ORLANDO — The countdown to Epic has officially begun! Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations.
Universal Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created and will be the next gamechanger for theme park entertainment. With a total of more than 50 incredible experiences that range from groundbreaking attractions to breathtaking entertainment to incredibly themed dining and shopping and so much more, Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched across five themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. And anchoring the park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a majestic 500-room property that will offer one-of-a-kind views of the park and feature its very own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for hotel guests (valid theme park admission required).
The opening of Epic Universe will transform Universal Orlando Resort into a weeklong vacation destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created, 11 spectacular hotels that are destinations unto themselves, and more – forever changing the landscape of the award-winning destination.
“This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our Universe will never be the same.”
SELECT MULTI-DAY TICKETS AND PACKAGES GO ON SALE NEXT WEEK, WITH MORE ON THE WAY SOON
Next week, guests can begin planning an epic 2025 vacation to Universal Orlando to experience the entire destination as the first phase of ticket products and packages that include access to Universal Epic Universe will go on sale. Specific products launching in this first phase include:
- A variety of multi-day tickets and vacation packages that include three, four or five days of admission to Universal’s theme parks – including one day admission to Epic Universe. These products will go on sale on Tuesday, October 22.
- Reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open on Tuesday, October 22 for stays beginning May 22, 2025.
- Annual Passholders have the exclusive opportunity to purchase single-day tickets to Universal Epic Universe before they go on sale to the general public. Passholders can take advantage of this priority opportunity beginning Thursday, October 24.
OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada — ProSlide is delighted to share that Rick Hunter, President and CEO of ProSlide, has been inducted into the esteemed IAAPA Hall of Fame. This recognition honors the extraordinary contributions that Rick and the ProSlide team continue making to the water park industry over nearly four and a half decades of innovation, passion, and leadership.
Having founded ProSlide in 1986, Rick has redefined water ride design, bringing revolutionary technologies and guest experiences to water parks around the world. His vision has shaped ProSlide and set new industry standards, earning 52 patents along the way.
“We are deeply honored by this recognition from IAAPA,” says Rick. “The journey has always been about breaking through the boundaries of what’s possible in water ride design. This induction is a tribute to the teams, partners, and clients who have trusted us to bring their visions to life.”
Rick’s entrepreneurial drive and dedication to assembling a team of passionate experts has led to the creation of legendary features like Mammoth River, HydroMAGNETIC LIM water coasters, RocketBLAST propulsion systems, reducing-radius TORNADO funnels, and the world’s largest BOWLs – to name a few. These innovations have been embraced by top parks globally – from Wildebeest at Holiday World to Saifa at Siam Park – earning over 100 awards, including 17 First Place IAAPA Best New Water Ride Awards in the past 21 years and four prestigious IAAPA IMPACT Awards.
ProSlide remains committed to breakthrough ride designs and top-tier guest experiences, with Rick leading the charge. This induction into the IAAPA Hall of Fame reflects not just Rick’s individual achievements, but the collective success of the entire ProSlide family, past and present.
We are profoundly grateful to IAAPA for this honor and to our industry peers for their continued support. Rick’s passion for water parks continues to fuel ProSlide’s journey as we innovate for the future of water ride attractions.
IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated officially on November 18, 2024, at IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida.
DALLAS, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, the number one global family entertainment venue, and the world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters are proud to announce an exciting new collaboration that will bring together two of America’s most iconic and legendary properties. The first-of-its-kind collaboration will leverage a new family sports and entertainment platform developed by the two entertainment brands that will seamlessly blend the worlds of basketball and joyful play.
Just in time for the highly anticipated Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour, presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs, this partnership will engage millions of fans and families through the Chuck E. Cheese extensive in-store media network, featuring over 3,000 screens across 470 locations across 45 states. With experiential activations planned during 250 of its domestic tour stops, families will experience unique promotions and original content designed to spark joy, excitement, and unforgettable experiences with both brands, reaching millions of kids and families.
