SAN SEBASTIAN — Wavegarden is excited to shine a light on The Bays, a surfing zone that positively impacts both the way people learn surfing and the financial viability of our wave parks. While much attention is often given to the larger, more impressive Turn, Barrel, and Air waves, the Bays are equally as important for the accessibility of surfing and the success of surf parks.

For business owners, the Bays, with their high capacity of 50 surfers (25 on each side), represent 30-40% of the lagoon’s turnover. And, as the Bay waves are the continuation of the Reef waves, known as reform, they require zero additional energy.

For surfers who are starting out, the Bays offer possibly the safest and most optimal conditions to learn, facilitating rapid improvement. The slow-moving white-water and open-face waves that rise 50 cm high provide ideal rides between 14-18 seconds long. During a one-hour session, all surfers have the opportunity to catch 15 or more waves – something almost impossible to achieve in the ocean.

At one of the most recent Wavegarden facilities to open, Surfland Brasil in Garopaba, the depth in the Bays varies between knee and waist-deep, so surfers are never out of their comfort zone. There´s even a non-slip liner with a cushion underlay to further enhance safety. 

Achieving the perfect conditions in The Bays has been no small feat. Surprisingly, it has required almost as much effort as developing a good air section in the Reef area. What initially seemed straightforward – creating a white water wave that rolls towards the shore – turned out to be quite complex. Our main challenges included obtaining the optimum size and power, and managing currents to ensure they move correctly without sweeping surfers away.

But huge strides have been made and our fluid dynamic experts were thrilled with their recent accomplishments at Surfland Brasil, Garopaba, where The Bay waves are ideal, and turbulence is low.

“The Bays of Surfland are the best of any wave pool in the world, an achievement that has taken many years of testing”, explained Josema Odriozola, CEO and Founder of Wavegarden. “The challenge has been to tame the forces in the water, but I think now we have cracked the code.”

The lagoon operations team at Surfland has developed an innovative method of organizing students in a long line as they await their next wave. Students simply hold on to the leg rope of the surfer in front of them, which keeps everyone neatly positioned in the channel.

Importantly, it is in the Bays that tomorrow’s customers are developing their skills, gaining experience, and fostering a lifelong love for surfing. With nearly 20 different waves to master, today’s Bay surfers are set to become the Reef surfers of tomorrow.

Wavegarden continues to lead the way in providing unparalleled surfing experiences, and the Wavegarden Bays are a testament to our commitment to innovation, safety and accessibility.   

Zamperla and Dinosaur Dream Factory are proud to announce the newest Lightning Coaster opening at Dinosaur DreamWorks. This is Zamperla’s third Lightning coaster and the first to use a vertical chain lift hill.

“As one of the 10 most anticipated roller coasters in the world in 2024, Lightning of Zamperla brings visitors a new thrilling experience that will be a highlight in Hubei province and even the whole world,” said Mr. Ruan from Dinosaur Dream Factory.

The guest experience starts with riders looking straight into the air as they climb the 39 meter (127 foot) vertical lift hill. As the din of the park grows quieter guests reach the apex. In a matter of seconds they go from looking skyward to accelerating towards the ground. After flying down the near-vertical drop they enter the signature vertical loop. They are turned upside down three more times before returning to the station.

“The thrills of this coaster cannot be beat,” said Antonio Zamperla, CEO of Zamperla Group. “What is extremely fun for our team is that this layout is similar to others we have manufactured with our previous Thunderbolt system. We promised our clients that we would provide coasters that were just as thrilling as our old experiences but have significantly improved track quality and more comfortable vehicles. We believe we have exceeded everyone’s expectations,” he exclaimed.

Like its launch coaster counterparts, the Lightning train used for this project features many features that save parks both time and money. “Our clients chose us in part because the Lightning train offers a long-term return on investment (ROI),” said Davide Donadello, Sales & Operation Manager for the China & Korea Region. “The combination of a coaster that offers marketable thrills and reduced maintenance cost is extremely popular,” he noted.

The roller coaster is Zamperla’s largest in the country, the third in the country with a vertical lift and represents over a dozen roller coasters operating in China. Zamperla is one of the only ride manufacturers to have a technical support office in China, which has led to over two decades of success in Asia’s largest market.

