DUBAI, U.A.E. — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, is set to bring the freshest updates to its breakthrough innovations to the Middle East for back-to-back tradeshows DEAL Expo (Dubai World Trade Centre, 8 to 70 April, booth #ZS-770) and the SEA Expo (Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, 20 to 22 May, booth #3B337).

After its successful launch at the recent Amusement Expo International in Las Vegas, the EMBED ECOSYSTEM is expected to gain even more traction in Middle East’s upcoming trade shows

“Guests, experiences, staff, operations, bookings, payments, sales, reports-the integration of these tech components is critical to the success of an FEC The EMBED ECOSYSTEM is designed to redefine and elevate the way these interact and integrate with each other, enabling and empowering operators to create the ultimate cashless, cloud-based system that exceeds their business needs for a seamless guest experience,” shares Renee Welsh, CEO at Embed.

According to a study by Allied Market Research, the FEC market in the Middle East region is at unprecedented growth and development. Majority of the US-based FEC developers and operators a re expanding their presence in region, including Embed’s long-time customer and industry giant Dave & Buster’s, announcing its first multi-country deal in KSA, UAE, and Egypt in a 5-year plan to open many new franchise locations in the region and across the globe.

Early this year, CEO Renee Welsh and CTO Andy Welsh recently relocated from Singapore to Dubai, UAE, Embed’s HQ in EMEA, to deepen Embed’s roots in a region with many Embed customers and unparalleled growth. Rob McMenamin, the Majid Al Futtaim group’s former Director of Leisure & Entertainment for 72 years, also joins the team as EMEA General Manager.

“It’s the new era of the Embed Ecosystem in the region,” says Sara Paz (CMO and Growth Officer). “We’re setting a new standard in the industry with fresh and meaningful updates to our system, modified for hyper-customisation and deeper integrations. With the rise of the API, the Embed Ecosystem is the paradigm shift that begins the consumer experience revolution, where we enable operators to create experiences they want with greater customisation and flexibility.”

The Embed Ecosystem comes with updates to the TOOLKIT POS component SALES, which now has real-time, cloud-based sync with the KIOSK+ for real-time business visibility. BOOKINGS, the end-to­ end online reservation platform for FEC events, is now powered up with a KIOSK+ version so guests can enjoy other FEC offerings like arcades or F&B while they wait for their slot instead of queueing at activities like bowling. Aside from this integration, the KIOSK+ update includes a full 27″ LCD touchscreen interface, a UI operators can re-theme using Embed’s customisable API, and multiple­ value game card purchase functionality.

‘This undoubtedly marks a shift in the industry, highlighting the results of strategic relationships with global tech giants. Our partnership with Apple, Google, and Amazon Web Services for our solutions, along with FEC leaders like Magic Planet MAF, Global Village, and SALA Entertainment puts us in a position to disrupt the disparate digital systems plugging into hardware, which is the current industry norm,” explains Andy Welsh (CTO). “Now, operators can have it all without needing to plug it all. They can connect it all to sync it all-and with today’s consumer demands and global business trends, that’s more like it”

Experience the Embed Ecosystem exactly how you like it to catch the dynamic Software as a Service (Saas) solutions in action at the show, like the award-winning, Apple-and-Google-certified Mobile Wallet and STATS business intelligence dashboard powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Attendees can expect free demos of its roster of integrated hardware and software solutions like smartTOUCH+ card readers, KIOSK+, and TOOLKIT suite, and a full line of game cards and wearable media.

BRISTOL, Conn. — The countdown is on to Opening Day at America’s First Amusement Park as Lake Compounce gears up for it 179^th season. Celebrating its most robust lineup of entertainment yet, this year promises to provide the Ultimate Season of Family Fun as the park debuts its first-ever pirate themed stunt show, adds spectacular drone shows, introduces an all-new haunted house during Phantom Fall Fest and so much more.  

