WAIMĀNALO — Explore an ancient art at Sea Life Park Hawai‘i with the return of monthly cultural demonstrations focused on the fabric of Hawaiʻi—kapa. Led by Native Hawaiian kapa practitioner Kumu Page Chang of Pūkoʻa Studios, these hands-on demonstrations honoring the traditional Hawaiian practice will teach kapa-making basics. Participants start the process of stripping and pounding the inner bark of the wauke (paper mulberry) tree and have the opportunity to create a piece of kapa that they can bring homefrom the activity. These cultural activities are offered free to guests with their paid park admission or annual pass.
“This special partnership allows us to host and share the Hawaiian culture within the ahupuaʻa of Waimānalo,” said Sea Life Park Hawai‘i General Manager, Steven Syas. “By offering an insight to this ancient practice we hope guests feel a sense of fascination and awe that they were able to partake in something so revered and important to the culture.” Kapa was an important part of everyday life with it commonly used to make clothing, skirts, blankets and cloaks or capes. It also was used in religious practices and gift-giving, especially beautifully decorated pieces.
Most of the plants used for the kapa demonstrations are grown within Waimānalo, and other locations on Oʻahu. Pūkoʻa Studios is known for their creation of kapa jewelry and artwork; the kapa and dyes are processed in Waimānalo before continuing on elsewhere in the creative process.
Kapa-making instruction takes place within Sea Life Park’s Kamani Grove, just behind the Hawaiian Reef habitat near the Keiki Playground. The following dates have been scheduled throughout 2025, with kapa demonstrations offered from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.:
- Thursday, March 20
- Thursday, April 10
- Thursday, May 22
- Sunday, June 1 (Keiki Sunday Mālama Kai – World Reef Day)
- Sunday, June 19
These kapa experiences are made possible through the generous support of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Center for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). To learn more, visit https://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/plan-your-visit/things-to-do/events.
Guests interested in participating in the kapa demonstration on June 1 also are invited to enjoy planned festivities surrounding a special park event entitled Keiki Sunday Mālama Kai – World Reef Day celebration. These signature Sea Life Park Hawai‘i events are designed to inspire a love of marine life and ocean conservation in young people, offering additional activities such as keiki hula performances, live music, complimentary face painting, photo booth fun including a free souvenir photo, arts and crafts, games and activities, educational booths and more.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Six Flags Over Texas is introducing brand-new menus offering fresh ingredients, homemade dishes, healthy options and for the first-time, smoked-in-house meats with the help of the park’s first-ever executive chef. Internationally renowned chef Douwe Iedema brings more than 25 years of culinary mastery to elevate the dining experience for park guests.
A native of the Netherlands, Chef Iedema is a French cuisine-trained chef who has worked all over Europe including at a Michelin star restaurant and at the NATO headquarters in the Netherlands. He also owned a catering company, hosted a television cooking show and cooked for the Royal Dutch family. In this newly created role, Chef Iedema is shaping the food and beverage vision for the park, reimagining the quality, taste and presentation of the park’s food offerings to please all palates.
“I am delighted to bring my creativity and passion for food to Six Flags Over Texas,” Chef Iedema said. “My goal is to reimagine the food options at our park, so they rise to the level of the world-class roller coasters and immersive entertainment that our guests come to enjoy year after year.”
Chef Iedema has been busy crafting new menus for seven dining locations that showcase Texas’ most iconic food like smoked brisket and pork pastor tacos, plus regional favorites including New York-style pizza, fresh beignets and delicate crepes. The enhanced menus use new cooking techniques, local produce and U.S.-sourced beef and pork.
As part of the park’s food and beverage transformation, Six Flags Over Texas is unveiling two refreshed restaurants that feature updated interiors and exteriors enhanced by themed décor. These restaurants are also prioritizing efficiency and quality for an elevated guest experience.
- JB’s BBQ – Upon entering the park, the smell of the smoked-in-house brisket, chicken and pulled pork will lead guests to the refurbished JB’s BBQ now offering delicious side dishes like smashed potatoes, mac & cheese, corn bread, healthy salads and peach cobbler.
- All American Café – The most popular restaurant gets a major renovation to provide guests with more seating and shaded areas and an all-new menu that includes double-patty diner-style burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders, Detroit-style pizza and milkshakes.
- Casa de las Banderas – Opens this summer with a brand-new menu of street tacos, freshly fried tri-color tortilla chips and elote.
- La Cantina – Opens this spring with a new menu featuring Mexican tortas and traditional sides such as Spanish rice, pinto beans and cilantro lime crema.
