Dark rides have become an increasingly popular way to engage a wider audience. These indoor attractions offer experiences for all ages and operate reliably regardless of weather and with high uptime. A trackless ride system expands creative potential even more and brings extra tangible benefits in cost, flexibility, maintenance and safety.

Creative freedom and storytelling flexibility
Trackless systems unlock a new level of creative and narrative flexibility. Because the vehicles are not confined to fixed rails, designers can incorporate complex layouts: branching paths, intersections, and even overlapping or criss-crossing routes. This freedom enables more dynamic, non-linear storytelling, where each ride-through can be slightly different. The variability encourages repeat visits and lets designers control pacing: since vehicles move independently, each one can slow down for dramatic scenes or speed up to maintain guest flow. This combination of physical and narrative flexibility adds a powerful new tool set for immersive ride experiences.

Lower installation costs than expected
There’s a common perception that trackless systems must be expensive to program and operate, especially when it comes to coordinating vehicle movements or designing advanced routes. In practice, these costs are in most cases even lower than the extensive infrastructure required for traditional tracked systems. For example, building and installing steel track with automated switching mechanisms involves major engineering, programming and construction. In contrast, trackless systems typically rely on its flat surface preparation with guide wires or optical navigation, which reduces both installation time and labour costs.

Speed through proven platforms
Companies with deep experience, like ETF Ride Systems, often work with proven software and existing ride layouts, which improves reliability, speeds up development and helps keeping costs down. Their ability to deliver complex ride behaviour without reinventing the wheel is a key factor in making these systems more accessible.

Simplified maintenance and higher uptime
Once operational, trackless systems are relatively easy to maintain. Each ETF vehicle contains its own drive and control system, meaning there are fewer external mechanical parts to manage. Without rails and its ride control system, there’s less wear and tear and fewer components prone to failure.

Power is handled simply: the vehicles run on rechargeable batteries and typically operate for 12 to 14 hours on a full charge, covering a full day of use with minimal daily upkeep. Battery charging will be done overnight.

Maintenance tasks are usually quicker and more contained, resulting in less downtime and more consistent ride availability.

Built-in safety advantages
Trackless rides also offer practical benefits in terms of safety. In the event of a technical issue, vehicles can be programmed to return to a station or safe zone automatically, even during power failures.

Lower long-term costs
Although trackless systems are often assumed to require a higher initial investment due to their advanced technology, they are in fact typically more affordable from the start. And when considering the full life cycle costs – including infrastructure, installation, maintenance, and staffing – they mostly prove to be the more economical choice. Their higher uptime and flexibility to adapt or reconfigure layouts over time further strengthen their value as a smart long-term investment.

CALVERTON, N.Y. — Seas the day, this Saturday, June 14 as the brand-new Stingray Bay officially opens to guests at Splish Splash Water Park. The thrilling water play area will offer families with smaller children a new way to beat the heat just in time for the temperatures on Long Island to rise for the summer 2025 season.

It is all about the rays as Splish Splash hosts an official ribbon cutting ceremony outside of Stingray Bay at 10 a.m. The ceremony will feature remarks from the park’s General Manager Mike Bengtson, special ribbon cutting, giveaways, and guests from the Family & Children’s Association.

The all-new splash-tastic water playground, Stingray Bay, offers visitors more than 15 fun and silly ways to stay cool during their visit to Splish Splash. The all-new water playground is finally complete and decked out with three-pint sized water slides, six interactive spray features, five water play features, a dump bucket and fun for all to soak and spray.

“We are thrilled to partner with Family & Children’s Association as we open the all-new Stingray Bay this weekend,” said General Manager Mike Bengtson. “This interactive water play area is the perfect addition to the park, offering something our smallest guests can enjoy while teens and above tackle our thrilling park favorites like Bootlegger’s Run, Alien Invasion, and Hyperlight. “

Families will be hooked all weekend long at New York’s Largest Water Park, as the third annual Kids Fest event continues. Running every weekend through Sunday, June 29, Kids Fest offers thrills the whole family can enjoy. Each weekend will feature an interactive DJ, performers, meet and greets, giveaways, bubble parties, exclusive food and retail items, and more. On June 14, 15, 28 and 29, visitors will enjoy circus themed weekends featuring strolling entertainment and balloon artists. June 21 and 22 will feature meet and greets with pirates and mermaids, plus exclusive photo opportunities. Plus, the park will host local mascot celebrities QuackerJack of the Long Island Ducks, Wolfie from Stony Brook University, and Finn from Suffolk County Community College on Sunday, June 22.