The Lake Compounce gates will officially reopen on Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. with more updates debuting on the iconic Wildcat and Boulder Dash Roller Coasters, all-new entertainment, additional park-wide enhancements and more.  This year’s event lineup is bigger and better than ever before, offering a new reason for families to visit every single month. Details include:  

• NEW! Kids Fest: introduces new pint-sized thrills and family entertainment every single weekend in June with character meet-and-greets, themed treats like the new Kids Lunchbox, Unicorn Milkshakes and endless entertainment – all included with park admission. This June, families will have the chance to meet:  
  • May 31 – June 1: Peppa Pig and her brother George – with oinktastic fun for everyone 
  • June 7-8 & 21-22: Daniel Tiger from PBS KIDS’ Emmy® Award-winning Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood 
  • June 14-15: The iconic Power Rangers – uniting powers and saving the world 
  • June 28-29: Blippi – offering curious adventures for growing minds 
• NEW! Splashbucklers Pirate Show: Ahoy! New laughs and high adventure take center stage this summer. The whole family is invited to cheer on the daring Captain Cunning as he protects the Queen’s booty from plundering scalawags and ne’er-do-wells daily from July 12 through August 17.  
• NEW! Upgrades on Wildcat – The nearly 100-year-old Wildcat coaster has completed the final phase of its two-year re-tracking project with Gravity Group. More than 1,400 feet of track have been replaced with Gravity Group’s signature vertically stacked track offering riders a smoother and faster ride.  
• NEW! Upgrades on Boulder Dash – The award-winning Boulder Dash coaster continues its transformation with over 1,000 feet of steel Titan Track added as part of an on-going re-tracking project. Titan Track, created by Great Coasters International, merges steel and wood together to create a smoother ride experience.  
• Fourth of July Celebration: Families from New England and beyond are invited to celebrate America with dazzling fireworks on July 4 and 5 and live performances on the park’s iconic floating stage on July 4, 5 and 6.  
• NEW! Drone Shows – Drones take the sky over the lake on August 30 & 31 and September 1 for a spectacular display of synchronized drones, lighting up the night sky with park-inspired and fan-favorite designs. 
• NEW! at Phantom Fall Fest – This season, Lake Compounce will debut an all-new haunted house as it adds its largest and scariest haunted house to its fourth annual day to night Halloween event. The frights return select days from September 20 through October 26.  
• Holiday Lights – New England’s favorite holiday tradition returns with more than 500,000 lights, Connecticut’s Tallest Christmas Tree, festive food options and more, select days from November 28 through December 28.  

“We’re committed to delivering a next-level guest experience at Lake Compounce by creating a robust lineup of entertainment for the 2025 season, including the introduction of Splashbucklers, an all-new pirate themed comedy stunt show taking over the floating lake stage,” said Doug Hemphill, General Manager. “With so much new entertainment and a second year focusing on ride improvements for our beloved roller coasters, there’s something exciting waiting for guests every time they visit.” 

To get the most out of the 2025 season, visitors can buy a 2025 Season Pass now for less than the price of a day ticket, just $54.99. Select passes also include perks like free parking, free soda, free friend tickets and more. Season Passholders can unlock even more value every time they visit with the All-Season Dining Pass. For just $99.99 passholders can enjoy two meals each visit all season long. 

ST. LOUIS — Intercard will exhibit at this year’s DEAL, the Dubai show that has been guiding the theme park and amusement industries in the MENA region for more than 30 years. Intercard will feature the latest version of its award-winning iQ reader at the show, which runs from April 8-10, 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Intercard’s CEO Scott Sherrod and Alberto Borrero, senior vice-president of international sales, will be at the show in booth Z5-20, Za’abeel Hall 5.

Intercard received a Best New Product Award at IAAPA Expo 2024 for the innovative iQ system, which was recognized in the category of Technology Applied to Amusements – Product or Service used by Facilities. The judges praised the iQ system as a “QR code reader for games allowing easy way to play. Can sell online or at kiosk on-site. Easy way to get to the fun.”

