Jordi, as well as the Bombastik batucada and the Bandarra Street Orkestra. The carnival companies are also debuting new and carefully designed costumes. All these street entertainers can be found in the different areas of the resort during opening hours, from open to close. This new proposal is in conjunction with the schedule of exclusive shows for this time of year.
Fernando Aldecoa, general manager of PortAventura World: “We are very proud to be able to talk about the most locally sourced Carnival we have had to date at PortAventura World. Our aim is to make a positive impact on our surroundings and by taking actions such as these we hope to promote recognition of the local troupes that organise their parades with such care for the enjoyment of our visitors. In addition, this year the Carnival marks the beginning of a very special season for us, with the celebration of our 30th anniversary, which will last throughout the year”.
This also marks the start of PortAventura World’s thirtieth anniversary season, a unique milestone that the first visitors of the season can enjoy with the special themed decorations adorning the streets of the entire resort. From 1 March to 6 January 2026, the resort will be fully dedicated to commemorating its most special year, full of surprises and moments to remember.
With the aim of improving the experience of visitors who choose to stay in the park’s hotels and Club PortAventura members, the resort has arranged the exclusive opening of the Mediterrània and Far West areas of PortAventura Park every Friday until 4 April, from 5 pm to 10 pm. PortAventura Park will extend its usual opening hours on these dates, giving visitors the opportunity to celebrate Carnival and its 30th anniversary during the entire weekends.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Ride the wave with LEGOLAND Florida Resort as it officially announces SEA LIFE Florida will open to the public on May 23, 2025! The brand-new attraction will feature 25 interactive exhibits, including the main ocean display, which will showcase a unique “Theme Park Under the Sea” design. This one-of-a-kind theme, not found in any other SEA LIFE Aquariums worldwide, incorporates coral castles, carousel hideaways and cozy hotel-like spaces, all designed to keep the animals safe while they explore their underwater world.
Just like LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SEA LIFE Florida is designed with kids in mind and will immerse guests in a breathtaking ocean habitat, featuring approximately 150,000 gallons of water, a vibrant freshwater gallery, a colorful stingray bay and a hands-on invertebrate touch pool. Visitors will also get to encounter more than 3,000 animals representing 150 different species from Florida’s coastal waters and around the world, including blacktip reef sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, big-belly seahorses and more! To commemorate the opening date announcement, LEGOLAND is inviting guests to go on an immersive scavenger hunt to discover LEGO sea creatures hidden throughout the Park.
Scavenger Hunt: Spot LEGO® Sea Creatures
Ahead of SEA LIFE Florida’s grand opening, LEGOLAND Florida is making a splash with an exciting scavenger hunt, running daily from Feb. 22 to March 9 during Park hours. This interactive challenge invites guests to search for four LEGO marine animals cleverly hidden by Master Model Builders throughout Fun Town.
To participate, guests can pick up their scavenger hunt handout at the Factory Store before heading out on their seaside adventure. Once all four LEGO sea creatures have been found, participants return their completed handout to claim a special commemorative gift: a reusable SEA LIFE Florida woven bag. This exclusive giveaway celebrates the arrival of SEA LIFE Florida and promotes the Resort’s conservation efforts, as the bags will soon be used across the Resort as a sustainable alternative to plastic. Bags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (while supplies last), so participants are encouraged to complete the scavenger hunt early!
A Commitment to Conservation: Resort-Wide Recyclable Bags
In partnership with SEA LIFE TRUST, SEA LIFE Florida is dedicated to marine conservation, animal welfare and ocean education. In a continued effort to reduce single-use plastic, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida and SEA LIFE Florida will all begin using recyclable bags on May 23.
Dive Into Adventure:
Annual Passholders, will be FIRST TO SEA! They will get exclusive early access to SEA LIFE Florida. For year-round underwater adventures, dive in with a Gold or Elite Annual Pass!
Kids Stay and Play Free:
Book a stay and get a FREE 2-Day, 3-Park ticket to LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park, LEGOLAND® Water Park and PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida when you purchase one adult ticket and a hotel stay. Play all day, rest at night and do it all over again— even sea explorers need a break! Offer valid for stays through May 22.
Plan Ahead & Play More: Book 2 Nights, Get 1 Free
Book two nights, get one free! Enjoy a 3+ night stay in LEGO themed rooms, FREE mini golf, 3-day Park tickets and exclusive kid-tastic perks! Book 45 or more days in advance.
