ORLANDO — SeaWorld Orlando, the Coaster Capital of Orlando renowned for its impressive selection of thrilling and unique rides, unveiled plans for its latest groundbreaking attraction planned to open in Spring 2025: the World’s first-of-its-kind Arctic flying theater. This new experience invites families to soar over icy landscapes, dive beneath frozen waters and come face-to-face with some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures. From majestic beluga whales to awe-inspiring orcas and walruses, this adventure puts riders right in the middle of the action. It’s also all indoors, so rain or shine, this attraction guarantees a cool, thrilling escape for the entire family all year round.

Building on the family-friendly thrills of the park’s newest attraction, Penguin Trek, this new ride accommodates guests with a minimum height requirement of just 39 inches, ensuring the whole family can enjoy the adventure together. Riders will embark on this 4:30 minute journey within one of two of the attraction’s immersive multi-level theaters, each accommodating 30 guests. They will experience the Arctic as if they were truly there, witnessing jaw-dropping visuals both in the air and underwater, including the stunning Aurora Borealis and remote, untouched areas of the Arctic.

Only at SeaWorld Orlando will riders have the rare opportunity to experience a seamless journey from underwater views of the Arctic’s marine life to the outer atmosphere, providing a satellite perspective of this incredible and expansive region. This attraction emphasizes SeaWorld Orlando’s commitment to blending education with entertainment, offering guests a comprehensive view of the Arctic’s vast and varied ecosystem.

Thanks to custom filming equipment specifically created for this project, the award-winning production team was able to film in some of the most remote parts of the Arctic, capturing its diverse environment in stunning detail. From lush, green landscapes that challenge the typical perceptions of the Arctic to the snow-capped vistas and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, guests will be transported to locations that are otherwise inaccessible to most.

“We are thrilled to introduce this first-of-its-kind attraction to SeaWorld Orlando,” said Jon Peterson, President of SeaWorld Orlando. “This indoor immersive flying theater experience reinforces our commitment to education, animal care and research. As guests disembark from the attraction, they’ll find themselves in the awe-inspiring wonder of one of the world’s most remote places, face-to-face with some of those very animals found within the Arctic such as beluga whales, walruses and more. By bringing the wonders of the Arctic to life, we are offering guests an unparalleled and immersive experience that will create lasting memories for people of all ages.”

With the launch of this Arctic-themed flying theater, SeaWorld Orlando continues to innovate and expand its lineup of world-class attractions, solidifying its status as a premier destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. SeaWorld 2025 Annual Pass Members will have the exclusive opportunity to be among the first to ride this groundbreaking attraction before it opens to the general public. Passes are on sale now, so guests will want to grab their passes for the chance to be part of this exhilarating adventure.

LAS VEGAS — Superplastic – the globally renowned character factory making content, experiences and products for those who get it – is about to unleash its most audacious venture yet: the Dopeameme Institute for Pleasure Research (D.I.P.R.). The brick-and-mortar destination is set to make its grand debut this fall inside AREA15, Las Vegas’ pulse-pounding experiential entertainment district. Promising a residency like none other, Dopeameme will offer a 40-minute-long, story-driven experience that will push the boundaries of what immersive entertainment can be.

Spawning from the creative minds behind Superplastic’s top synthetic superstars, Janky and Guggimon, Dopeameme is a testament to the brand’s innovation and imagination. Known for high-profile collaborations with industry giants such as Mercedes-Benz, Gucci, Fortnite, Tommy Hilfiger, The Weeknd, Post Malone and more, Superplastic’s first-ever, brick-and-mortar interactive attraction will redefine what visitors expect from immersive entertainment experiences. Dopeameme will be more than just a visual spectacle—it will provide a robust journey involving active physical participation from its guests, fully engaging them in the quest for pleasure.