“The increasing acceptance of the QR code world-wide prompted us to introduce our iQ readers and kiosks that read QR codes,” says Sherrod, “setting the new standard for unattended amusement center payment technology.”

The iQ reader can scan customer presented QR codes for payment and redemption point collection. This will enable customers to use mobile devices or printed receipts instead of play cards to active games, reducing costs for route operators and owners of unattended arcades.

“Intercard has been leading the way with cashless technology in the Middle East since Encounter Zone, the first FEC in the region, opened in Wafi Mall in Dubai more than 20 years ago,” says Alberto Borrero, Intercard senior vice-president of international sales. “Encounter Zone featured the region’s first debit card system, and Intercard’s continued innovations and renowned customer service have made its technology the most used in the market.”

The APRIL 2025 issue includes:

• Peppa Pig new theme park opening in Texas
• Poland’s Mandoria expands with new rides
• Cedar Point Historical Museum, Merry-Go-Round Museum partner
• Zamperla supplies rides; Fiesta Texas debuts DC Universe area
• Expedition Odyssey to soar in 2025 with dual Mack Flying Theaters
• Themed areas announced for the forthcoming Universal Kids Resort
• Legoland Florida unleashes ninja action with Ninjago Weekends
• Amusement Expo continues to shine under the lights of Las Vegas
• Upland Bullwinkle’s FEC receives bright new life; quality attractions
• Penn Valley Shows optimistic about 2025; adds Himalaya to arsenal
• San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo hampered by inclement weather
• OABA adds to Hall of Fame; announces Pioneer Award winner
• Funtastic Shows’s Ron, Beverly Burback bring in next generation
• Disney Treasure cruise ship features water fun above the high seas
• SunSplash Water Park to open Paradise Cove, ADG wave pool
• TEA celebrates the industry at 31st annual Thea Awards Gala
• Hershey hosts the annual PAPA spring meeting
• Women of Influence: WhiteWater West’s Una de Boer
• Gravity Group, Canada’s Wonderland work on signature woodie
• Pennsylvania Ride Safety Seminar draws more than 300 attendees
• VLocker, P2:3 Consulting cooperate to enhance guest experiences
• Rob Gavel joins AIMS International’s board of directors
• Walt Disney World enters new chapter in manatee care … and much more!

This may just be the deal of the summer!

International Rides Management (IRM) is offering an INCREDIBLE deal for one of our clients. It’s a classic 1979 Schwarzkopf Enterprise, sold through Intamin as a ‘Wheelie’. We have listed this ride for about a year, and now the owner’s replacement ride has arrived and is ready for installation in the Enterprise’s location.

IRM sold the Enterprise to Fun Spot Orlando in 2012 from its original location at Six Flags over Georgia. This ride has only been moved once since delivery to Six Flags over Georgia.

Upgrades to the ride are as follows:

• 2002 All passenger cars replaced by Premier Rides
• 2012 New paint, LED lights and various components during relocation
• 2022 New Hydraulic System installed. Photos are attached in the website link below.
• 2024 LED lighting updated

IRM is conducting a silent auction with the goal to find this classic ride a new home. 

Buyers will be charged a 10% premium over the final price as a service/auction fee to IRM. 

All potential buyers are to send their bid to IRM no later than Friday, April 11th, 2025 at 12 noon EST. This allows IRM to inform Fun Spot of the high bidder, and then inform the highest bidder they now have until May 2nd, 2025 to dismantle and remove the Enterprise from Fun Spot Property.. The Enterprise will be in operation until Thursday, April 10th, to ride as a guest/bidder.

All potential buyers are to send their bid to IRM no later than Friday, April 11th, 2025 at 12 noon EST. This allows IRM to inform Fun Spot of the high bidder, and then inform the highest bidder they now have until May 2nd, 2025 to dismantle and remove the Enterprise from Fun Spot Property.. The Enterprise will be in operation until Thursday, April 10th, to ride as a guest/bidder.