In addition to Kids Fest, Splish Splash will introduce its first-ever nighttime event, Neon Nights. Everyone is invited to experience the park in a whole new light as they follow the lights and sounds through the bubble tunnel to Kahuna Bay wave pool where the action pulses in full vivid color. A live DJ will dial up the energy while guests zip down some of their favorite slides in the dark. Neon Nights will run each Friday and Saturday from July 11 through August 16 from 7 p.m. through 10 p.m.

ST. LOUIS — Intercard’s latest cashless technology plays a crucial role at Playdium, the newest and biggest indoor FEC in Sri Lanka. Recently opened in the capital city of Colombo, the 16,000 square foot center features Brunswick bowling, a 34-game arcade, VR attractions, bumper cars, soft play and a full service restaurant.

Playdium is revolutionizing out-of-home entertainment in Sri Lanka with cutting-edge technology and high-energy sports and leisure experiences. Located at the prestigious One Galle Face Mall, the first-of-its-kind FEC in the country offers a wide range of thrilling activities for guests of all ages.

Rohit Mathur and CSML, Intercard’s distributor in India, handled the arcade installation. The games are connected to a system of more than 40 card readers and self-service kiosks. CSML also installed Playdium’s Brunswick bowling equipment.

“We are honored to partner with CSML to serve Playdium and the growing amusement scene in Sri Lanka,” says Alberto Borrero, Intercard’s senior vice-president of international sales. “Some of the leading domestic and international operators in South Asia use Intercard cashless technology and we look forward to working with more of them in the future.”

Asian operators can experience all that Intercard has to offer at the IAAPA Asia Expo booth #1211 in Shanghai from July 1-3, 2025.

Moment Factory is stepping into the world of scare attractions with an innovative collaboration on Ghost Boat in Wisconsin. The after-dark experience undergoes a major multimedia transformation, intensifying the journey for both new and returning guests.

Drawing on its expertise in creating outdoor multimedia environments, the studio joined forces with Dells Boat Tours to reinvent the almost 20-year-old fright attraction, featuring an upriver boat cruise followed by an immersive walk through Cold Water Canyon.

Leveraging the imposing and unsettling natural setting, immersive storytelling, and live actors, the experience takes visitors on a terrifying journey along a 1.5 km path through a haunted canyon filled with evil forces. An impressive blend of physical and digital elements — including dynamic lighting, chilling video projections, programmed “scare moments,” and spine-tingling spatialized audio — captivates visitors with heightened emotions, fueled by unpredictable moments at every turn.

“At its core, Ghost Boat pairs powerful scares with the dramatic atmosphere of a prehistoric canyon — it’s an inspired combination. And the same could be said for our collaboration with Moment Factory. Two teams, pooling their creative vision, applying their technical and practical know-how, bringing a positive ‘can do’ attitude to every challenge we faced. Together, we didn’t just enhance Ghost Boat — we completely reinvented and intensified it, creating an experience that just doesn’t exist anywhere else.” – Emil Bertalot, Communications Director, Dells Boat Tours

“Collaborating on the Ghost Boat Tour was an absolute thrill for Moment Factory. When the Dells team introduced us to the Canyon and their original experience, we couldn’t wait to see how we could amplify it. The Dells’ dramatic natural setting combined with immersive storytelling made the perfect playground for us. Multimedia and horror are a natural match — they heighten sensations, build tension, and turn spaces into living nightmares.” – Virginie Valastro, Producer, Moment Factory

ST. LOUIS — Intercard will be at Bowl Expo in Washington D.C. July 1-2 with an opportunity for one lucky showgoer to win big. Visitors to the Intercard show booth #929 who test drive the iTeller PlusXL kiosk will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 Visa gift card and a customized Intercard Yeti tumbler. See an Intercard rep at the booth for details.

The Intercard team headed by CEO Scott Sherrod and North America sales manager Rob Geiger will present the latest iQ readers that read QR codes, setting the new standard for unattended amusement center payment technology.

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.”

“With the iQ series, customers can purchase or recharge game play and use a mobile device or paper receipt with QR code to play games, collect points and even redeem prizes,” says Scott Sherrod, CEO of Intercard, “all without the help of a center employee. It’s a big step into the future.”