Set within a dynamic physical location, Dopeameme will lead visitors-turned-test subjects through a series of immersive rooms, each designed to trigger an actual dopamine rush. Throughout the adventure, guests will encounter interactive delights for all the senses as well as candid photo opportunities that capture their most euphoric moments and exultant dance moves.  

By the end of their visit, each guest will receive a personalized digital profile, including multiple photos, their recommended Dopeameme “prescription” that can be purchased at the retail store and other details from their visit they can share on social media.

Packed with Superplastic merch, the onsite retail store will be open to Dopeameme ticket holders and AREA15 visitors alike. Including unique Dopeameme-branded and Las Vegas-themed apparel and impulse buys, the shop will allow visitors to take a piece of the pleasure home and keep the good times rolling. 

“D.I.P.R. marks a major leap in Superplastic’s mission to expand our digital dreams and IP character universe into an unforgettable, IRL experience for fans,” said Superplastic CEO Jennifer van Dijk. “AREA15’s pioneering success as a hub for next-gen entertainment provides us with a prime location, where we’re inviting visitors to actively participate in a story-driven adventure that’s as interactive as it is captivating. This is the next evolution of Superplastic’s legacy, converging in an unparalleled Las Vegas experience.”

Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in FEC technologies, is proud to announce KwikPay, a payment solution especially designed for operators with small or route-based operations. This incredible technology will be on display at the upcoming IAAPA Expo Europe in Amsterdam, from September 24 to 26, and the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida, from November 19 to 22.

KwikPay is designed to enhance the customer experience by simplifying the payment process for arcade games, amusement rides, vending machines, and all coin-operated machines.

With KwikPay, customers can quickly pay by scanning a QR code on the machine with their mobile devices, eliminating the need for coins, tokens, or physical bank cards. This convenient solution empowers operators with increased control and revenue-generating possibilities by offering functionalities like discounted games, loyalty programs with rewards, and more, thereby fostering customer engagement and repeat visits.

Additionally, the elimination of cash transactions significantly reduces the need for maintenance and the risk of theft, allowing for decreased operating costs and peace of mind for business owners.

“KwikPay is an exciting new development for us at Sacoa,” said Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa. “With our long history of innovation and a deep understanding of the amusement industry, we’re confident that KwikPay will provide new partners with a powerful tool to enhance their operations and offer their customers a seamless, modern payment experience.”

Attendees of the IAAPA Expo Europe are encouraged to visit Sacoa Cashless System at booth #8362 to see KwikPay in action. Our team will be there to provide live demonstrations, answer questions, and discuss how this new solution will benefit operators and improve the overall customer experience.

FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Longneck Manor, home to one-of-a-kind, personal encounters with giraffes and rhinos, is proud to announce it has been awarded accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). This prestigious honor has been granted to less than 10% of facilities with animals in North America. Earning AZA accreditation is a testament to the professionalism,  commitment, and focus of the entire staff at Longneck Manor. 

Longneck Manor, in collaborative partnership with SSA Group, has focused on earning AZA accreditation since its opening in 2021.  Every aspect of Longneck Manor’s operation was studied and assessed, including the care and well-being of its animals, educational programs, conservation efforts, and guest service programs. Earning this important accreditation demonstrates that Longneck Manor is committed to providing the highest standards of care for its animals, staff, and guests. 

“We are proud and honored to be recognized by the AZA for our unwavering commitment to animal care, conservation, and the guest experience,” said Rick Barongi, founder and executive director, Longneck Manor. “As an animal care professional for more than 50 years, I understand and appreciate the significance of this milestone. It is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication, and the impactful way we touch the heart and mind of every guest that visits us.” 

“SSA Group has been an active member and supporter of the AZA for many years,” said Sean McNicholas, president and CEO of SSA Group. “Part of SSA’s mission is to partner with companies so that we can help enhance our positive impact on global conservation. Our partnership with Longneck Manor is a special one. We are proud to work alongside Rick, Heather Crocker [director], and the entire team as they inspire and educate their guests.”

