ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort is revealing the must-have array of merchandise that guests can purchase during their visit to the groundbreaking Universal Epic Universe theme park, officially opening on May 22, 2025. Available at 20-plus immersive retail locations throughout the theme park, guests can shop a unique assortment of new and popular merchandise that ranges from apparel to headwear to collectibles and more inspired by the imaginative worlds of Epic Universe – including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
“The groundbreaking, immersive worlds of Epic Universe created the dream opportunity for us to design a first-of-its-kind merchandise program that brings these iconic stories to fans in new and innovative ways,” said Justin Lafoe, Global Parks Merchandise & Retail Officer, Universal Destinations & Experiences. “We are thrilled to bring fan-favorite worlds to life and give guests the chance to bring home a piece of their adventures with them.”
Here is a closer look at some of the exciting merchandise collections that will be available at Epic Universe when it opens later this year:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Within Place Cachée in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, guests will discover an expansive assortment of merchandise inspired by 1920s wizarding Paris, the Fantastic Beasts films, the British Ministry of Magic and much more. At Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, guests will find an all-new collection of interactive wands that will bring to life new experiences and magic – including some that are exclusive to Epic Universe – and wand accessories with a Parisian twist.
In Les Galeries Mirifiques, guests will find wizarding gear and memorabilia including 1920s-era wizarding robes complete with berets and neck ties, messenger bags with wand holders as well as jewelry and accessories representing each of the four Hogwarts houses. Fantastic Beasts fans will even be able to take an interactive Niffler home with them.
Guests can also explore the Métro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo, where they will find the Métro-Floo collection, a variety of items featuring the Time-Turner, and the British Ministry of Magic collection – featuring apparel and wand accessories such as a wand stand and wand holder harness that don the wizarding authority’s well-known emblem.
Guests looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can indulge in délicieux, giftable sweets and treats from potions to Chocolate Frogs and beyond in the French confectionary shop, K. Rammelle.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Fans can team up and celebrate their favorite Nintendo characters with an extensive variety of merchandise inspired by beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and more. The 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors stores feature character hats and headbands themed to Chef Toad, Bowser Jr., Princess Peach and more; character plush like Mario, Luigi and Donkey Kong; a Mario Kart collection and a colorful Yoshi collection. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD also offers food and beverage accessories like the light-up Super Star Popcorn Bucket, 1-UP Mushroom Sipper and Super Mushroom Sipper.
At Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy in Donkey Kong Country, guests will be able to shop for merchandise that will be available for the first time at Epic Universe such as a banana-shaped fanny pack inspired by Donkey Kong’s favorite food. Other items guests can find at Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy include a gigantic Donkey Kong coffee mug, a Diddy Kong ticket holder and more.
Guests can also purchase Power-Up Bands throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD inspired by popular characters Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Toad, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong to gear up for interactive play. With a Power-Up Band, guests can enhance their play throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD by experiencing interactive activities, winning digital keys, collecting digital coins and stamps, tracking their score, checking their ranking and more.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Guests can immerse themselves in all the Viking vibes with a vast selection of merchandise, including apparel and collectibles inspired by the beloved characters, attractions and more in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Signature items found throughout the world and in the Toothless’ Treasures retail location include blind-box collectible dragon toys, apparel, and plush inspired by the larger-than-life dragons in Berk; a chance to adopt-a-dragon via a crossbody egg carrier that holds a plush dragon; and a Toothless collection that features a popcorn bucket, zip-up jacket, wings, masks, plush headbands and more.
Those looking to become a Viking themselves can gear up at Viking Traders with an array of cosplay attire featuring helmets, masks, shirts, shields and swords. Rustic swag fit for the most impressionable dragon trainers can also be found at Hiccup’s Work Shop.
How to Treat Your Dragon invites guests to satisfy their sweet tooth with treats such as mystery chocolate dragon eggs featuring trading cards in dragon house-themed packaging and even sheep marshmallows, for the most honorable Viking chiefs.
Dark Universe
As they step into the ominous world of Darkmoor, guests will discover an incredible collection of apparel, accessories, home decor, toys, and collectibles inspired by the legendary Universal Monsters like Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.