“It’s a thrilling new chapter for Chuck E. Cheese, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with the world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters,” said David McKillips, President and CEO of CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese. “This collaboration allows us to introduce the exhilarating sport of basketball to young fans and families in a fun and engaging way. We’re committed to creating unforgettable experiences that resonate with fans and partners.”
“For decades the Harlem Globetrotters and Chuck E. Cheese have been known for providing unique entertainment experiences for families,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “This partnership speaks to our commitment to work with ‘best-in-class’ partners to help in our dogged pursuit to reach audiences wherever they are.”
This multi-year collaboration will offer existing and new fans of the Harlem Globetrotters and Chuck E. Cheese compelling reasons to connect with the legendary and awe-inspiring basketball team and iconic character, Chuck E. Cheese in his honorary role as the ‘Celebration Coach’ across new mediums. Together, the brands are crafting dynamic experiences that unite families around shared moments of entertainment and a love for sports.
Families and fans of all ages can look forward to an array of activities and engaging content beginning in November as the countdown begins for the World Tour kickoff on Thursday, Dec. 26. Visit www.chuckecheese.com/globetrotters for updates, new entertainment and surprises from the Harlem Globetrotters and Chuck E. Cheese throughout the partnership.
The properties will also be jointly offering advertising and sponsorship opportunities that will provide partners exposure to this lucrative audience through experiential, digital and traditional elements.
Mini werewolves, witches and woofers and are invited to Lake Compounce this weekend for the park’s annual dog costume parade on Sunday, October 20.
Puppers and their parents are invited to the park in their Halloween best for a spooktacular canine carnival in partnership with the Meriden Humane Society. Those who bring a donation of dog treats, toys or food valued at $10 or more will receive a ticket to Holiday Lights during the park’s beloved Howl-o-ween Dog Costume Parade.
The parade will take place at 4 p.m. but pups and their parents are invited to play all day from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. as they enjoy pup cups, delicious Halloween treats, pick their own pumpkins and more!
The pup-tastic fun is all part of Phantom Fall Fest at America’s First Amusement Park. The annual haunt event offers family-friendly (and pup-friendly) fun during the day, then at 6 p.m. the fear kicks into gear with four sinister haunts including two all-new experiences every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the rest of October.
DALLAS, Texas — Indoor Active Brands, a platform company that focuses on indoor entertainment concepts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Naughton as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the promotion of Jessica McDonald to Vice President of Marketing at Altitude Trampoline Park. These leadership changes reflect the company’s commitment to strategic growth and development within the family entertainment industry.
Prior to joining Indoor Active Brands, Naughton served as Vice President of Strategy and Financial Planning Analysis at CEC Entertainment, where he honed his expertise in financial forecasting, budgeting, competitive analysis, and performance metrics. As CFO of Indoor Active Brands, Naughton will lead the company’s financial strategy, focusing on protecting stakeholder investments while driving sustainable growth and expansion.
“Working in the family entertainment industry has always been a rewarding experience, bringing joy to both kids and families,” said Naughton. “At Indoor Active Brands, my focus is on driving growth for both Altitude Trampoline Park and The Pickle Pad. I’m excited to expand Altitude’s footprint while helping The Pickle Pad achieve the same level of success.”
In addition to Naughton’s appointment, Jessica McDonald has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing at Altitude Trampoline Park. Since joining the brand in October 2021, McDonald has played a crucial role in shaping its marketing strategy across various digital and traditional media platforms, including TikTok, Reels, and LinkedIn. Her leadership has driven key initiatives such as membership programs, birthday parties, gift card sales, and product development, all of which have contributed to the brand’s revenue growth.
“Jessica has been a vital part of our success at Altitude, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without her contributions. It’s always rewarding to promote from within, and we’re thrilled to recognize Jessica’s hard work with this well-deserved promotion,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Indoor Active Brands. “As Altitude continues to grow and we ramp up efforts with The Pickle Pad, we’re focused on building a leadership team that can support our vision. With Sean’s financial expertise and Jessica’s marketing acumen, we are well-positioned for success.”
Established by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands utilizes industry experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to support and assist its franchisees. Its portfolio includes Altitude Trampoline Park, a leading family entertainment destination, and its newest venture, The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball playground featuring a chef-inspired restaurant, bar, and yard games for all ages.