“Becoming an AZA-accredited facility celebrates Rick’s leadership and Longneck Manor’s passionate team,” he added. “All of us at SSA believe in Longneck Manor’s commitment to conservation and we’re excited about our shared future together.”

There are currently 251 AZA-accredited facilities and 15 AZA-accredited related facility members throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries. The announcement of Longneck Manor’s accreditation was made on Sunday, September 15, during the AZA Annual Conference in Calgary, Canada. Longneck Manor’s accreditation will remain active for the next five years.

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — Until now, Movie Park Germany has been silent as the grave about its newly planned horror house for the upcoming Halloween Horror Festival. Now Germany’s largest movie and amusement park is revealing its best-kept secret. The new horror attraction for 2024 will be based on Paramount Pictures’ record-breaking movie franchise “A Quiet Place”.

The new IP attraction will focus on an intense experience. Guests will have to immerse themselves in well-known key scenes from the box office success – and find their way to freedom between vicious creatures, ominous settings and quiet passages. The new maze therefore fits in perfectly with this year’s park motto “Stay Quiet, Stay Alive”.

The new horror attraction will officially open on 3 October. The conception plan is already very telling: The novelty is not only based on one of the most famous horror movie licenses of recent years – but will also become Europe’s largest indoor horror house to date, with an area of over 1400 m² / 15070 ft².

A Quiet Place – A horror blockbuster comes to life at Movie Park
“The demand for an IP horror house has been very strong among our guests,” says Halloween Project Manager Manuel Prossotowicz. “Thanks to the cooperation with Paramount Global, we can not only fulfill this wish, but also bring a well-known franchise to the park that will further immerse guests in the world of the horror genre.”

In a total of eight detailed scenes, horror and movie fans can prove their courage in a post-apocalyptic setting. The horror attraction includes the first two movies of the franchise and will bring the supermarket scene, the forest and the silo to life, among others.

Movie Park’s long-standing partners IMAmotion and IMAscore will be responsible for the realization of the project, playing a major role behind the scenes and on the Halloween set. The team will pay special attention to an authentic implementation of the design language and the sets of the movie.

While horror houses often feature narrow and winding corridors, more spacious areas will now contribute to the unique atmosphere in this new experience. “This is a challenge that had to be carefully considered right from the initial concept phase. We intend to catch visitors’ attention and gaze in the best possible way – even distracting them if necessary – to create a thrilling overall experience,” explains Managing Director Xaver Willebrand.

Furthermore, the technical aspects, sound design and content implementation of the new horror house are part of a detailed concept. For example, the integration of special speakers and authentic sound effects from the movie will enhance the new attraction.

The most recent film in the franchise, “A Quiet Place: Day One”, opened to nearly $100 million worldwide and set the franchise record for the biggest opening at the global box office. To date, “A Quiet Place: Day One” has grossed over $261 million worldwide.

DUBAU, U.A.E. — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries gears up to showcase its business solutions at IAAPA Expo Europe in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 24 to 26 September 2024.

After decades of being a family-owned company with deep roots in the family entertainment business, Embed sets its sights on driving the transformation of Europe FECs to cashless/contactless to enable, empower, and ease the business of fun in the region. Market research sets the Europe family entertainment market share at US$1.82 billion, with a projected CAGR of 7.4% by the end of 2031. 

“Some of the key trends we see in the market are increasing demand for interactive and personalised experiences through mobile apps and digital platforms, a drive for the adoption of eco-friendly practices, and effective digital marketing as a vital growth driver to boost guest numbers,” shares Sara Paz, CMO and Growth Officer at Embed. “These dynamics are shaping the European region and are the reasons why we’ll be demonstrating the power of our Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions at the show.”

Proving that words are only as powerful as the follow-through actions behind them, Embed recently announced a new Sales Account Manager who will be dedicated to the European market and serving the needs of existing Embed customers and prospects alike.