Visit booth #929 and find out why leading bowling operators including Lucky Strike and Round1 rely on Intercard for innovative and dependable cashless technology that boosts revenues and improves customer service.

Intercard is part of Smart Buy, BPAA’s endorsement program, and has been chosen by the Smart Buy committee as the best cashless technology system for BPAA members. Smart Buy provides BPAA Members with national account pricing and tremendous discounts they cannot get on their own. 

Showgoers can contact Rob Geiger at rgeiger@intercardinc.com to schedule a meeting at the show.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is excited to welcome A Kid Again families back to the park on Saturday, June 14, for a special Rides & Slides Adventure. This annual event brings together nearly 1,000 children with life-threatening conditions, along with their siblings, parents, and caregivers, for a free day of fun and memory-making.

During the event, families will enjoy unlimited access to rides, Wildwater Kingdom, games, and a catered lunch—all provided at no cost. It’s part of a continued partnership with A Kid Again to create joyful, stress-free experiences for families who need them most.

Event Logistics:
What: A Kid Again Rides & Slides Adventure at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
When: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 11 a.m. Media interviews are available upon request
Where: Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, 3830 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104
Who: A Kid Again Families – nearly 1,000 people expected to be in attendance

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Royal Caribbean has pulled back the curtain on the game-changing Perfect Day Mexico, revealing the first details about what vacationers can expect upon its debut in Fall 2027. Spanning over 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, the destination will feature seven distinct neighborhoods, complete with 12 dining options, 24 bars, and the longest lazy river in the world.

At the heart of Perfect Day Mexico will be Loco Waterpark- packed with more than 30 waterslides, a wave pool, and Jaguar’s Peak, the tallest waterslide tower in North and South America. To help bring this ambitious vision to life, Royal Caribbean has enlisted Legacy Entertainment, a U.S.-based design firm responsible for many of the world’s top theme parks and attractions. Legacy will be creating a thematic style completely unique to Perfect Day Mexico.

“’Perfect’ is the right word to describe this collaboration,” says Taylor Jeffs, Legacy Entertainment’s President and Chief Creative Officer. “The creative opportunity of blending Royal Caribbean’s design, signature service and experiences while amplifying Mexico’s vibrant culture has been a career highlight for us here at Legacy.

“More than ever before, families are seeking experiences they can enjoy together that deliver something for everyone, and go beyond what a typical theme park getaway can offer,” Jeffs adds. “My team and I are excited to enter this arena at the moment where the gap between these two worlds increasingly shrinks. Perfect Day Mexico won’t only meet what visitors could do in Orlando, for example, but it will exceed it in many regards. And we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible.”

ORLANDO — SeaWorld Orlando is making history this summer as the only place in the Western Hemisphere where guests can see Emperor penguins—the world’s largest and most iconic penguin species – up close. Beginning June 14, guests will be able to witness these iconic Antarctic animals up close in the park’s Antarctica Realm. SeaWorld Orlando will be the only place in the Western Hemisphere where the public can see Emperor penguins.

SeaWorld Annual Pass Members will receive exclusive early access to the habitat on June 12 and 13, offering a first look at these powerful and regal birds before they debut to the public.

Native to the harsh, frozen landscape of Antarctica, Emperor penguins are built for life on the ice, with dense feathers and impressive swimming abilities that allow them to dive deeper than any other bird species. To prepare for their arrival, SeaWorld Orlando upgraded its Antarctica Realm to meet the species precise environmental needs, including reducing temperatures to around 28°F and mimicking Antarctic light cycles to support their natural rhythms.  The Emperor penguins arriving in Orlando were relocated from SeaWorld San Diego, which has led global efforts in Emperor penguin care and breeding since the early 1980s.

“This is an incredibly rare and exciting opportunity for guests to encounter one of nature’s most extraordinary species,” said Jon Peterson, Park President of SeaWorld Orlando. “We’re proud to continue SeaWorld’s legacy of penguin care and conservation, while giving  our guests a rare chance to connect with these animals in remarkable ways.”

Art Takes Flight in Orlando: “Big City Penguins” Installation
To celebrate the arrival of these polar icons, SeaWorld Orlando has partnered with Creative City Project to debut Big City Penguins—a playful, larger-than-life art installation featuring three towering Emperor penguins across Downtown Orlando. The temporary installation is on display through June 19, offering a buzzworthy photo  op for residents and visitors alike.