Guests of all ages wanting to take their fandom to the next level can visit the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience and become fashionably monstrous with elaborate face paint, as well as shop for an extensive assortment of cosplay attire in Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, located adjacent to the makeup experience, to complete their looks. More details will be revealed soon on how guests can choose their destiny and transform into their favorite Universal Monster with this all-new experience.
Aspiring monsters can also take home the terror with commemorative merchandise like the Bitty Monsters collection – complete with apparel, headwear, collectible figures, and plush. The spine-tingling experiences throughout Darkmoor also inspired all-new collections themed to Frankenstein Manor – home to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Dr. Pretorius, The Burning Blade Tavern, and Curse of the Werewolf. Guests can find these and other eclectic items at Pretorious’ Scientific Oddities as well as The Manor Storehouse and Guild of Mystics retail locations in Dark Universe.
Additional Retail Experiences in Celestial Park
Guests will also be able to purchase Universal Epic Universe branded merchandise to commemorate their visit to the new theme park, including apparel and accessories for the entire family, home décor, collectible souvenirs, glowing wands and headbands, a light-up popcorn bucket, and items from the Epic Universe Grand Opening collection.
These and more items can be found in unique retail locations within Celestial Park including Other Worlds Mercantile – a bustling marketplace full of majestic treasures where all of the worlds come together; Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets – where guests can find a selection of sweets and treats; and Various Emporia – which houses three smaller shops –Sensorium Emporium, North Star – Wintry Wonders and Lens Flair. Guests can also find the Nintendo Super Star Store in Celestial Park, which carries an assortment of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD merchandise as well as other Nintendo franchise merchandise.
After 45 fulfilling years in this wonderful industry, the time has come for Willy Walser to pass on the day-to day management of RES Rides into new and capable hands. The company announce that Roman Rothe a skilled engineer with over 15 years of experience in our field, will now take over the management of RES RIDES.
Roman Rothe knows the industry inside and out. Over the past 15 years, he has demonstrated exceptional expertise and creativity in designing and the execution of impressive complex large-scale projects. Walser expressed confidence that Roman will not only meet but exceed industry expectations in his new role.
Walser feels it has always been a great pleasure and honor to work with the industry on a wide range of projects – from water and dry leisure facilities to small and large-scale installations. Together, with passion and dedication, RES Rides have brought many visionary ideas to life, and the industry’s trust has been a key factor in RES Rides’ success.
Walser shared that he will remain part of the RES RIDES team. With his experience and knowledge; he will continue to actively support Roman Rothe and the company’s outstanding team. Together, the two will ensure that the company’s projects continue to stand out through innovation, quality, and passion.
Walser expressed hoped that the industry will extend the same trust to Roman that it has so generously given to him over the years. He expressed his heartfelt thanks for the industry’s support and the excellent collaboration he has been able to share.
Here’s to a successful future with Roman Rothe at the helm – and with Willy Walser still by his side!
Theme park Toverland will be celebrating its 24th year in 2025 and will mark the anniversary on the 24th of each month. The Troy Coaster Challenge will return on Saturday, 24 May, and Sunday, 25 May. For this, Toverland is looking for 24 daredevils to ride the Troy wooden rollercoaster for 24 hours. The aim is to raise as much money as possible for the charity Stichting Jade. Anyone interested can sign up now at toverland.com/en/coasterchallenge.
Stichting Jade
Jade Kops was diagnosed with childhood cancer at the age of 14. Despite intensive treatments and the heartbreaking news that she will not be cured, Jade remains a font of positivity. Driven by her own experiences, she and her family established the Stichting Jade foundation. This foundation offers families with children who are being treated for childhood cancer a invaluable break at Villa Jade, a holiday home by the sea. Here they can escape reality for a while and make precious memories together. You can find more information at www.stichtingjade.nl.
Charity activities
Toverland is organising various activities in order to raise as much money as possible for Stichting Jade. Hence visitors to Toverland can take part in the Troy Coaster Challenge for 55 minutes outside opening hours by buying a seat next to one of the participants. There will also be an auction of special items, such as parts of the wooden rollercoaster. ‘By supporting Jade and her foundation, we also want to contribute to the magic for families who really need it,’ says Bart Jaspers, Manager Marketing & Communications. ‘Our goal during the Troy Coaster Challenge is to raise enough money to cover the expenses for all the guests at Villa Jade for at least one year.’