This commitment to customer-centricity is why Embed is constantly developing solutions powered by the world’s best tech players like Apple, Google, and Amazon Web Services – to transform the business of fun.

“Since its launch in 2019, our award-winning Mobile Wallet is still the only Apple and Google-certified FEC solution. This virtual game card is a response to the growing demand from consumers for more personalised and contactless (mobile payments) means of transacting with businesses,” explains Paz. “Embed’s Mobile Wallet 2022-2023 metric results are crystal clear: a whopping 5x increase in average reload value ($50.57) compared to cash ($9.90) and credit card ($31.95), with 60% of reloads happening before guests even arrive at the FEC! This isn’t a game changer, it’s a life changer!”

Likewise, as operators seek higher profitability from reloads and return visits, and more business visibility, Embed’s STATS business intelligence dashboard (powered by Amazon Web Services) enables them to use their games and guest data to design (future-forecasting) better experiences, value, and promotional offers and communicate these more effectively through digital marketing.  “This way, guests can play more with every visit and enjoy the best value while operators can take a step back and enjoy transformational business growth with real-time visibility to their FEC data like game performance, revenue prediction based on retro data, inventory, and even manpower allocation.

As a result, Embed is attracting the biggest FECs in the market. The Veltmeijer Group, who has been with Embed for over 11 years to date,  has over 49 sites inclusive of Gamestate, Gamecity, and GameTown locations on the Embed system, composed of kiosks, game card readers, game cards, POS, and prize redemption. 

Embed drives strategic growth for customers like the Veltmeijer Group – enabling its expansion to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic with the partnership. With its tech innovation and partnership, Embed is also the trusted tech partner of choice of other leading Europe FECs: Elite Experience in Austria, Planet Arcade in Germany, Sir Winston in The Netherlands, and Loft Berlin each have an Embed cashless solution comprised of card readers and KIOSK+. 

Even with the best of FEC tech, Embed layers more value for its customers: “We know it’s not enough to offer the best cashless business solution and then watch operators get straddled with third-party costs that absorb their revenue, so we need to layer value in all areas of their revenue ecosystem” explains Paz. 

Seeing the uptick in cashless payments in different regions, including Europe, Embed is layering more value to the transformational growth its solutions drive, raising awareness of losing revenue from paying published rates instead of effective rates to payment processing providers.

“We are offering FREE rate analysis/consultations at the show to help operators cut their losses and see the savings they can get from simply switching to another payment gateway provider. This is the Embed difference: This means thinking twice about their current providers and challenging operators to seek reliability even when their internet connectivity is down and they need to continue their business operations with manual transaction processing, strong security, pricing transparency, better rates, and pricing know-how.”

To accelerate the region’s cashless transformation, Embed is also bringing the best of FEC tech to expand its footprint in Europe – such as smartTOUCH+, KIOSK+, and a full range of game cards and Wearables – and to contribute to Europe market’s rapid growth with its distributors like Bandai Namco UK, FARO Games, and BALO Turkey.

LEGOLAND Florida guests will have a chance to be a part of history by signing a steel beam to be placed inside the new SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium and support marine life through a donation to SEA LIFE TRUST. From Sept. 21 – 25, “Sealed with Steel” will take place in front of the Aquarium’s construction site inside the entrance of the Park. Weighing approximately 900 pounds and stretching 20 feet long, the steel beam will be the final piece of construction to be placed inside the Aquarium opening in early 2025. This five-day activation offers a unique opportunity for guests to literally leave their mark while supporting a legacy of sustainability and marine life protection. To support ocean protection and restoration, those unable to attend the “Sealed with Steel” event can still contribute by donating via the attached provided QR code.

To further support SEA LIFE TRUST and in a continued commitment to protecting local marine life, several Model Citizens (employees) from LEGOLAND Florida Resort are participating in Global 24-Hour SEA LIFE TRUST Beach Clean at Lake Shipp (in Winter Haven) on Sept. 18.

