The NOVEMBER PRE-IAAPA EXPO 2024 issue includes:

• Organizers of IAAPA Expo 2024 have packed a week like no other
• Drayton Manor, Intamin surprise guests with innovative Gold Rush
• New Hampshire’s Santa’s Village takes a midnight ride with Vekoma
• Paultons Park unveiling the first Gameplay Theater: Ghostly Manor 
• SeaWorld Orlando announces innovative Arctic Flying Theater
• Six Flags Great America, B&M to unleash record-breaking “Wrath”
• Six Flags New England goes steampunk for Quantum Accelerator
• Andretti’s debuts its second new-for-2024 North Texas location
• Favorable weather, NAME midway leader to the biggest Big E ever
• Eastern New Mexico State Fair runs on multiple volunteers, few paid staff
• Positive weather was on the side of the 2024 Dutchess County Fair
• Georgia’s Margaritaville transforms Lanier Islands Water Park
• Splash Adventure opens Slidewinder from ProSlide Technology
• Amsterdam hosts largest attended IAAPA Expo Europe in history
• On-site accommodations address Holiday World staffing challenges
• Women of Influence: H2O Water Park’s Trisha Sissons
• Golden Ticket Awards filled with surprises, beneficial networking
• 3DK9 Detection Services supplies additional layer of security, safety
• AIMS International celebrates 60 years
• Gateway Ticketing deploys control system at mulitple Saudi venues … and much more!

The newest addition to Mobaro’s US team further consolidates the software company’s efforts to grow and ensure the quality of presence in North America.

With over 30 years of experience in sales, operations, process improvement and executive leadership, Greg Cetera, Mobaro’s new Managing Director, North America, is dedicated to enhancing guest experiences across the leisure and entertainment industry.

“Greg’s appointment reflects our strategic commitment to expanding our North American presence and bringing Mobaro closer to our rapidly growing U.S. client base. His proven track record in scaling technology solutions for our industry, combined with his collaborative leadership style, provides us with a strong foundation to sustainably grow both our U.S. team and market share in the years to come,” says Christoffer Borup, Co-CEO at Mobaro. 

Greg has worked extensively with clients in theme parks, water parks, zoos, museums, aquariums, and ski resorts, where he has successfully implemented solutions that elevate guest engagement – from self-service electronic storage options to cutting-edge RFID technologies.

His deep expertise in the software sector adds a valuable layer to his ability to support complex operational needs across various venues. This goes hand in hand with the Mobaro solution, scalable to venues of all sizes, serves as a vital tool for daily operations, including Ride Maintenance & Safety, Health & Safety, F&B, Retail, and more.

Meet the team at IAAPA
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, the combined CMMS, Training and Ride Operations platform is present in more than 25 countries and 300+ visitor attractions worldwide. And near the end of November, the Mobaro team will once again be present at IAAPA Expo in Orlando where you can find them at booth #3204.

PLAINVIEW, Texas — Fire in the Hole! The immortal words yelled before the finale of Silver Dollar City’s iconic echo from the memories created on Silver Dollar City’s original thrill ride.  After more than 50 years in operation, Silver Dollar City replaced the classic ride for the 2025 season.  The company then gifted an original wooden Fire in the Hole vehicle to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives.

“This is a really unique addition to the collection,” Richard Munch, NRCMA Historian said. “Silver Dollar City invented this attraction in 1972 and these are handmade, wooden vehicles that are self-powered.  Other than Blazing Fury at Dollywood (a vehicle is in the NRCMA Collection) there are few examples of a ride vehicle like this.  It will have an honored place in our collection”

The ride a classic story-driven attraction is steeped in Ozark folklore and is centered on a town built on the edge of Marvel Cave that is burned down by a group of vigilantes called the Baldknobbers.  Filled with great music and unforgettable character lines often shouted back by patrons, Fire in the Hole is a classic theme park attraction.

The addition of the new artifacts, Museum continues to execute its mission of preserving and protecting the history of the amusement industry. While construction continues at the museum’s main facility in Plainview, Texas it is still reliant solely on the generosity of industry suppliers, fans and facilities. Donations can be made online at rollercoastermuseum.org or by mailing the NRCMA at P.O. Box 5424, Arlington Texas 76005.

BRISTOL, Conn. — Southern New England’s Only Theme Park Holiday Event, Holiday Lights, will make Lake Compounce sparkle for 15 days this holiday season. Celebrating its 12^th annual holiday tradition, America’s First Amusement Park will usher in the holidays beginning on Friday, November 29 at 5 p.m.