ALL BIDS ARE TO BE SENT TO Sam@irmrides.com and jjr@fun-spot.com for review.

Photos are available of the Enterprise here:

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort’s newest hotel, Universal Terra Luna Resort, is now officially open, inviting guests and clients to step onto a new planet that has yet to be discovered. Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, the hotel joins Universal Orlando’s current collection of hotels and offers 750 luminous guest rooms, terrestrial-inspired dining options, and exceptional amenities.

Comfortable and affordable, with resort-style amenities, the Prime Value Hotel invites guests to touchdown on an otherworldly landscape within a solar system of vacation fun. Terra Luna Resort’s guest rooms comfortably sleep four guests in two queen beds and feature space station-styled windows – making this an exciting escape for guests looking to rest between their adventures at the theme parks. The hotel also offers a variety of convenient dining options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Omega Cafe and Market, lunar-inspired cocktails at Luna Bar in the lobby, and burgers, drinks, and other culinary fare at the poolside Moonrise Grill and Moonrise Bar.

Terra Luna Resort offers a resort-style pool with a hot tub and fire pit, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a game room, and a Universal Orlando Resort Store for the latest fan-favorite apparel and collectibles.

The hotel is adjacent to the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park, grand opening May 22, 2025, and just minutes from Universal Orlando’s award-winning theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay. Guests staying at Terra Luna Resort, or any of the Universal Orlando hotels, can take advantage of exclusive theme park benefits, including Early Park Admission to Epic Universe when it opens, Universal Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure up to one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required), complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more.

Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is the best way to experience a Universal vacation, and several offers make it easier to plan a trip now:

Epic-Inclusive Create Your Own Vacation Package: Guests can save up to $200 by creating their own vacation package to experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer, including Universal Epic Universe, when the new theme park opens May 22. The vacation package includes:

• 7-Night Hotel Accommodations
• 3-Park, 4-Day Park-to-Park Plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket
• $200 Bundle and Save Discount
• Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions in one of Universal Orlando’s theme parks up to one hour before park opening

Epic-Inclusive Florida Resident Create Your Own Vacation Package: Florida residents can save now by creating their own vacation package to experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer, including Universal Epic Universe, when the new theme park opens May 22. The vacation package includes:

• 4-Night Hotel Accommodations
• 3-Park, 2-Day Park-to-Park Florida Resident, Plus 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket
• $25 Bundle and Save Discount
• Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions in one of Universal Orlando’s theme parks up to one hour before park opening

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — During its 2025 Annual Membership Meeting in Las Vegas, AMOA elected a new class of directors. The new Class of 2028, consisting of eight operators and distributors from around the country, are:

• Scott Ausmus, National Entertainment Network, Louisville, CO
• Shawn Fellows, Diamond Amusements, Conyers, GA
• Chris Hale, Venco Business Solutions, Bland, VA
• Paul Patel, Encore Amusement of GA LLC, Stockbridge, GA
• Jamie Rust, Amusement Unlimited, Eugene, OR
• Maria Trent, Back Alley Lanes VrCade, Daytona Beach, FL
• Gage Whiteley, Pride Vending, Salem, OR
• Chris Pascaretti, Pascaretti Enterprises Inc., Troy, MI

In addition, the following 2025-2026 AMOA Principal Officers, elected at its Mid-Year Board Meeting in September 2024, took the helm for a one-year term at the conclusion of Amusement Expo International.

• President Brian Brotsch of Knox Amusement, Rochester, NY
• First Vice President Tommy Hendley of B & H Vending & Amusements, Indian Trail, NC
• Treasurer Scott John of Amuse-O-Matic, Frederick, MD
• Secretary Jim Tartal of Scottdale Music Service, Scottdale, PA

AMOA Officers and Directors whose terms expired at the close of the show were sincerely thanked and recognized for their dedication and service to the association and the industry. They will now join the illustrious AMOA Heart & Soul. The AMOA Heart & Soul consists of the generations of men and women that have served on the AMOA Board of Directors since 1948.