The SEA LIFE TRUST owns and operates marine wildlife sanctuaries (including the world’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland), runs inspiring conservation campaigns and funds projects and education programs that champion the need to protect our oceans. Through its global BREED, RESCUE, PROTECT program and dedicated Conservation, Welfare and Engagement team, SEA LIFE’s team of expert marine biologists pioneer global breeding projects which may one day provide a lifeline to the ocean’s endangered species, as well as nursing sick creatures back to health and returning them to the wild. If they can’t survive in the wild, they are given a safe home for life.

BRISTOL, Conn. — There’s more horror around every corner as Phantom Fall Fest takes screams to the extreme at Lake Compounce. America’s First Amusement Park will feature more fog, more effects and more screams this fall as the park doubles its scare actor team and introduces two all-new haunts including its longest and most interactive haunted house in Phantom Fall Fest history.

Three years into the park’s new Halloween event Lake Compounce plans to up the scares even more as it introduces two brand new haunts and adds even more actors into each of its houses. The fear kicks into gear every night at 6 p.m. beginning Saturday September 21 as four sinister haunted houses creep out of the shadows for 16 nights of terror. Details include:

• Bloodcraft (NEW) – A new terror has been summoned from the darkness as evil has corrupted all it has touched and nowhere is safe in the newest, largest and most interactive haunt ever introduced during Phantom Fall Fest.
• Malignant: Overgrown Evil (NEW) – The roots of evil have spread and taken over an abandoned garden to cultivate a new nest of horror. The evil has called forth dire creatures to its new home, and summoned others from the earth below. Guests must navigate the vines and fog to escape the terror the grows around them.
• mAlice in Wonderland 3D – Fears are taken to the extreme in this three-dimensional rabbit hole where the evil inhabitants of this twisted Wonderland await to shock, awe and challenge every step through the twisted labyrinth of Wonderland.
• MediEvil – The only way out is to face judgement from the Inquisitor through soul-wrenching torture throughout this medieval chamber of chaos, filled with never-ending punishment and no way to escape the dark fate that lies ahead.

“Phantom Fall Fest is turning the thrills up this season, guests are encouraged to prepare for a Halloween event like they’ve never seen featuring more actors and our longest, most interactive haunt in fall fest history,” said Lake Compounce General Manager Doug Hemphill. “This season, is sure to be what nightmares are made of.”

Phantom Fall Fest also features more than 20 rides and attractions including the re-tracked Wildcat Roller Coaster, day and nighttime rides on Boulder Dash, kiddie land rides during the day and more. Park guests can also curb their fall cravings with fearful bites like blood bags, zombie funnel cakes, savory turkey legs and more.

The days are for play every Saturday and Sunday for those looking for family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a variety of free daytime entertainment for guests of all ages including trick or treating, dance parties, pumpkin decorating and more. Phantom Fall Fest will run select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 21 through October 27.

Tickets for Phantom Fall Fest are on sale now for over 60% off when purchased online and include access to all four haunted houses, daytime and nighttime events and rides and attractions. Visitors can purchase 2025 Gold Season Passes now for $70 off or just six payments of $17 and get FREE access to Phantom Fall Fest. Plus, select passes offer unique perks like free parking, free soda, free friend tickets, park discounts and more.  

ORLANDO — Fun Spot America Theme Parks, Central Florida’s favorite destination for safe, clean, fun is the spot for families this Halloween season. Today, the park announced the debut of its all-new family-friendly event, FUNOWEEN.

Starting Monday, September 30, guests will immediately be surrounded by the sights, sounds and tastes of Fun Spot’s exclusive FUNOWEEN celebration. Décor featuring hundreds of pumpkins, gourds and more will be joined by the spooky sounds of eerie music throughout the frightfully fun park. Stationed around the park, guests can pose for “boo-tiful selfies” and peculiar pics at themed Foto Spots, each featuring a unique, monster-inspired motif.