This Lightning coaster is the first to utilize Zamperla’s new patent pending BBZ track design. “This track design is not only beautiful, but also some of the best we have fabricated in our company’s history. This was fully manufactured at Zamperla’s roller coaster hall in Europe,” said Adam Sandy, the company’s Roller Coaster Sales and Marketing Director. “The new design requires less materials, which helps keep costs down, while also allowing us to manufacture to extremely tight tolerances,” he noted.

Ride Stats:

• Track Length: 689 meters (2260 feet)
• Maximum height: 39 meters (128 ft)
• Maximum speed: 92 km/h (57 mph)
• Number of Trains: 3
• Passengers per-Train: 8
• Height Restriction: 120 cm (48 in) minimum
• Hourly Capacity: 590 people per-hour

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — For the third time in two weeks, SeaWorld San Antonio experienced the birth of a new member of its whale and dolphin family. Arriving on the heels of the births of a beluga whale and a Pacific white-sided dolphin in late June, the new calf, another Pacific white-sided dolphin, was born under the watchful eyes of animal care specialists and the park’s veterinary team. Upon birth, the calf instinctually swam to the surface of the water for its first breath of air and began swimming alongside its mother.

“Our team has been waiting on this moment for months and it’s finally here,” said Katie Kolodziej, Curator of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld San Antonio and manager of the facility in which all three calves were born. “With three new babies now in our habitat, the team is looking forward to providing the best possible care and enrichment for the calves and their mothers, as well as watching them grow and become a part of our existing pod.”

All three calves have had access to each pool in their two-million-gallon facility, including the main presentation pool. Guests can catch a glimpse of them at various times throughout the day and hear updates about their progress from the zoological staff during special educational chats.

The mother, 17-year-old Ohana, gave birth to the female calf estimated to measure 19 inches long and weigh 21 pounds. For a month prior to the birth of the calf, animal care specialists watched the expectant mother around the clock looking for signs of birth that include changes in the mother’s eating and behavioral patterns, temperature monitoring, and the emergences of the tail flukes. Round the clock observations will continue for at least a month, and data is being collected and compiled to help monitor the well-being of these calves and to share with other zoological facilities.

In late June, the same habitat welcomed a beluga whale calf as well as a Pacific white-sided dolphin calf within 48 hours of each other. In the two weeks since those births, both of those calves have been introduced to each other as well as to other members of the pod that now includes 10 beluga whales and nine dolphins. The SeaWorld zoological team is encouraged that these births are a sign of a healthy marine environment and successful species management.

The “baby boom” at the marine park began earlier this summer with the arrival of a harbor seal, a California sea lion, and an endangered radiated tortoise. All newborns are showing signs of good health and SeaWorld officials are cautiously optimistic that all of the babies and mothers will continue to thrive and integrate well.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The East Potomac Miniature Golf Course, America’s oldest continuously operating miniature golf course, and the only outdoor miniature golf course in Washington, D.C., was recently restored to much of its original 1931 splendor by Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) and will be re-opening this summer. “We were very pleased to have been selected by National Links Trust to rehabilitate this course,” said Scott Lundmark, President of AGS. “This course is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and required exceptional attention to detail.”

National Links Trust (NLT), a non-profit organization dedicated to positively impacting the Washington, DC community and changing lives through affordable and accessible municipal golf, was chosen by the National Park Service (NPS) in 2020 to rehabilitate and operate three Washington, D.C. public golf courses: East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course and Rock Creek Park Golf. “We are fortunate to have a strong partnership with the NPS and a shared vision for the future of municipal golf in our nation’s capital,” says Clark Pastrick, Director of Capital Projects for the NLT. “Our goal is to keep municipal golf accessible and affordable while improving the facilities to make them true community assets. This project plays an important role in that.”

While transforming the course into a welcoming, affordable community hub, NLT also approached the project with historical accuracy at the forefront of their plans. Luckily for NLT and AGS, there were a number of images and news articles that helped inform the restoration process. They were also supported by the NPS who provided additional knowledge throughout planning, design, and construction. 

For example, a couple of holes that had been re-routed over the years were restored to the original flow of play. Noteworthy restored features include replicas of the White House, Mount Vernon, and the Capitol Building which serve as obstacles, in addition to a wishing well, loop-de-loop, and “Marshmallow Man” obstacle. All of these features had long been lost or had significantly deteriorated over the last several decades. AGS, NLT, and the NPS worked collaboratively and with third-party companies to reproduce and restore these features.