- Texas Tacos – All roads will lead to Texas Tacos where guests will find Dallas-style brisket and pork tacos, all made with fresh meat smoked in-house for the first time.
- Etiennes – Opens this summer to delight guests with fresh beignets dusted with powdered sugar, and sweet and savory crepes.
- Primo’s – Totally reimagined pizza stop offers New York-style pizza made with a fresh pizza crust,plus tossed-to-order Caesar salad and a new selection of cannoli.
Six Flags Over Texas kicks off the 2025 season with Spring Break daily from March 13 to 23. Guests of all ages can explore the park’s enhanced dining options and enjoy nonstop fun with extended hours on selected days. For more information on the park’s new food offerings, Spring Break, to purchase tickets and much more, visit www.sixflags.com/overtexas.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo will transform into a wild and wonderful nighttime lantern festival with Glo Wild. Join us for Glo Wild on select dates beginning March 27 through May 26, 2025. Step into a land of glowing landscapes and stand toe to toe with towering animals in larger- than-life 3D lantern displays.
“The Fort Wayne Zoo is kicking off its 60th birthday celebration with 60 spectacular lanterns! We are thrilled to give guests the opportunity to stand with a pack of hyenas, sit in the petals of a flower, and see the Zoo’s mission at work in a whole new light,” said Rick Schuiteman, Zoo Director. “With immersive activities and delicious food, the mile-long Glo Wild path is designed to keep guests of all ages in awe throughout their experience.”
Glo Wild will be open 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- March 27-April 6, open daily
- April 9- April 30, open Wednesday through Sunday
- May 1-May 25, open Thursday through Sunday
- May 26, last day of the event
Betson Imperial Parts & Service, a leading distributor of arcade, vending, gaming, and OCS parts, is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of betsonparts.com, its premier e-commerce platform. Since its launch in 2015, betsonparts.com has changed how businesses in the arcade and gaming industries source and purchase parts, providing customers with an intuitive and efficient online shopping experience.
Over the past decade, the site has grown to house over 20,000 SKUs, offering everything from arcade game components to vending and coffee machine parts. The platform is a critical resource for operators and business owners, enabling quick access to high-quality products from leading manufacturers. With a user-friendly interface, 24/7 availability, and reliable customer support, Betson Imperial Parts & Service has become a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to our commitment to giving customers a one-stop-shop for their parts needs,” said Richard Zayas-Bazan, President of Betson Imperial Parts & Service. “Our goal has always been to provide unparalleled convenience and value to our customers, and betsonparts.com has played a pivotal role in achieving that vision.”
Key milestones achieved in the last decade include:
- Expanding the Catalog: Over the years, the site has significantly increased its inventory, offering the industry’s most comprehensive selection of parts.
- Enhancing User Experience: Continuous platform upgrades, such as advanced search capabilities and streamlined navigation, have ensured a seamless shopping experience.
- Subscriptions—Betson launched a subscription program for repeat ordering products. The program offers a variety of subscription options to suit customer needs. It’s easy to sign up by enrolling when you add the product to the cart and choose the frequency.
“While we celebrate this important anniversary, we’re focused on the road ahead,” said Zayas-Bazan. “We will continue to innovate and expand our capabilities to ensure our customers have the tools they need to succeed.”
To celebrate, Betson is offering a 10% discount on a single order. For a limited time, use code BP1010ANI to save.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Family Entertainment Group (FEG), a leader in developing and operating high-energy entertainment experiences, is proud to announce the opening of Okanarama Arcade at the highly anticipated OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark. This thrilling 17,000-square-foot arcade and entertainment center brings 80 cutting-edge games, immersive attractions, and a prize store to the heart of Oklahoma City, setting a new standard for family-friendly fun.
Designed and operated by Family Entertainment Group, Okanarama Arcade showcases FEG’s expertise in crafting dynamic, engaging entertainment spaces that appeal to guests of all ages. Featuring the latest in virtual reality, video games, redemption challenges, and instant-win crane games, the arcade is a key attraction within OKANA’s Family Entertainment Center.
“We are excited to bring Okanarama Arcade to life at OKANA Resort,” said Charles Bruek, VP of Operations at Family Entertainment Group. “Every game, attraction, and experience has been selected to deliver an unforgettable experience that keeps guests coming back for more. We’re proud to be part of this incredible new resort and to provide a next-level entertainment destination for Oklahoma City.”
In the arcade, guests can enjoy high-energy attractions, including a two-level Laser Tag arena, a Mirror Maze, and the immersive Curse of the Hidden Temple Escape Room, where players must solve puzzles and uncover secrets before time runs out. At the Prize Parlor, guests can turn their winnings into must-have prizes, adding even more excitement to the experience.