René Kops, Jade’s father and chairman of the Jade Foundation, is very excited about the collaboration. ‘We love helping other families. Thanks to this event we can help make this possible and look forward to the future.’
Practical information
The Troy Coaster Challenge will take place from noon on Saturday, 24 May, to noon on Sunday, 25 May. A test evening will take place on Thursday, 24 April, where an initial selection of participants will take rides on Troy for two hours to check whether they are willing to do it for 24 hours. The final participants will be announced after this evening. Challengers must be over 18. Registrations are open until Monday, 24 March, at toverland.com/en/coasterchallenge.
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- Amusement Expo 2025 | March 19 and 20 | Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, booth #205
- IAAPA Summit Latin America & Caribbean 2025 | March 24 to 26 | CDMX, Mexico, booth #19
- Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025 | March 24 to 26 | Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, booth #756
CALVERTON, N.Y. — New York’s Largest Water Park, Splish Splash is gearing up for the park’s Opening Day on Saturday, May 24. Celebrating 35 seasons of splash-tastic fun, the Long Island water park is currently hiring 1,000 Team Members for its 2025 Season.
Splish Splash is kicking off its hiring efforts now and accepting applications in all departments. Those who apply today can work as a lifeguard at the park’s all-new water playground 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.
“It is a great time to join the Splish Splash team, as we continue to invest in our park and add our all-new water play area debuting this summer,” says General Manager, Mike Bengtson. “Working at a water park is more than just a job; it’s an experience. We believe in building a strong team that works together to provide an exceptional guest experience. We offer competitive wages, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to create unforgettable summer fun.”
Splish Splash 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. The park is now accepting applications for those ages 14 and up, there are also opportunities for professionals and retirees.
Splish Splash will host several job fairs next month beginning on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to speak with current team members, apply for positions, interview and even be hired on the spot. Candidates who are hired will receive three free Bronze Season Passes if they complete the hiring process by April 1.
Splish Splash will also host walk-in interviews Monday, April 14 through Friday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
AGAWAM, Mass. — Celebrating its 25th anniversary as Six Flags, Six Flags New England is making its largest culinary investment in park history. One key initiative includes naming Josh Streeter as the park’s first executive chef.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Josh Streeter to the Six Flags New England family. His exceptional talent and innovative approach to culinary arts will elevate our entire food and beverage experience,” said Park President Peter Carmichael. “We can’t wait for our guests to taste the difference – from enhancing park favorites to exciting, new additions.”
Streeter is a western Massachusetts native, originally from Florence, and has an extensive culinary background. Streeter moved from western Massachusetts to San Franscico, Ca. to further his career. Shortly after arriving he began working on a team that earned two Michelin stars. Subsequently, he taught culinary school, became head chef of a variety of kitchens including universities, hospitals, retirement communities, bakeries and most recently MGM Springfield. Streeter says those experiences make him well versed in creating high quality food for all ages.
“I’m really excited to be part of the Six Flags New England team and bring fresh, new flavors to the park,” Chef Streeter said. “It’s a great chance to get creative and offer guests something delicious. I can’t wait for everyone to try the new dishes and enjoy them alongside all the fun and excitement the park has to offer.”
Streeter is looking forward to enhancing several menus including Chop Six. He is introducing fresh, seasonal ingredients, traditional noodles, and will teach team members new cooking techniques that will elevate quality, taste, and presentation for guests.
In addition to Chef Streeter, Six Flags New England is reintroducing its flagship restaurant, Riverboat Café, after a total renovation. Guests will enjoy the new look of the dining area, additional seating and new kitchen equipment that will allow for new menu items and higher quality, fresh ingredients.
“We take great pride in offering our guests the best possible experiences,” Carmichael said. “The Riverboat Café is centrally located in the park, right next to our thrilling new coaster, Quantum Accelerator. We believe the renovation of the Riverboat Café perfectly complements the excitement of the coaster, adding a whole new dimension to our park that all guests can enjoy.”