DALLAS, Texas — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, makes it big at the Amusement Expo International 2025 with a successful innovation launch and prestigious industry achievement.

MAJOR AWARDS
Embed is the AAMA Supplier of the Year Award winner, a testament to the company’s commitment to layering value for members of the Embed family through constant innovation of solutions FEC operators can trust and maximise to enable, empower, and ease their business of fun. “We are honoured to be recognised for this esteemed award. We are grateful beyond words to our partners and the members of the Embed family for making this possible!” says Sara Paz, CMO and Growth Officer at Embed.

In addition to this accolade, Embed’s customer, Alley Cats Entertainment, also won the AAMA FEC of the Year.

BOOTH ACTION
The launch of the Embed Ecosystem marked the beginning of a revolutionary breakthrough in integrated cashless payment systems. “We are thrilled with the high anticipation and incredible feedback we received for the exciting new updates we’ve added to our breakthrough innovations,” shares Renee Welsh, CEO at Embed.

Embed showcased the fresh updates to TOOLKIT’s POS component SALES and BOOKINGS, the end- to-end online reservation platform for FEC events, now powered up with an in-venue experience bookings capability. Operators can now bring in the bookings and start accepting in-venue reservations for experiences and attractions with the latest BOOKINGS and KIOSK+ integration.

Aside from this and along with its roster of integrated hardware and software solutions, the Embed team presented demos of the KIOSK+ updates, like its 27” full-screen experience, customisable API for UI re-theming, and game cards purchase with different reload values in a single transaction. A full screen, FULLER experience. Operators can showcase experiences and offers on full display in its 27- inch LCD touchscreen—the sleekest layout yet. Easy on the eyes, easier to show price and prize.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION
To celebrate International Women’s Month, Embed honoured the women in tech by giving away exclusive Women@Embed pins. “Women drive innovation and inspiration across various disciplines and industries. It’s only fitting that we #ExpectHERinTech and ‘Accelerate Action’ to promote equal female representation everywhere,” says CEO Renee Welsh. The companies and organisations that participated include Coast-to-Coast Entertainment, Bay-Tek, Betson, TrainerTainment, AMOA, and AAMA, and RePlay magazine, among others.

WHAT’S NEXT?
Catch the Embed team and the experience The Embed Ecosystem exactly how you like it at the Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure (DEAL) Exhibition (8-10 April) & the Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) Expo (20-22 May).

ALTOONA, Iowa — Come on over to Adventureland Resort this summer as Iowa’s Favorite Theme Park celebrates 51 seasons with a full summer of new entertainment and events. In addition to the already announced, Hyperlight Water Slide experience, the park is adding even more newness for 2025 as it introduces four new events slated to roll out this summer.

Every Friday in June, Iowans are encouraged to wear their stretchy pants and meet at the park’s newly re-imagined Oink’s restaurant for the first annual Bacon & Brews event. Highlighted by live music and good eats, the festival will begin on Friday, June 6 at 4 p.m. and will run every Friday during the month through June 27. Hungry visitors can expect to chow down on dishes made from Berkwood Pork while also enjoying local suds with their best buds. Local bands will also perform throughout the event, with a full lineup of performers to be released at a later date.

Then, on Sunday, June 15, it’s all about the dads as the park hosts its inaugural Father’s Day Flop at Adventure Bay. Guests will have a chance to compete for the red belly badge of honor during this dad-centric belly flop contest. The big flop will be judged by officials from Adventureland. The top dad will receive a $100 gift card to Prairie Meadows with second place receiving $75 and third place $50. The big flop will begin at Noon at Adventure Bay.