With a proven track record of developing and managing top-tier entertainment destinations nationwide, Family Entertainment Group is proud to add Okanarama Arcade to its growing portfolio. As part of OKANA Resort, the arcade is set to become a must-visit entertainment hub for both resort guests and locals looking for thrills, competition, and family-friendly fun.
Okanarama Arcade is now open and ready to welcome guests.
A few months from the inauguration of “Animal Treasure Island”, the new and ambitious IP of Merlin Entertainments that will be presented in a world premiere in Gardaland, the Park today released a video offering a behind-the-scenes look at the new water dark ride. The ride isdestined to conquer visitors of all ages, thanks to its characters who (with recognisable values and behaviours) will be at the heart of an allegorical and engaging plot.
The creation of “Animal Treasure Island” is the result of meticulous work by the Merlin Magic Making creative team, composed of concept artists, digital designers and storytellers. This extraordinary adventure is told by Mollie Page, Creative Producer at Merlin Magic Making, who explains what it means to create an immersive experience of this magnitude. “The process for creating new original Intellectual Properties necessarily begins with indepth brainstorming by the design team. In the case of “Animal Treasure Island”, the inspiration came from the need to renew an existing attraction, transforming it into something completely new. A key aspect was the creation of a cast of unique characters, a task that required more than a year of collaboration with industry specialists to define every detail and ensure that the characters were memorable and able to create a connection with the audience.”
And the first of the characters whose creative process is presented really promises to excite and involve visitors: Captain Nine Lives, a young and fascinating adventurer who embodies the spirit of Animal Treasure Island, which is a mix of adventure, exploration and emotional growth. A character with a strong charisma – wearing a ring as a signet on her tail – whose indomitable spirit is forged by a story of courage and determination.
The creation of “Animal Treasure Island” was not only a creative challenge,butalso a technological one. Mollie Page continues: “It was very important, during the construction phase to be sure to combine the previous story with a new and exciting plot that comes to life thanks to a new generation of technology. For example, we are installing over 250 speakers in our new 360-degree Binaural sound systems, to achieve absolutely unprecedented amplification in a Merlin attraction. And we’re partnering with vendors around the world to create custom hardware exclusively for this attraction.”The Merlin creative team, aware of how much visitors to Gardaland enjoyed the soundtrack of Wolf Legend (the drop & twist tower inaugurated in June 2024), paid great attention to the soundtrack of Animal Treasure Island.”Hundreds of hours were spent creating custom tracks for each scene of the attraction, and Animal Treasure Island has 25 of them!” concludes Page.
Dario Giovanazzi, Gardaland Project Manager and part of the Merlin Magic Making Project Delivery Team – in charge of overseeing the project in terms ofdesign, execution and creativity in Gardaland – tells an anecdote about how “Some professionals involved in the original construction of 1992 are still involved in the work of Animal Treasure Island.” Continuity with the past is a fundamental part of the project. For this reason, numerous new effects have been added to the original effects of the previous attraction, to guarantee visitors an even more current, immersive and engaging experience. With Captain Nine Lives, Gardaland inaugurates a new era of characters, narratives and emotions, without breaking the bond with tradition.
With a strong attention to detail, technological innovation and powerful storytelling, “Animal Treasure Island” promises to be one of the most engaging experiences ever to exist in Gardaland. The adventure is about to begin, and Captain Nine Lives is ready to guide visitors to discover an extraordinary world!
In just 11 weeks, Universal Orlando Resort will become a four-theme park vacation destination filled with a week’s worth of thrilling and unforgettable experiences when Universal Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025. The imaginative new theme park will invite guests to discover five immersive worlds filled with adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.
To learn more about Universal Orlando’s EPIC transformation and what this moment means for the destination and its guests, check out this all-new video featuring Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, and other Universal executives.
Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, has opened its newest PEPPA PIG Theme Park in Dallas-Fort Worth. This attraction is the latest addition to Merlin’s successful partnership with leading games, IP and toy company, Hasbro.
To mark the opening, Fiona Eastwood – Merlin Entertainments’ new CEO – joined representatives of Hasbro for an afternoon of celebrations which were, of course, led by Peppa Pig and her friends.
The launch follows the successful opening of the first PEPPA PIG Theme Park in Florida in 2022 and a second one in Günzburg (Germany) last year – both of which sit alongside popular LEGOLAND Resorts. The Dallas-Fort Worth attraction – as a Merlin investment of over $40 million – is the first to be established in a location in its own right, reflecting the growing appeal of the PEPPA PIG brand to families across the world.