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Build your style, brick by brick! The new LEGO H&M Kids Collection is launching in person at LEGOLAND California Resort today! Showcasing seven LEGO inspired unisex pieces, the collection is available in sizes for children ages one to eight years old, making it a must-have for young builders everywhere.
The colorful collection brings to life the beloved iconic minifigure faces and LEGO bricks of various colors in a range of comfy playful styles. The line features sweatshirts, overalls, t-shirts, pajamas, and accessories like ballcaps and even kids’ belt bags! You can find the collection inside two LEGOLAND California Resort stores – The Big Shop and The Awesome Shop – as well as on H&M’s online store.
Families visiting for LEGOLAND California’s epic Halloween event, Brick-or-Treat Monster Party, on October 12 will be some of the first to shop the new collection! This means families can enjoy the thrills of the Park’s Halloween celebration while snagging these exclusive outfits before they sell out!
PADUCAH, Ky. — Dippin’ Dots, the original beaded ice cream, is proud to announce the much-anticipated return of its iconic mint chocolate flavor. After a 6-year hiatus, this fan-favorite flavor is making a grand comeback in response to overwhelming customer demand.
Dippin’ Dots has been a trailblazer in the frozen treat industry for over three decades, and the reintroduction of mint chocolate underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation and quality. Starting today, fans can once again savor refreshing mint paired with creamy chocolate beaded ice cream.
“Mint chocolate has long been a fan favorite flavor,” said Kimmra Hingher, vice president of marketing at Dippin’ Dots. “Bringing this classic flavor back is our way of showing how much we value our loyal customers and our commitment to delivering the treats they love. We’re excited to see the buzz from those trying it for the first time and the thrill from those who’ve missed it!”
The mint chocolate flavor will now be available at a variety of locations, including theme parks, stadiums, zoos, arenas, Dippin’ Dots storefronts, shopping centers, and more, as well as offered in bulk for scooped service at the point of sale. For those who prefer to shop online, mint chocolate is also available at dippindots.com. Dippin’ Dots continues to lead the way in the frozen treat industry, consistently introducing exciting innovations and flavors.
COHOES, N.Y. — Aquatic Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce that they have been honored with two prestigious Leading Edge Awards by the World Waterpark Association, which recognizes creativity in the development of new concepts, products, and services that benefit the water attractions industry. ADG’s innovative work on the Wilderness at the Smokies expansion and its role as the wave system supplier for El Dorado Water Park in the Dominican Republic were both acknowledged with this high distinction.
The first Leading Edge Award celebrates ADG’s design and engineering of the 40,000-square-foot expansion at Wilderness at the Smokies, which has transformed the guest experience with a variety of groundbreaking features. The expansion includes a rooftop lagoon pool with panoramic views of the Smoky Mountain range, alongside a new bar and grill, luxurious private cabanas, and an entertainment stage, creating a versatile destination for both dining and live performances.
ADG also introduced two world-first water attractions: the Reverse AquaLucent water slide, an adrenaline-pumping water coaster, and Kaleidoscope Kavern, a unique immersive lazy river that surrounds guests with dynamic lighting and sound for an unmatched experience. The project also features a renovated spa with a spacious hot tub and a 1,055-square-foot activity pool equipped with a basketball hoop, perfectly balancing relaxation and interactive fun.
Facing the challenge of working within limited space, ADG showcased exceptional creativity by maximizing vertical space and incorporating a mezzanine level, adding over 500 additional seats and nine rentable cabanas to accommodate more guests and generate new revenue streams for the park.
In addition to the Wilderness at the Smokies project, ADG was also recognized for its role as the wave system supplier for El Dorado Water Park in the Dominican Republic. The second Leading Edge Award recognized ADG’s role in the success of El Dorado Water Park by supplying cutting-edge wave technology that powers its wave pool, further emphasizing ADG’s leadership in both wave systems and waterpark innovation.
