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.”
American Resort Management, in partnership with the City of Bellevue, NE, is proud to announce an exciting new project: the Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark. On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the City of Bellevue celebrated the official groundbreaking of the highly anticipated indoor waterpark. This project represents a transformative step forward for the region.
As the crown jewel of the Bellevue Good Life District, the Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark is poised to become a premier attraction for families, tourists, and water park enthusiasts from across the nation. Designed to deliver year-round aquatic fun, the facility will feature state-of-the-art water slides, a lazy river, and an interactive splash zone, ensuring an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Dirt work is already underway, and the Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark is scheduled to open its doors in late 2026, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for the city. Beyond its entertainment value, the Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark will serve as a major economic catalyst for the area, bringing hundreds of new jobs to Nebraska. From construction and operations to hospitality and retail, the project is expected to stimulate local employment and create new business opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs alike.
“This is more than just a water park—it’s a symbol of growth, opportunity, and the bright future ahead for Bellevue,” said Mayor Rusty Hike. “With this groundbreaking, we are setting Bellevue on a new path toward prosperity, attracting visitors, boosting our economy, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.” Richard Coleman, CEO of American Resort Management, added, “We are thrilled to bring this world-class indoor water park to Bellevue. This project is a testament to the city’s vision for economic development and tourism, and we are honored to be a part of it. Bellevue Bay Indoor Water Park will be a destination that families will enjoy for generations to come.”
Amusement Today will be publishing its annual amusement industry preview in the May 2025 issue. To make certain your new-for-2025 installs are included, send a list of your 2025 projects to [email protected].
The deadline for inclusion is April 15, 2025.
AT is looking for any new ride or attraction at parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, traveling carnivals shows, cruise ships, even stand-alone attractions such as giant wheels, tower rides and alpine coasters.
AIMS International announced the election of Rob Gavel to its board of directors, effective April 1, 2025. Gavel, president of LJM & Associates and owner of GCS Safety, brings 17 years of industry experience to the board. He succeeds departing member Dr. Kathryn Woodcock of Toronto Metropolitan University, who served on the board since April 2019. AIMS and the board thank Dr. Woodcock for her years of dedication and service.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to take this opportunity to welcome Rob Gavel to the AIMS Board,” said Board President Pat Hoffman. “Rob has devoted countless hours teaching at AIMS seminars and representing us at AIMS-On-The-Road events. His background as a Maryland state ride inspector and current role as owner of LJM ride inspection services position him to share knowledge and talent that will certainly benefit the board and the amusement industry.”
“I’m thrilled to join the AIMS Board of Directors,” said Gavel. “Sharing best practices, industry collaboration, and ongoing education are pillars of amusement safety education, and I am proud to support the industry in this new role.”
Gavel began his career as a ride inspector with the state of Maryland, eventually becoming the supervisor of its Amusement Ride Safety Unit. He later served as program manager for the Maryland State Safety Unit, overseeing inspections not only of amusement attractions but also elevators, boilers, pressure vessels and railroads.
In 2018, Gavel transitioned from state service to work full-time as the principal of GCS Safety, a third-party consulting firm. He also worked with LJM & Associates, Inc. as a contract consultant, conducting inspections and facility audits. In January 2023, he purchased LJM & Associates, Inc. and assumed the role of president.
“Rob’s commitment to advancing safety practices in the industry makes him a great addition as we strive to enhance our safety education offering worldwide,” said Amy Lowenstein, executive director of AIMS International.
In addition to his professional work, Gavel volunteers as an instructor for both AIMS and the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials. He holds AIMS Level II Ride Inspector certification, as well as NAARSO Level III Inspections and Level II Operations certifications.
Remaining actively involved in the industry, Gavel plays a key role in professional development, both as a leader and educator in the fields of ride inspection and maintenance. He is also a voting member of several ASTM F-24 Committee on Amusement Rides and Devices.
Gavel was elected to the board by AIMS membership during the annual meeting in January.
LAS VEGAS — Betson Enterprises is proud to announce that President Bob Geschine and former Chairman and CEO Peter Betti have been inducted into the 2025 AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame. The prestigious ceremony took place during the opening night of the Amusement Expo in Las Vegas, celebrating a lifetime of achievement and contributions to the industry.
The AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly shaped the direction and growth of the amusement sector. Both Geschine and Betti exemplify this distinction through decades of leadership, innovation, and service.
Bob Geschine has served as President of Betson Enterprises for over two decades, leading the company through an era of dynamic expansion, and industry transformation. Under his guidance, Betson has become one of the most respected names in amusement distribution, known for its customer-first philosophy and forward-thinking approach.
Peter Betti, who served as Chairman and CEO until his retirement, laid the foundation for Betson’s success. A true pioneer, Betti’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped establish the company as a dominant force in the amusement and vending industries. His legacy continues to influence the direction of Betson and the broader industry today.
“We are incredibly proud to see Bob and Peter recognized for their lifelong contributions,” said Jonathan Betti, Senior VP of Sales and Business Development. “Their passion, dedication, and leadership have left a lasting imprint on the amusement industry and inspired generations of professionals.”
The AAMA Hall of Fame induction is one of the highest honors in the amusement world, recognizing those whose influence has moved the industry forward in meaningful and lasting ways. Betson Enterprises congratulates Bob Geschine and Peter Betti on this well-deserved achievement.
We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees and award winners for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the amusement industry.
CALVERTON, N.Y. — Water you waiting for? The summer season is just around the corner at Splish Splash Water Park, as it gears up to open on Saturday, May 24 with its all-new water playground. To celebrate its 35th season and new water play area, the park hosted its first ever naming contest earlier this month for fans to cast their vote. Visitors who entered Splish Splash’s Vote for the Splashiest Water Playground Name Sweepstakes chose between three underwater themed selections to name the new water playground – Anchor Bay, Soakin’ Shores, and Stingray Bay.
With thousands of votes casted, the splashy winning name was Stingray Bay, where it’s all fun and no sting, all summer season long.
Families will be hooked this season at New York’s Largest Water Park when the new splash-tastic water playground debuts. The new kid-friendly zone will offer families more than 15 fun and silly ways to stay cool during their visit to Splish Splash. The all-new water playground will be 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.
To kick off the celebration of Stingray Bay, for a limited time guests can register for a free Pre-School Season Pass online now. This FREE Season Pass is all-new for the 2025 season and will only be available to be claimed for a limited time. Families with guests ages five and under can register online now for the pass and will get access to the park throughout the summer season. Passes are valid for guests three to five years old and must be processed with a 2025 Season Pass (any level) or Any Day admission ticket.
“Thank you for diving into the excitement and sharing your creativity in our naming contest! Your ideas help us shape something truly special, and we couldn’t do it without you, said General Manager Mike Bengtson. “Creating unforgettable family moments begins with catering to our youngest guests. By adding a vibrant waterplay area, Stingray Bay, as well as a Preschool-focused Season Pass this season, we are making waves for parents and children alike to splash, laugh, and grow together.”
Splish Splash is still hiring and accepting applications in all departments for those ages 14 and up. Those who apply today can work as a lifeguard at the park’s all-new Stingray Bay or make one of the park’s famous Ben’s Soft Pretzels. Positions are also available in Park Services, Admissions, Retail, Security, Guest Services and more. The park offers competitive wages starting at up to $20 per hour, scholarships and advancement opportunities, incentive programs, monthly special events, discounts on food and retail, free admission to Splish Splash and 14 other amusement parks in the United States and much more.