“Being able to restore so many historic elements to the course has been exciting,” Pastrick says. “We were fortunate to have a wealth of resources that were crucial to building and installing the various features with an extremely high degree of accuracy.”

Equally as important as restoring historic features to the course, was improving playability. Over the last several decades, the course suffered from deferred maintenance. Turf was torn and worn down, brick and concrete were chipped and cracked throughout the course, and drop pipes were obstructed causing golf balls to get stuck. NLT and AGS addressed these issues by removing all the existing turf and replacing it, repairing cracks underneath playing surfaces, and installing new drop pipes. For historic stonework, NPS provided certified masons to make repairs.

What will result from the project, Pastrick says, is a course that is fun for all ages. “It is on a pretty large site and the holes are very large providing ample opportunity for people to putt the ball through and around obstacles. It is actually pretty difficult as far as miniature golf courses go, with a few par threes and fours, but we think it will still appeal to everyone from experienced golfers who are taking their family out for a fun activity, to those who may never have touched a golf club before. With a location right next to ‘The Wharf’ (a mile-long development along the Potomac River with restaurants, retailers, residences, and businesses), and our plans for food and beverage, we think we have a really unique opportunity on our hands. This would not have been possible without the partnership of AGS.”

AGS began work on the project in the early spring, persevering through cool and rainy weather that at times made work challenging. Despite this, they completed their work on schedule, allowing grading, drainage, and other sitework to commence in early summer. An exact reopening date has not been determined, but is expected to be in late summer of this year.

AGS’ diligent work was instrumental to keeping the project moving throughout the entirety of the process Pastrick shares. “From the beginning, we felt AGS really understood the historical integrity of the course and our goals. They had a great plan of attack and relevant experience, and we are extremely happy to have chosen them for this project. Working alongside the NPS requires significant documentation and following exact processes, and AGS has been able to provide everything we asked for from a schematic design perspective and a design layout. They have a great team and have done exemplary work. We cannot wait to reopen the course and welcome our community back to play and experience all it has to offer.”

CARLSBAD, Calif — Get ready to boogie! LEGOLAND California Resort, operated by Merlin Entertainments, is turning up the volume and lighting up the dance floor with Brick Boogie, the coolest kids’ nightclub, nestled inside LEGOLAND Hotel. Open nightly exclusively to LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel guests, families are invited to make memories and bust some moves this summer and beyond!

Equipped with a light up dance floor, a playlist packed with kid-approved tunes and interactive dance-offs, entertainers keep the party popping from 6 – 9 p.m. every night.

LEGOLAND California Resort Hotels are built for kids with bunk beds and a trundle bed in a separate kids’ sleeping area, in-room treasure hunts, elevator dance parties and silly surprises like a whoopee cushion corner and interactive LEGO models. Both  LEGOLAND Hotel and  LEGOLAND Castle Hotel are just steps away from the Park’s entrance, include a full hot breakfast to fuel up for a day of fun and offer early access to the Resort’s new land, Dino Valley!

Limited Time Hotel + Ticket Package: For a limited time only, get a package that includes $39 kids tickets plus up to 20% off rooms at LEGOLAND California Resort Hotels, where you can experience Brick Boogie, as well as all that LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Aquarium and the LEGOLAND Water Park have to offer!

ORLANDO — Guests and clients can watch in awe as fan-favorite films leap off the screen and onto the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal Mega Movie Parade, now open at Universal Orlando Resort. The all-new parade highlights iconic movies such as E.T., Back to the Future, JAWS, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions and Sing, and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.

Universal Mega Movie Parade combines 13 new floats, nearly 100 performers – including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, poi performers and more – and special effects to create a jaw-dropping experience that allows guests to relive classic film moments in a whole new way. Guests can see the colorful Caterbus with giant rainbows on the vibrant Trolls float, a massive 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man atop the Ghostbusters float, groovy Minions on a 70s dance floor across the Minions float, a live marching drum line performing the iconic movie score from JAWS alongside a float themed to the film, and – for the epic finale – the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex aboard the Jurassic World float – and so much more. Fans can also spot additional details that pay homage to iconic elements from the films on some of the floats as the parade winds through Universal Studios Florida.