Aquatic Development Group (ADG) is North America’s most respected water park and recreational design, construction, and manufacturing firm in the industry. ADG’s products & services have been utilized in over 4,000 facilities worldwide, spanning six continents. They have designed, engineered, and constructed more than 100 indoor and outdoor waterparks, and over 550 wave pools and specialty wave systems around the world. ADG has won numerous IAAPA Brass Ring and WWA Leading Edge Awards for their projects and products.
CARLSBAD, Calif — Tis the season for fa-la-la-la-LEGO fun! LEGOLAND California Resort’s Holidays event is turning Carlsbad, CA, into an “elf extravaganza” this festive season. Elves are using festive décor, twinkling lights, garland and even falling snow for the Holidays kicking off Nov. 23 and running select days through Jan. 5. All festivities are included with general Park admission and select annual passes.
This year, Santa’s zaniest helpers have taken over Imagination Zone and transformed it into an elf extravaganza. Guests can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by training to become an elf at the new Elf Training Academy, taking “elfies” with the all-new LEGO elf characters, Ivy and Frode, or mastering their jolly good dance moves at the new Holly Hype Dance Party. And don’t miss the North Pole Postal Service where guests can mail letters to Santa by dropping them in a special mailbox, where eager elves will ensure they make their way to the North Pole.
The elf fun continues as you stroll through the Park where you’ll be greeted by the iconic three-story-tall twinkling LEGO Christmas tree built out of more than 364,481 LEGO and DUPLO bricks. Capture core memories with Christmas card photos in front of the larger-than-life LEGO wreath, sample sweet treats with a holiday twist, and get a head start on holiday shopping at The Big Shop. Explore festivities, including:
- Holiday Fireworks: Watch the elves light up the sky with an end-of-day festive fireworks show on Saturdays in December and Dec. 21 through 30.
- Holly Hype Dance Party: Join Reindeer Girl and jump, prance and boogie down in this interactive holiday dance party!
- Brickmas Greetings: Meet and greet with our LEGO Toy Soldier, sing along with Toy Soldier’s Marching Band, and get some holiday shopping in at The Big Shop.
- Meet LEGO Santa and Friends: Your favorite holiday LEGO characters are back and ready for holiday hugs, pictures, and selfies. Meet friends including LEGO Snowman, Reindeer Girl, Gingerbread Man, Toy Soldier and new elf characters, Ivy and Frode. Plus, T-Rex Guy has dressed up for the season and is bringing the holiday spirit inside the Resort’s newest land, Dino Valley!
- Jingle Jamboree: Celebrate the holidays with the final show of the day and see favorite LEGO Holiday characters sing and dance to merry tunes.
After the Christmastime celebrations, ring in the New Year on Dec. 31 with dazzling fireworks, delicious treats, festive entertainment, and more at this year’s Kids’ New Year’s Eve. Countdown to LEGOLAND California’s version of midnight (which is a kid-approved 7 p.m.), with fireworks and special 3D glasses that turn the bursts into LEGO bricks!
LEGOLAND believes awesome is for everyone! To ensure every visitor has a fun Holidays experience, all LEGOLAND Resorts in North America are Certified Autism Centers after working with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to train and certify staff in sensory, environmental, and emotional awareness – ensuring families can build a bricktastic vacation and make unforgettable memories.
The second weekend of Gardaland Magic Halloween is about to arrive: the eagerly awaited autumnal appointment at Gardaland Resort which, until 3 November, will liven up the Park with frighteningly fun days for families and more intense and dark experiences for young adults, by way of “WRECKAGE – The Horror Experience” and Scary Fridays, the first of which starts on Friday, 11 October.
“For Gardaland, entertainment is a top priority”, explainsSabrina de Carvalho, Managing Director of Gardaland. “For our visitors, in fact, fun also comes from the entertainment: from Street Performances to shows, from stage events to live music, right up to food & beverage experiences. These are emotionally engaging events that ignite the joy of coming to the Park, to share carefree moments with family or friends through captivating experiences.”
This year, Gardaland Resort (as always, attentive to the needs of its visitors) has created new immersive experiences, designed to offer fun tailored to different age groups and needs. Visitors will be involved at every turn, rendering them the protagonists of unique moments that will transform a visit to the Park into an unforgettable memory.