More broadly, this new attraction is the 11th implementation of the PEPPA PIG license across Merlin’s global estate, which – in addition to dedicated theme parks – sees the character and her friends come to life in World of Play experiences in the U.S., Europe and China; along with smaller worlds in several existing resorts on both sides of the Atlantic.
The theme park is a Certified Autism Centre through IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards). The certification ensures that families of all abilities can enjoy the park’s rides, attractions, and amenities. Features include wheelchair-accessible paths, quiet spaces for sensory breaks, and detailed Sensory Guides, enabling guests to plan a day that best suits their needs.
Speaking at the launch event, Fiona Eastwood said: “Bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life sits at the heart of what we do. The opening of this new attraction – and the first PEPPA PIG Theme Park to be a destination in its own right – is testament to the enduring popularity of this iconic children’s character. Our partnership with Hasbro makes all this possible, and I know how much our Merlin Magic Making creatives have enjoyed working with their team. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Hasbro over the coming years as we bring Peppa Pig to new audiences and create even more joy for families and young children for years to come.”
Matt Proulx, Hasbro’s Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnership and Music added: “The opening of this park couldn’t come at a better time, as we embark on a new chapter for the PEPPA PIG brand, with the recent news of Mummy Pig’s pregnancy. There is so much in store for Peppa Pig as she becomes a big sister twice-over, and we can’t wait to celebrate each milestone for Baby Pig in this new park with our friends at Merlin.
“Alongside valued partners like Merlin Entertainments, we continue to deliver the play experiences that reflect the real first experiences of our littlest fans and empower them with the confidence to treat every first step as a new adventure. We are absolutely certain, that this location will draw in families for memorable days out, with children immersing themselves in the world of their favourite family – and enjoying their adventures together with Peppa and her friends. What they see in the series, and play with at home as toys, suddenly comes to life, becoming a tangible and immersive experience right before their eyes.”
Jeremy Aguillen, General Manager of PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth said: “Merlin Entertainments is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for all families. We’re thrilled to bring the magic of Peppa Pig to life in Texas and look forward to welcoming guests for a day of unforgettable adventures.”
The PEPPA PIG Theme Park is based on instantly recognisable scenes from the globally popular PEPPA PIG brand and features five age-appropriate rides, including; Daddy PIG’s Roller Coaster –an exciting – yet approachable first coaster experience, perfect for adventurous little ones; Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure –inviting kids and their parents to hop on the back of a dinosaur for a prehistoric journey through volcanoes and mountains and; PEPPA PIG’s Balloon Ride –which sends riders soaring high into the sky. Equipped with a wheelchair accessible basket and ramp, guests in a wheelchair can roll directly onto the ride vehicle.
Beyond the rides, kids can engage in imaginative play at nine themed playscapes including PEPPA’s Treehouse, George’s Fort, Rebecca Rabbit’s Playground and the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad with fountains, slides and hands-on free play kids will love. Families can also enjoy live shows at Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena, featuring beloved characters from the PEPPA PIG series and characters will also meet with kids and their families following each performance.
ORLANDO — The long-awaited Mirai Arcade, a brand-new Japanese-themed crane arcade, has officially opened its doors at 441 N Alafaya Trail, offering a cutting-edge entertainment experience that promises to captivate both locals and visitors. Step into a world where technology and tradition collide, delivering a truly immersive adventure.
The star of this high-tech wonderland is its partnership with Sacoa, the global leader in cashless payment solutions for the amusement and entertainment industries. Mirai Arcade is equipped with Sacoa’s state-of-the-art cashless system, making transactions faster, smoother, and more convenient than ever. Using RFID PlayCards and the Sacoa App, guests can easily reload credits, track balances, and experience a frictionless, seamless journey throughout the arcade.
Mirai Arcade takes fun to the next level with Sacoa’s cutting-edge Spark Reader – the most advanced PlayCard reader in the industry. Along with top-of-the-line POS systems, the Sacoa CRM, and online modules, the arcade features the fully customized Sacoa App, ensuring the ultimate in ease and efficiency for both visitors and operators. Whether you’re a claw machine enthusiast or an anime fan, this unique fusion of Japanese culture and next-gen technology will create memories that last a lifetime.
“We’re excited to be a part of this revolutionary new destination in Orlando,” said Sebastian Mochkovsky, C.E.O. of Sacoa U.S.A. “Our cashless system enhances the guest experience, providing convenience and efficiency while elevating the overall entertainment experience. We can’t wait to see how guests enjoy the seamless, innovative solutions we’ve brought to Mirai Arcade.”
Ready to experience the future of arcades? Contact Sacoa today and discover how the world of entertainment is being transformed.