To add to the excitement, guests can purchase all-new interactive bubble wands inspired by some of the parade’s films that illuminate, blow bubbles, vibrate, and activate sounds when interacting with select Universal Mega Movie Parade floats, as well as other bubble wands. Featuring characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World, and Illumination’s Minions, each bubble wand features sounds and lights unique to each character, creating custom interactions for guests to enjoy. The selection of bubble wands is available for purchase now at various retail locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Mega Movie Parade tops off the exciting collection of new experiences that Universal Orlando Resort debuted this summer – offering fun for the whole family from day to night. Other new, “must-see” experiences include:

• DreamWorks Land (located in Universal Studios Florida): an expansive, vibrant themed environment featuring attractions, character meet and greets, interactive play areas and a live show inspired by beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda;
• CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular (located in Universal Studios Florida): a riveting new nighttime lagoon show that takes guests on a cinematic journey through sentimental soundtracks from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions;
• Hogwarts Always in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade (located in Universal Islands of Adventure): an all-new castle projection show that takes guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts.

Access to all of the incredible new entertainment at Universal Orlando is included with admission to the theme parks. Guests can take advantage of a variety of special offers to plan their visit to enjoy these new experiences and all that the theme park destination has to offer, including:

• the “Get 2 Days Free with a 2-Park, 3-Day Ticket” offer, which allows guests to enjoy five days of theme park fun across Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for the price of a 3-Day ticket.
• saving 30% off a 3-Park, 5-Night Vacation Package that includes accommodations at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal Aventura Hotel. 

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Amusement Expo International #AEI has unveiled its new Show Board for the upcoming March 2025 event.  This group of industry leaders will guide AEI through the next year, leveraging their expertise to enhance the value for exhibitors and attendees in the Out-of-Home #OOH and Family Entertainment Industry #FEC.  Board members include:

• Board Chair: Howard McAuliffe – Pinnacle Entertainment Group.
• Past Chair:  Luke Adams – Pioneer Vending
• Bob Burnham:  Paradise Pinball & Amusements LLC
• Brian Brotsch: Knox Amusements
• Jeff Blair: Sureway Gaming
• Tim Zahn:  American Amusement Arcade
• Joe Camarota: Alpha Omega Sales
• Allen Weisberg: Apple Industries, Inc.
• Pete Gustafson: AAMA
• Lori Schneider: AMOA

AEI has been experiencing consistent growth over the past few years with the 2024 event being described as the largest in history.  This trend underscores the expo’s expanding influence in the industry. Howard McAuliffe, 2025 Show Board Chair, expressed his enthusiasm about the event stating, “It’s an honor for us to be the voice of Amusement Expo International.  The remarkable reception to this event has fueled our commitment to pioneering new initiatives and educational programs that help shape the future of our industry.” 

Amusement Expo International Details:

• Dates:  March 17-20, 2025
• Location:  Las Vegas Convention Center
• Exhibit Registration: Currently open
• Early bird registration deadline:  August 1, 2025

About AEI
Amusement Expo International is recognized as the largest annual conference and trade show for the Out-of-Home, coin-operated #coin-op and revenue-generating amusement, music, and family entertainment industry.  It is uniquely sponsored by both AMOA and AAMA, the leading professional industry associations.  The announcement of this new board and continued growth of AEI highlights the event’s significance in shaping the future of the amusement and entertainment industry.

LAS VEGAS — AREA15, the pulse-pounding hub of experiential art and entertainment located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, invites guests to enter a realm of enchantment with “Will Bradshaw’s Wonderground – The Underground Magic Show.” With magic, mystery and theater colliding in an unforgettable spectacle, each “Wonderground” performance is a one-of-a-kind experience, including a fresh lineup of world-class performers every month. 

On Thursday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m., “Wonderground” will feature a stellar cast of magicians and entertainers guaranteed to leave audiences spellbound. Taking place inside The Wall, the intimate space will provide guests with the distinctive opportunity to experience a plethora of magic tricks and variety acts up close and personal. 

Headlining the event is magician and three-time Guinness World Records holder Jeff McBride. Joining him is ringmaster Will Bradshaw, a regular performer at the Magic Castle, Masters of Illusion and Las Vegas Magic Stars.

Also gracing the stage is Xavier Mortimer, the most viewed magician in the world with more than 30 million followers on social media and multiple residencies in Las Vegas. Audiences will also be dazzled by distinctive performer Confetti Eddie, a connoisseur of confetti magic. Alan Sands, a world-renowned magician and hypnotist, will also bring his renowned act to the stage. Lastly, the evening will also feature illusionist Caleb Alexander and high-energy performer Nabil Murday.