During the opening days, families will be received at the park with ‘Welcome to Halloween’, the updated and improved opening show featuring friendly and colourful skeletons. Along the park’s avenues, families with children will be able to experience an adventure amidst sets and performances that combine the right dash of fear and lots of fun, where a huge backdrop of vampires, pumpkins, ghosts and bats will bring a smile to their faces… with a shiver of joy! There will also be Meet & Greet and chill-thrill Street Performances, including a spectacular Dragon that enchants young and old alike, and the Monster Band, the funniest noir band ever, ready to bring smiles to visitors’ faces with their dark humour.
Many Halloween-themed shows will provide guests with moments of great entertainment and unforgettable thrills. At Gardaland Theatre – with live music, acrobatics, dance and amazing choreographies – the new show “ANUBIS” will be on stage: a gripping story set in the Egyptian afterlife, in which the powerful god Anubis threatens the peace of the souls which reside there. Visitors can immerse themselves in the dark atmospheres of the English Village with “Il lamento degli abissi“, a show of dancing, singing, acrobatics and spectacular costumes, in which a crew of pirates is taken hostage by the singing of evil Sirens. For our youngest visitors, on the other hand, there is “Vlad in Love”, at the Teatro della Fantasia, in which Count Vlad will try to win his beloved’s heart with surprising magic. Meanwhile, at the 4D cinema on Saturday 12 October, it’s time for the debut of “Dracula 4D”: the new short film, specially made for 4D viewing, is full of suspense as a young teenager and his father accidentally awaken the vampire Dracula. With special effects and motion seats, the audience are sure to be watching with bated breath throughout the entire film. Will Kevin and his father manage to escape Count Dracula’s fangs?
One of the most eagerly awaited novelties of the season is ‘WRECKAGE – The Horror Experience’, an unprecedented tunnel attraction that promises a highly immersive experience (additional ticket necessary) designed for thrill-seeking guests over the age of 14. Set in a space station that has disastrously crashed to Earth, WRECKAGE is one of the most immersive and unsettling experiences ever created at Gardaland: the daredevils who are bold enough to enter it will find a macabre surprise awaiting them around every corner of the labyrinth, ready to test their nerves.
But what would Halloween be without… treats? Plenty of themed sweets and cocktails will be available at the various refreshment points in the Park. This year, too, the little ones will be able to try their hand at Trick or Treat, the sweetie-hunting trail that is a typical Halloween tradition.
Every weekendas the park closes, the much-loved mascot Prezzemolo will be the star of ‘Zenda Cuoredipietra‘ in Piazza Jumanji. Between songs and spectacular dance routines, Prezzemolo must intervene to save Gardaland from one of the Witch Zenda’s mischievous spells… an unforgettable finale for young and old alike!
Guests in search of more intense emotions can enjoy the experience of Scary Fridays – scheduled from 11 October, from 5pm to 10pm – special evenings when every corner of the Park will be invaded by horror atmospheres, transforming it into a spooky universe populated by creepy creatures and scary scenarios, perfect for those who love intense sensations!
Not to be missed on these evenings are the Scary Zones: two enclosed zombie-infested areas that will test the mettle of all those who decide to set foot inside. The experience will be intense, but always in the spirit of fun that characterises Gardaland Magic Halloween.
The Scary Fridays experiences don’t end there: in fact, every Friday, visitors will be able to rock out in Piazza Jumanji to the rhythm of the scary music of DJ Eros and his Scary DJ Sets, a mix of spooky sounds and overwhelming rhythms that will transform the square into a thrilling outdoor disco. It will be the perfect after-party to end an evening full of spooky experiences in style.
Grand finale for Gardaland Magic Halloween on 31 October, when Piazza Jumanji will be transformed into a huge dance floor for the Halloween Party. Until late at night, the square will host DJ sets with exclusive guests, ready to get all visitors rocking out to an event that rounds off the most frighteningly fun month of the year, with an explosion of music, dancing and ‘horror’ atmospheres.