It’s a grr-ific month at Adventureland this August as the park collaborates with Fred Rogers Productions to introduce its first-ever Neighbor Days event series. Each weekend, families will be delighted by meet and greets with characters from some of their favorite PBS KIDS shows. Visitors can expect to meet characters from hit Fred Rogers Productions series including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, and Alma’s Way on a rotating basis each week throughout the month.

The summer festivities continue in August as drones light up the night sky above the park on Friday, August 15, Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17 launching shortly after 9 p.m. The massive 3D drone show will incorporate 300 drones and will include iconic park images representing the Home of Iowa’s Best Thrills as Iowa’s largest drone show takes the skies. 

“This off-season, we came up with even more ways to offer our guests unique experience when they visit Adventureland” General Manager Mike Lusky said. “We believe that our all-new lineup of events, in addition to our already popular Oktoberfest and  Phantom Fall Fest, provides a little something for everyone from families to young adults and we’re looking forward to announcing even more events for families to enjoy throughout the summer.”

Adventureland Resort will open for the season on Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. New for 2025, the park will introduce Hyperlight. The new water slide exercise joining the Adventure Bay lineup of attractions electrifies the park’s Typhoon water slide, adding vivid lights, dynamic sounds and new thrills. Complete with iSlide technology, Hyperlight will include out of this world color changing lights and lasers and dynamic surround sound that will transform the water slide into an all-new full sensory experience.

Adventureland will close out its full season of events with the return of Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 13. This 21-plus event offers exhilarating rides, live music, delicious food and, of course, plenty of beer from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Then, the park’s fourth annual Phantom Fall Festlurks out of the shadows select days from Saturday, September 20 through Sunday, October 26. Iowa’s Largest Halloween Event offers family-friendly fun during the day, then at 6 p.m. the fear kicks into gear as the phantom and a gruesome cast of characters take screams to the extreme.

To celebrate its new lineup of events and the all-new Hyperlight, Adventureland Resort is currently offering up to $50 off during its Spring Season Pass Sale. Select passes offer a variety of perks like free parking, free friend tickets, discounts on food and retail and more.

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. — The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge team is thrilled to announce the soft opening of their newest development, the Bavarian Blast Waterpark, Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark and Family Fun Center.

The highly anticipated attraction brings 170,000 square feet of expanded fun to Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Lodge, including 16 waterslides, a not-so-lazy river, a huge wave pool, private cabanas, Michigan’s first swim-up bar, and more! The Bavarian Inn has also announced the opening of Michigan’s first Dual Mat Racing Slides, expertly built by WhiteWater West. Award-winning global creative company Adirondack Studios provided creative design, sampling & mockups, fabrication and installation services for the whimsical characters and environments located throughout the waterpark, including fiberglass animal water sculpts and spouts, brightly colored Bavarian-style birdhouses, and the two-story castle adjacent to the park’s wave pool.  

Four new food and beverage experiences have also been added to the catalog of various restaurants at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Resort, including a quick service café, a smoothie bar, a bar serving snacks and alcoholic beverages, and a swim-up bar. The Bavarian Inn team is particularly excited about introducing Michigan’s first Swim-Up Bar to their guests and the Michigan tourism industry. This experience will allow visitors the exclusive opportunity to lounge in a heated indoor-outdoor pool all year long whilst savoring refreshing cocktails and canned beverages.

Beyond the Bavarian Blast Waterpark, guests can explore the expanded Family Fun Center inside which now includes a Three-Story Rope Course, Rock Climbing Walls, Mini-Bowling, Build-A-Bear Workshop®,Laser Tag, and an expanded arcade with over 180 arcade and redemption games.

The Bavarian Inn Zehnder family’s generational pursuit and commitment to creating enjoyable experiences is reflected in the opening of the Bavarian Blast Waterpark, Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark and Family Fun Center. President of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge, Michael Keller Zehnder stated, “Throughout the four generations of leadership at Bavarian Inn, our mission has always been to create enjoyable experiences. This expansion stands as a testament to our continuous dedication to this pursuit.”