Immediately following the July “Wonderground,” guests 21 or older can stay for a complimentary showing of “Hypnotism After Dark,” an exclusive fusion of master hypnotists Alan Sands and Misty Night. Taking volunteers on a “Vacation of the Mind,” this fast-paced stage hypnotism show promises to entertain and amuse.

“This isn’t just another magic show—it’s an electrifying fusion of spectacle and surprise that transforms every month with a fresh roster of world-class magicians and entertainers,” said Jennifer Falcione, associate director of programming, AREA15. “‘Wonderground’ captures the essence of AREA15: bold, imaginative and unforgettable. We can’t wait for our guests to dive into this ever-evolving wonderland of magic and mystery.” 

The Wonderground residency at AREA15 continues with upcoming dates on Thursday, Aug. 29; Thursday, Sept. 26; and Thursday, Oct 24. With fresh talent every month, each “Wonderground” event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an opportunity for audience members to discover new performers.

General admission begins at $45 and VIP seating, including access to front row seats and early entry to a private show at 5:30 p.m., is $60. Guests must be 18 or older to watch “Wonderground” and 21 or older to watch “Hypnotism After Dark.”

Liseberg’s Board of Directors has July 17 made the formal decision to rebuild Liseberg’s indoor water park, Oceana. The water park, which suffered extensive damage in a fire in February this year, has been cleared over the last few months, and reconstruction will start in the fall.

In recent months, Liseberg has completed extensive investigations as basis for a formal decision on Oceana’s future.

“We believe we now have sufficient data to be able to make a formal decision on the rebuild. Based on the various scenarios we have developed, there is really no alternative to completing the project. This applies both to Liseberg, and Gothenburg as a tourism destination,” says Andreas Andersen, CEO and President of Liseberg.

The investigations have determined that it is more economical to complete Oceana than to demolish and restart with an alternative project. A complete overhaul would entail write-downs of large values, and is also not justifiable from a sustainability perspective.

The starting point is that Oceana will be rebuilt according to the same main principles as in the original project, but some changes will be made.

Several investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing. The results of these are expected to be presented in the spring of 2025.

Until the cause of the fire has been definitively determined and clarity has been reached on the conditions for compensation, the project needs to be bridge-financed by Liseberg. This will initially be handled through re-prioritisation of Liseberg’s investments and cash-flow. Further bridge-financing from Liseberg’s owner, the city of Gothenburg, can become necessary.

“We have good hopes of covering the costs of rebuilding Oceana, but the process is complex and long, perhaps several years. A lengthy process can jeopardize the future of the project, and in all likelihood increase the cost of the same significantly. Furthermore, the large residual values in the project must be protected,” says Andreas Andersen.

With the formal decision behind us, important steps forward are now being taken in the rebuild of Oceana and the water park is tentatively expected to be completed in 2026.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort has launched an incredible ticket deal exclusive for Florida residents that provides access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for an unlimited number of days now through December 18, 2024. Available now for just $199 plus tax, the “Florida Unlimited Days Ticket” gives Florida residents the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of thrills and excitement across both theme parks again and again and again.

With more than 60 immersive experiences across its theme parks, this new ticket offer gives guests the utmost convenience and plenty of time to enjoy all that the destination has to offer with the ease of visiting however often they’d like through December 18. Guests can visit any and every day to experience some of the most innovative theme park experiences ever created, including the destination’s newest additions like DreamWorks Land – a vibrant themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters from Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda; CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular – an awe-inspiring lagoon show set to the sentimental soundtracks of blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions;  Hogwarts Always – an incredible new projection show that takes guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade; and Universal Mega Movie Parade – Universal’s largest daytime parade ever that celebrates iconic movies like E.T., Jaws, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Sing, Minions, and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls.

Florida residents can also use their “Florida Unlimited Days Ticket” to enjoy the fan-favorite seasonal events and offerings that are included in park admission, like Universal’s destination-wide Holidays celebration, which kicks off on November 22 and features Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and more.

Plus, Florida residents looking to stay near the thrills can take advantage of special offers at Universal Orlando hotels, including saving up to 40% on rooms at select Universal Orlando hotels on select dates. Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is the best way to plan a vacation and comes with exclusive theme park benefits, including early park admission.