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — With giggles, snorts of excitement and the sky filled with confetti, Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in location-based entertainment, in collaboration with Hasbro, a leading game and toy company, officially celebrated the grand opening of the highly anticipated PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth in North Richland Hills, Texas.
Fiona Eastwood, chief executive officer of Merlin Entertainments kicked off the grand opening celebration with the queen of preschool, Peppa Pig, her brother George and Mummy and Daddy Pig! The event was filled with exciting and interactive moments designed to engage a crowd full of excited little ones. After brief remarks, guests enjoyed a day full of laughter, adventure and fun at the park designed especially for preschoolers.
“Merlin Entertainments’ opportunity to bring an iconic children’s television character to life in a theme park is truly special. We’re not only responsible for building this beautiful park, but also for preserving the magic of PEPPA PIG in this immersive experience for little ones. We are hoping families will create memories of a lifetime here,” said Eastwood.
The park is based on instantly recognizable scenes from the globally popular PEPPA PIG brand and features five age-appropriate rides:
- Daddy PIG’s Roller Coaster is an exciting – yet approachable first coaster experience – perfect for adventurous little ones.
- Mr. Bull’s High Striker lifts riders high into the sky and then brings them down with a series of gentle but exciting drops because what goes up must come down!
- Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure invites kids and their parents to hop on the back of a dinosaur for a prehistoric journey through volcanoes and mountains.
- With no minimum height requirement, families will set sail to Pirate Island together on Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride.
- Picture perfect views of the whole park can be seen on PEPPA PIG’s Balloon Ride which sends riders soaring high into the sky. Equipped with a wheelchair accessible basket and ramp, guests in a wheelchair can roll directly onto the ride vehicle.
Beyond the rides, kids can engage in imaginative play at nine themed playscapes including PEPPA’s Treehouse, George’s Fort and Rebecca Rabbit’s Playground. When the Texas heat returns, the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad is sure to be a fan favorite filled with spouting fountains, slides and hands-on free play kids will love. Families can also enjoy live shows at Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena, featuring beloved characters from the PEPPA PIG series performing songs, dances and interactive moments that will have little ones laughing and singing along. The characters will also meet with kids and their families following each performance. The immersive experience is tailored to deliver unforgettable first theme park memories for children through age six.
“By creating PEPPA PIG Theme Park, the characters and places children see in the series and the toys they play with at home suddenly become tangible and experiential,” said Matt Proulx, SVP of global experiences, partnerships and music at Hasbro “It’s wonderful to see, through our partnership with Merlin Entertainments, how the PEPPA PIG brand is brought to life. Seeing how much enjoyment the immersive experience brings to little ones is truly gratifying.”
PEPPA PIG Theme Park is a Certified Autism Center through IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards). The certification ensures that families of all abilities can enjoy the park’s rides, attractions and amenities. Features include wheelchair-accessible paths, quiet spaces for sensory breaks and detailed Sensory Guides which provide insight on how each attraction may affect each of the five senses, enabling guests to plan a day that best suits their needs.
“Merlin Entertainments is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for all families,” said General Manager of PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth Jeremy Aguillen. “We’re thrilled to bring the magic of PEPPA PIG to life in Texas and look forward to welcoming families for a day of unforgettable adventures.”
Merlin Entertainments’ licensing agreement with Hasbro, owner of the PEPPA PIG brand, to build and operate PEPPA PIG attractions has fueled the development of two other PEPPA PIG branded parks, one in Winter Haven, Florida, which opened in 2022 and the most recent park in Gunzberg, Germany which opened in 2024. Additional PEPPA PIG branded attractions include PEPPA PIG World of Play in Grapevine, Chicago, Auburn Hills, Shanghai and Leidschendam as well as PEPPA PIG Lands in Gardaland and Heide Park.
Tickets and Hours of Operation
Guests can purchase their tickets and annual passes online at www.peppapigthemepark.com/dallas-ft-worth/tickets-passes./
- Annual Pass – $99.99 (Unlimited admission to the theme park and PEPPA PIG World of Play in Grapevine, TX)
- Single-Day Admission – Starting at $27.99
- My First Theme Park Package – Starting at $49.99 (Includes admission plus exclusive park merchandise)
The park officially opens to the public on March 1 and will operate daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. There is no charge for parking. For the latest operating hours, guests can visit www.peppapigthemepark.com/dallas-ft-worth/plan-your-day/planning-tools/opening-hours/.
Conveniently located just 12 miles from downtown Fort Worth and DFW Airport, PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth can be found at 8851 26 Blvd., North Richland Hills, Texas 76180.