Six Flags New England opens for the season April 5. Additional details can be found on its events page. Please note that all event dates and availability are subject to change. Guests are encouraged to check the official website or follow on social media for the most up-to-date information regarding special events and schedules.
For more information on the exciting 2025 season and Six Flags New England’s new coaster, Quantum Accelerator — New England’s first dual-launch, family-friendly straddle coaster launching summer 2025— visit sixflags.com/newengland.
BRISTOL, Conn. — America’s First Amusement Park, Lake Compounce is seeking more than 1,000 employees to join the park ahead the 2025 season. The park is currently hiring across all positions including Food and Beverage, Lifeguards, Rides, Guest Experience and more.
Team Members at Lake Compounce will enjoy several employee perks including pay rates up to $18, free tickets for friends and family, flexible schedules, on-site training and so much more. The park is also hiring for full-time positions across multiple departments including entertainment, maintenance, safety and retail, offering career opportunities for those looking to take the next step in the attractions industry.
“Our Team Members are at the heart of everything we do,” said Libby Dolman, People and Organization Director. “We’re committed to creating a workplace that is not only fun and engaging but also provides valuable experience, hands-on training, and competitive wages. Whether it’s a first job or a new adventure, there’s a place for everyone on our team.”
Team Members at Connecticut’s Most Thrilling Workplace can expect a job unlike anything else in the area. Lake Compounce has positions for everyone ranging from those 16 and up looking for their first summer job to retirees and everyone in between. The park’s flexible schedules, variety of positions available and orientation programs make it easy for new Team Members to join the team and gain valuable skill sets.
Lake Compounce will open the park gates for the 2025 season on Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. This year, visitors will be delighted by exciting new events and returning fan-favorites like Kids Fest, Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights. The historic Wildcat Roller Coaster, now smoother and more enjoyable, underwent the final year of a multi-year re-tracking project. The park’s other beloved wooden roller coaster, Boulder Dash has also seen significant investment in the off-season with the addition of nearly 300 feet of steel Titan Track.
WAIMĀNALO — Explore an ancient art at Sea Life Park Hawai‘i with the return of monthly cultural demonstrations focused on the fabric of Hawaiʻi—kapa. Led by Native Hawaiian kapa practitioner Kumu Page Chang of Pūkoʻa Studios, these hands-on demonstrations honoring the traditional Hawaiian practice will teach kapa-making basics. Participants start the process of stripping and pounding the inner bark of the wauke (paper mulberry) tree and have the opportunity to create a piece of kapa that they can bring homefrom the activity. These cultural activities are offered free to guests with their paid park admission or annual pass.
“This special partnership allows us to host and share the Hawaiian culture within the ahupuaʻa of Waimānalo,” said Sea Life Park Hawai‘i General Manager, Steven Syas. “By offering an insight to this ancient practice we hope guests feel a sense of fascination and awe that they were able to partake in something so revered and important to the culture.” Kapa was an important part of everyday life with it commonly used to make clothing, skirts, blankets and cloaks or capes. It also was used in religious practices and gift-giving, especially beautifully decorated pieces.
Most of the plants used for the kapa demonstrations are grown within Waimānalo, and other locations on Oʻahu. Pūkoʻa Studios is known for their creation of kapa jewelry and artwork; the kapa and dyes are processed in Waimānalo before continuing on elsewhere in the creative process.
Kapa-making instruction takes place within Sea Life Park’s Kamani Grove, just behind the Hawaiian Reef habitat near the Keiki Playground. The following dates have been scheduled throughout 2025, with kapa demonstrations offered from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.:
- Thursday, March 20
- Thursday, April 10
- Thursday, May 22
- Sunday, June 1 (Keiki Sunday Mālama Kai – World Reef Day)
- Sunday, June 19
These kapa experiences are made possible through the generous support of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Center for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). To learn more, visit https://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/plan-your-visit/things-to-do/events.