Guests are encouraged to snap a selfie, share their sightings on social media, and get excited to meet the real Emperor penguins up close this summer at SeaWorld Orlando.

Fast Facts About Emperor Penguins

• Size: Up to 44 inches tall
• Weight: 60 to 90 pounds
• Lifespan: 20 to 25 years in the wild; up to 50 years under professional care
• Range: Circumpolar on the Antarctic continent
• Status: Listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Fun Facts

• Emperor penguins don’t build nests—males incubate a single egg atop their feet under a brood patch.
• Males fast during incubation, losing up to 45% of their body weight.
• They’re the only penguin species to breed during the Antarctic winter.
• Emperor penguins can swim up to 8.9 mph and walk (or toboggan) at about 1.7 mph.

SeaWorld San Diego was the world’s first zoological facility to successfully breed Emperor penguins outside of Antarctica. More than 20 individuals have been hatched and raised there since 1980, including one in 2023.

Conservation Commitment

SeaWorld—an accredited organization recognized as Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by both the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums—is committed to the care, conservation, and protection of penguins and their habitats.

ORLANDO — As part of its signature Summer Spectacular event, SeaWorld Orlando is excited to unveil a groundbreaking new dimension to its nighttime entertainment: the debut of an all-new, first-of-its-kind at SeaWorld drone show. Seamlessly integrated with the park’s iconic Ignite Fireworks Spectacular, this new drone show transforms the nighttime celebration into more than just a finale—it is a sky-dancing celebration of the sea like never before. Guests will have their first opportunity to witness this mesmerizing display starting June 7, 2025.

This aerial display transforms the night sky above SeaWorld’s central lake into a breathtaking, ocean-inspired canvas, featuring hundreds of synchronized drones that create vibrant waves, glowing sea creatures and dynamic light formations. As the anthem “Feeling Electric” pulses, the drones transition into glowing “fireflies,” becoming a seamless part of the park’s signature fireworks show and creating an unparalleled visual experience.

As part of the broader Summer Spectacular, this all-new drone show stands as one of several exciting new additions. Guests can also discover the recently opened Expedition Odyssey, an immersive multi-sensory Arctic flying theater experience, and enjoy the all-new HydroSurge, a pulse-pounding cirque spectacular at the Nautilus Theater—both located in air-conditioned venues, offering a perfect escape from the summer heat.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood’s recent run of awards continued this week with Newsweek adding the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park to its America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 list following the results of a recent survey.

Dollywood is part of the “Entertainment Providers” grouping of companies and is one of only three theme park companies to be featured on the list. With a caring culture, generous benefits, unparalleled company growth and numerous employment opportunities on the horizon, Dollywood employees—also known as hosts—understand firsthand why the company has received so much positive attention as an employer.

“Dollywood’s hosts are what make this park special,” said Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources, Susan Loveday. “We always strive to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve so they can take care of our guests in a world-class way. We’ve been blessed with a number of awards for our guest experience, but each one of those awards starts with hosts who love where they work and are ready to provide the best atmosphere for those visiting the park.” 

The “America’s Greatest Workplaces” award is based on a large-scale independent research study conducted by Newsweek. Respondents provided insights and experiences on corporate culture, working conditions and other aspects of their current employer and other companies they know. The study incorporates more than 400,000 employee interviews in the U.S. and collected more than 4.9 million comprehensive company reviews. The Newsweek list is one of America’s largest independent employee studies.

Echoing Loveday’s comments, Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Cunningham said, “The companies on this list likely reap the rewards of stronger client loyalty and improved employee retention—clear signs that a thriving workplace benefits everyone involved.”

Pointing to Dollywood host job satisfaction, the park has long been voted as the friendliest theme park in the world. The park also is the only park to ever win the Golden Ticket Award for Best Guest Experience, which factors friendliness of employees—along with cleanliness and value—into its selection consideration. The prestigious Golden Ticket Awards are given annually by industry publication Amusement Today. In late October, Dollywood was named the #1 theme park in the country on Newsweek’s 2025 ranking of America’s Best Customer Service organizations. In May, the National Amusement Park Historical Association named Dollywood as the best theme park in America for the third year-in-a-row. Dollywood also is the reigning Tripadvisor #1 U.S. theme park, an honor based on guest reviews of those who have actually visited the park.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to many regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.