HOUSTON, Texas — Beat The Bomb (2103 Lyons Ave., #300), the world’s first immersive social video game company, has opened its sixth U.S. location and the first in Texas. Centrally located in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, the venue joins existing locations in Atlanta, Brooklyn, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Beat The Bomb offers a unique gaming experience where teams of 4-6 players don hazmat suits, dodge lasers and crack codes to help disarm an explosive Paint Bomb, Foam Bomb or Slime Bomb. Teams who fail to disarm the bomb will immediately #GetBlasted, creating a messily fun experience for all. Beat The Bomb has hosted more than 750,000 customers since opening its first location in Brooklyn in 2017, earning more than 32,500 five-star Google reviews and blasting celebrities such as Usher, Venus Williams, Tony Hawk and the Real Housewives of Atlanta.
“Houston was an obvious choice for the newest location of Beat The Bomb,” CEO and founder Alex Patterson said. “Its vibrant arts community, lively social scene and strong corporate presence align perfectly with our mission to create human connection through our immersive, colorful gaming technology.”
The 10,000 square-foot location includes The Bomb Bar, a full-service bar with an array of cocktails, wine and colorful bomb slushies, as well as a 1,500 square-foot beer garden. Beat the Bomb also features a private event space ideal for get-togethers, celebrations and corporate outings. Menu items include sharable snacks, pita pizzas, an array of hot wing flavors and “Healthy Bytes” for those looking for a lighter option. Surrounding the dining area are four semi-private “Arcade Bays” where guests can eat, drink and play a 90-minute gauntlet of interactive mini-games.
Tickets for Beat the Bomb start at $34.95 and are available at beatthebomb.com/houston. For more information, guests can visit the website or follow @beatthebomb on social media.
Located adjacent to Meow Wolf in the former Moncrief Lenoir Manufacturing Co. building, Beat the Bomb Houston is open Wednesday and Thursday from 3-9 p.m., Friday from noon to 1 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
LAS VEGAS — Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in revenue management and cashless solutions for the entertainment industry, proudly announces the successful installation of its cutting-edge products at the newly opened In The Game Fremont Street arcade, operated by Family Entertainment Group (FEG), on the iconic Las Vegas Fremont Street.
The modern venue chose to install Sacoa’s latest reader, the Spark Reader, as well as their three-time award-winning K4 Kiosk, POS, and Redemption 2 system. These integrated solutions enhance the guest experience by providing seamless transactions, efficient customer service, and streamlined prize redemption processes.
“We are thrilled to partner with Family Entertainment Group and contribute to this exciting new destination on Fremont Street,” said Sebastian Mochkovsky, C.E.O. of Sacoa U.S.A. “Our cashless solutions will help elevate the guest experience and maximize operational efficiency.”
In The Game Fremont Street is a cutting-edge entertainment venue featuring a diverse mix of games and attractions. From a giant human crane to group challenge games, this Vegas arcade delivers an unparalleled amusement experience at the heart of the City of Lights.
ORLANDO — For the first time ever, guests can slide into an exclusive nighttime adventure at Universal Volcano Bay Nights on select Saturday nights including April 12, 26 and May 3, 10 and 17. This all-new, limited-capacity event allows guests to enjoy their favorite water attractions, live entertainment, DreamWorks character meet and greets, complimentary island treats and more at the lush, tropical oasis.
Guests can embrace the Waturi culture and experience Volcano Bay under the stars all while enjoying lower wait times and exclusive access to some of their favorite water rides and select attractions like Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge and Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides. To take a break from the thrills, guests can also dance along at Waturi Beach with a live DJ or take part in nostalgic games like hula hoop and limbo under the park’s iconic 200-foot Krakatau volcano.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Guests will get a chance to meet some of the beloved characters from their favorite DreamWorks Animation films, from Shrek and Fiona and Puss in Boots and Kitty Soft Pawsfrom Shrek to King Julien and Alex from Madagascar, to Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond from Trolls – there’s so much fun to be had with these iconic friends.
Complimentary treats will also be available for guests to dine on as they relax on the sandy beaches, including Spicy Island Shrimp and Cheesy Cliffside Seashell Pasta. Guests can enjoy more than 100 drink choices and refills throughout the event with Coca-Cola® beverages in a complimentary Volcano Bay Freestyle Souvenir Cup. In addition, specialty food and beverage items will be available for purchase at Kohola Reef Restaurant and Social Club, Dancing Dragons Boat Bar and Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona.
Universal Volcano Bay Nights tickets are available for purchase starting today for $99.00 plus tax per person and parking is included for the event. Guests can arrive as early as 4:00 p.m. to enjoy the park ahead of the exclusive event, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Universal Orlando Passholders will receive a 10% discount off the ticketed price of the experience with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass and valid photo ID.
Guests looking to elevate their Volcano Bay Nights experience can purchase a private cabana for the event, starting at $249.99. Private cabanas must be booked in-park at the concierge huts on the day of the event and are first come, first served.