Guests interested in participating in the kapa demonstration on June 1 also are invited to enjoy planned festivities surrounding a special park event entitled Keiki Sunday Mālama Kai – World Reef Day celebration. These signature Sea Life Park Hawai‘i events are designed to inspire a love of marine life and ocean conservation in young people, offering additional activities such as keiki hula performances, live music, complimentary face painting, photo booth fun including a free souvenir photo, arts and crafts, games and activities, educational booths and more.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Six Flags Over Texas is introducing brand-new menus offering fresh ingredients, homemade dishes, healthy options and for the first-time, smoked-in-house meats with the help of the park’s first-ever executive chef. Internationally renowned chef Douwe Iedema brings more than 25 years of culinary mastery to elevate the dining experience for park guests.
A native of the Netherlands, Chef Iedema is a French cuisine-trained chef who has worked all over Europe including at a Michelin star restaurant and at the NATO headquarters in the Netherlands. He also owned a catering company, hosted a television cooking show and cooked for the Royal Dutch family. In this newly created role, Chef Iedema is shaping the food and beverage vision for the park, reimagining the quality, taste and presentation of the park’s food offerings to please all palates.
“I am delighted to bring my creativity and passion for food to Six Flags Over Texas,” Chef Iedema said. “My goal is to reimagine the food options at our park, so they rise to the level of the world-class roller coasters and immersive entertainment that our guests come to enjoy year after year.”
Chef Iedema has been busy crafting new menus for seven dining locations that showcase Texas’ most iconic food like smoked brisket and pork pastor tacos, plus regional favorites including New York-style pizza, fresh beignets and delicate crepes. The enhanced menus use new cooking techniques, local produce and U.S.-sourced beef and pork.
As part of the park’s food and beverage transformation, Six Flags Over Texas is unveiling two refreshed restaurants that feature updated interiors and exteriors enhanced by themed décor. These restaurants are also prioritizing efficiency and quality for an elevated guest experience.
- JB’s BBQ – Upon entering the park, the smell of the smoked-in-house brisket, chicken and pulled pork will lead guests to the refurbished JB’s BBQ now offering delicious side dishes like smashed potatoes, mac & cheese, corn bread, healthy salads and peach cobbler.
- All American Café – The most popular restaurant gets a major renovation to provide guests with more seating and shaded areas and an all-new menu that includes double-patty diner-style burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders, Detroit-style pizza and milkshakes.
- Casa de las Banderas – Opens this summer with a brand-new menu of street tacos, freshly fried tri-color tortilla chips and elote.
- La Cantina – Opens this spring with a new menu featuring Mexican tortas and traditional sides such as Spanish rice, pinto beans and cilantro lime crema.
- Texas Tacos – All roads will lead to Texas Tacos where guests will find Dallas-style brisket and pork tacos, all made with fresh meat smoked in-house for the first time.
- Etiennes – Opens this summer to delight guests with fresh beignets dusted with powdered sugar, and sweet and savory crepes.
- Primo’s – Totally reimagined pizza stop offers New York-style pizza made with a fresh pizza crust,plus tossed-to-order Caesar salad and a new selection of cannoli.
Six Flags Over Texas kicks off the 2025 season with Spring Break daily from March 13 to 23. Guests of all ages can explore the park’s enhanced dining options and enjoy nonstop fun with extended hours on selected days. For more information on the park’s new food offerings, Spring Break, to purchase tickets and much more, visit www.sixflags.com/overtexas.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo will transform into a wild and wonderful nighttime lantern festival with Glo Wild. Join us for Glo Wild on select dates beginning March 27 through May 26, 2025. Step into a land of glowing landscapes and stand toe to toe with towering animals in larger- than-life 3D lantern displays.
“The Fort Wayne Zoo is kicking off its 60th birthday celebration with 60 spectacular lanterns! We are thrilled to give guests the opportunity to stand with a pack of hyenas, sit in the petals of a flower, and see the Zoo’s mission at work in a whole new light,” said Rick Schuiteman, Zoo Director. “With immersive activities and delicious food, the mile-long Glo Wild path is designed to keep guests of all ages in awe throughout their experience.”
Glo Wild will be open 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- March 27-April 6, open daily
- April 9- April 30, open Wednesday through Sunday
- May 1-May 25, open Thursday through Sunday
- May 26, last day of the event