With more dazzle, more sparkle and more cheer, New England’s Home for the Holidays will feature more than 500,000 lights, Connecticut’s Tallest Christmas Tree, meet and greets with Santa, treats to get visitors in the holiday spirit and more. Details include:

• Connecticut’s Tallest Christmas Tree – Standing at 100 feet tall and lighting up the park’s Main Gate with more than 120 thousand lights, the tree offers a stunning backdrop for what is sure to be the most magical time of the year
• Dazzling Light Show – More than 100,000 lights will dance across the Lake Compounce Main Gate and greet guests as they make their way into the park.
• Meet and Greets with Santa – The big man in red is making his list, checking it twice and meeting with New England residents from November 29 through December 22 inside the Starlight Theatre.
• Family Friendly Activities – Santa’s helpers will guide families through a variety of holiday themed activities every night of Holiday Lights including letter writing to Santa, personalized ornament making, Stuff-A-Bear and more.
• Festive Foods and Beverages – Visitors will be delighted by a variety of holiday flavors and treats all season long. Festive dishes include a Holiday Dinner complete with classic favorites like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry and seasonal treats like roasted nuts and s’mores, hot chocolate, eggnog and more.

“Holiday Lights offers our guests the most wonderful time of the year here at Lake Compounce,” says General Manager Doug Hemphill. “For more than a decade, this cherished tradition has lit up the hearts of families throughout Connecticut and beyond. We look forward to welcoming guests once again to create unforgettable memories and celebrate the magic of the season together.”

In addition to several unique light displays, and the park’s stunning light show, guests can enjoy a variety of rides and attractions, including the Carousel, Boocifer’s Haunted Holiday at Ghost Hunt, the North Pole Express and more. Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce will run Fridays from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturdays from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Sundays from 3p.m. until 8 p.m. from November 29 through December 29. The park will offer even more time to spread holiday cheer with an additional operating day on Thursday, December 26 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Single Day Tickets are currently on sale for just $16.99, more than 55% off, and include admission to any one day throughout the event, rides and attractions, meet and greets with Santa and more during the park’s Holiday Lights Early Bird Sale.

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort is sharing a first, up-close glimpse at some of the Universal Monsters that will come to life like never before in the all-new “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” attraction at Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. The groundbreaking ride will feature 14 of the most ambitious and life-like animated figures ever created – each one depicting one of the legendary Monsters that will prey upon guests in what promises to be Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet.

“Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” will take guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein – conducts her twisted and misguided experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when a horde of enraged monsters are unleashed. Guests then embark on a terrifying ride through the darkness as they try to evade Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.

CAPE CORAL — SunSplash Family Water Park is thrilled to announce the upcoming construction of Paradise Cove, an exciting new wave pool attraction set to open in 2025. This addition promises to elevate the family-friendly experience at the park, providing visitors with endless fun and adventure.

The new wave pool will be located at the back section of the park near the 3 drop slides Terror Tube, Thunder Bump, and X-Cellerator. This attraction will cater to all ages.

Paradise Cove Key Features:

•   12,000 Square Feet Wave Pool
• Over 160,000 Gallons of Water and Waves  Zero-depth Beach Entry into the Wave Pool  Maximum Depth is 5-feet
• Adjustable Wave Patterns
• Additional Shade and More Luxury Cabanas  16-ft X 9-ft Wave Pool Video Screen
• Interactive Beachfront Water Features
• New Seating Areas and Decks for over 300 New Guests

“This exciting new addition enhances our commitment to providing unforgettable family experiences but also offers adventure for all ages,” stated Eric Reed, General Manager of SunSplash Family Waterpark. “Guests can catch a wave or chill at the beach entry, making it an ideal spot for fun in the sun. We can’t wait to welcome families to create lasting memories in this new aquatic paradise!”

Paradise Cove will provide more ways to cool off on those hot Florida days but it will also allow the park to add to and expand its already robust line-up of special events and activities.

The 2025 Season Pass is on sale now for $59.99 for a limited time and includes unlimited admission for the remainder of the 2024 Season through December 1st and all of the 2025 Season. Pass Perks include an automatic upgrade to a Premium Pass, 2 Free Buddy Tickets (each good for a 1-time visit), Free Souvenir Bottle, Early Entry, Discounts on food, cabana rentals and friend tickets.

Follow SunSplash Family Waterpark’s social media platforms to stay tuned for updates on construction progress and upcoming park offers and specials.

We look forward to making waves this summer 2025!

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — It’s time to deck the halls for the jolliest event of the year! Holidays at LEGOLAND presented by Hallmark Channel returns to LEGOLAND Florida Resort on select dates Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, adding a little merrymaking to the theme park built for kids. This holiday season, check out a NEW LEGO Christmas tree, seasonal shows, cheerful LEGO characters and indulge in a delightful array of themed and festive food and beverage offerings themed to the season! Families can build holiday memories with a bricktastic twist that will last a lifetime, and it is all included with general park admission and select Annual Passes.

NEW LEGO Christmas Tree
As guests make their way into the Park, they will be greeted by an all-new LEGO® Christmas tree! Towering 32 feet high and made from nearly 365,000 LEGO and DUPLO® bricks, this tree took Master Model Builders more than 2,800 hours to build. Topping the 10,000-pound tree will be a LEGO star built out of 5,200 LEGO and DUPLO bricks and weighing 176 pounds. This new centerpiece will be sure to leave fa-la-la-la-lasting impressions on guests young and old.

‘Tis the Season for Shows
Guests can find new and returning shows and activities across the Resort during event days. New this yearin Fun Town, get ready to put your holiday skills to the test during the Elf Training Academy featuring a new festive friend, LEGO® Holiday Elf Frode! LEGO Reindeer Girl is also getting into the spirit of the season with the new Holly Hype Dance Party! Over in LEGO Kingdoms, get swept away into a winter FUN-derland during the high energy, frost-filled Festival of Flurries with LEGO Snowman! Sing and dance to favorite tinsel tunes while you await a snowy surprise. Inside Fun Town Theater, stir up more holiday spark and join LEGO Gingerbread Man to solve a delicious dilemma during The Very Merry Mix-up!

Merry Meets with LEGO Characters
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a visit from some LEGO characters from the North Pole. Guests can find a new friend, LEGO Holiday Elf Ivy and LEGO Santa inside Heartlake Hall, featuring a wheelchair accessible sleigh for the perfect family photo. Meet other yuletide friends including LEGO Nutcracker in DUPLO Valley, LEGO Gingerbread Man in Fun Town and LEGO Snowman in Kingdoms.

Festive Fun
LEGO Santa’s best elves are helping guests write and send him letters inside the North Pole Postal Service,where you can watch your letter magically mailed to the North Pole right before your eyes! Those looking to put their brick building skills to the test can find a variety of activities sprinkled throughout the Park, including Santa’s Toy Build in Fun Town and a competition sleigh build in LEGO Kingdoms. Around every corner, guests can experience a winter wonderland with stilt walkers, special bricktastic décor and lights, and even snow in Florida!

Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration
End the year with a bang during the Kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration, happening nightly Dec. 26 – 31. Ring in 2025 with a DJ dance party and a 3D LEGObrick-bursting fireworks show nightly. Plus, only on Dec. 31, help countdown to the new year with the signature “brick drop” near Lake Eloise and special finale at a kid-friendly time!

Classic rock band Foreigner will perform Sept. 21 at the 2025 edition of The Big E, West Springfield, Mass. Recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the band’s has charted 10 multi-platinum records and 16 top 30 hits including Juke Box Hero, Cold As Ice and Hot Blooded. Tickets are on sale now at thebige.com for the show at The Big E Arena. COURTESY THE BIG E

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company today announced plans for Hershey Inn & Suites, its first select service hotel slated to open in spring 2026. Hershey Inn & Suites will feature 130 rooms with seven suites, including complimentary continental breakfast with an indoor pool. Construction has begun on the site located in the West End development in Derry Township, Pennsylvania.

Hershey Inn & Suites will be the first select service property as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, joining The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground. Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive Free Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark amusement park tickets, extra morning and evening hours at Hersheypark, front gate shuttle service to an exclusive resort drop-off location, destination activities and more. 

“Hershey Inn & Suites will provide our guests with even more diverse lodging options when they visit The Sweetest Place On Earth,” said Jason Heath, Vice President, Resort Operations. “This new select service hotel with unique amenities to Hersheypark will continue to expand the resort offerings you can only enjoy in Hershey as we continue to grow our destination. 

Construction of the four-story select service Hershey Inn & Suites continues the momentum of resort expansion following the announcement of The Villas at The Hotel Hershey elevated luxury accommodation experience with all-new exclusive amenities. 

• Nine new Villas are slated to open in fall 2025, adding 50 new sleeping rooms and even more luxury as part of this Official Resort of Hersheypark. 
• Phase one opened in May 2024 as the Hotel’s 10 existing cottages with 48 rooms were reimagined as The Villas at The Hotel Hershey. The Villas featured refreshed furnishings and unmatched amenities, including an all-new concierge lounge and tailored Hersheypark experiences. 

GOSHEN, N.Y. — This November, LEGOLAND New York Resort is proud to honor first responders, military members, and veterans with free Park admission as a token of appreciation for their dedicated service. This limited-time offer is valid on Park operating days between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30.

In addition to free admission, service members can also enjoy 50% off 1-day tickets for up to six accompanying guests, making it the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family for an unforgettable day of fun. To claim this special offer, tickets must be purchased in advance through local military offices, ID.me, or the GOVX website.

Mark your calendars this November for some AWESOME family fun at the Park’s annual holiday event, Holiday Bricktacular, kicking off on Nov. 16th! Guests can enjoy the new ice skating rink, the new Elf Headquarters, meet new LEGO® costume characters, holiday-themed shows, festive food and drinks, and much more!

For more information about LEGOLAND New York Resort’s Holiday Bricktacular event, seasonal closures, and Park operation dates and hours, visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.