FUNOWEEN is for families and every Saturday in October, the tall and the small are invited to come dressed in their Halloween best to experience the park’s delightfully devilish fun. A Trick or Treat Trail will be from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. for children 12 and under. Then as the sun sets, Fun Spot’s first-ever FUNOWEEN Dance Party will begin. From 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. a monster-iffic emcee and dastardly deejay will fill the air with everyone’s favorite songs of the season. Along with the dance party, the park will host a different weekly themed family activity. With Ghoulish Game Night, Ambrose’s Scavenger Hunt, Monster ‘Ganza Costume Contest and Silly Spooky Pumpkin Decorating, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate FUNOWEEN at Fun Spot each weekend.  

 “We are excited to announce our annual Halloween celebration is bigger than ever,” shared John Arie Jr., owner and CEO, Fun Spot America Theme Parks. “With friendly spirits, scary rides, tasty treats, and monster-sized memories, our new FUNOWEEN event solidifies Fun Spot America as the place for HUGE Halloween fun!” 

Food is an important part of Halloween and FUNOWEEN’s savory bites will treat everyone’s taste buds.  The all-new creative and cool Fright Bites Menu features: 

• Ghostly Gator Bites Basket including Sidewinder Snake Fries with white queso and bacon topped with chives and (friendly) ghost pepper sauce. (Also available with chicken.)
• Sidewinder Snake Fries with white queso and bacon
• Monster Gourmet Caramel or Chocolate-Dipped Apples
• Green Slime ICEE – served in a souvenir, refillable yard-long sipper
• Pumpkin Head Punch – a blend of non-alcoholic fruit juices served in a bright orange souvenir cup with a pumpkin-shaped lid and straw
• Long Skulland Iced Tea – a pirate’s favorite containing spirits mixed together with blood orange, and sweet and sour mix and served in a light-up souvenir skull-shaped mug

FUNOWEEN activities are included with admission. Young guests may bring their favorite treat-collecting bag or purchase a reusable FUNOWEENtote at the park. A limited-edition collection of FUNOWEEN-themed merchandise complete with wearable fun will help get everyone fully in the Halloween spirit.

Fun Spot’s parks are open daily. Throughout FUNOWEEN Saturdays, the Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida parks are open from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. The Atlanta, Georgia park is open from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. every Saturday in October. Buy Fun Passes and Season Passes directly at Fun-Spot.com for the lowest prices.

Mark your calendar – on Halloween, Thursday, October 31, Fun Spot will hold Trick-or-Treating for children 12 and under from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The 2024 Golden Ticket Awards recognized 30 winners live from Kennywood

ARLINGTON, Texas — Publications are routinely about deadlines and reporting on stories accurately. Rare in the field are opportunities for surprises.

The staff of Amusement Today and friends within the amusement industry collaborated to honor the publication’s founder and publisher, Gary Slade, with a secret acknowledgement during the recent Golden Ticket Awards. The final awards of the evening acknowledge industry Legends, typically awarded by Slade. Before he had the opportunity to take the stage, a team member introduced the first one, which caught Slade off-guard. Once revealed, Slade stepped on stage to a standing ovation.

Starting as a ride operator on the Shock Wave roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas as a teenager, Slade became a fan of the industry at a young age. As he learned more about theme parks, their operations and what was happening in the industry, he became more knowledgeable and more involved. In time, he had established relationships within the region with members of the amusement industry.

Associated with two fan publications, Slade shifted to founding Amusement Today in 1997 to report on the business side of the industry. Over the past quarter century, it has become the leading industry publication, with a broad coverage of amusement parks, family entertainment centers, water parks, fairs, safety and more.

His efforts don’t stop at reporting news. Slade has had a keen interest in the history of the amusement industry. His volunteerism and dedication to theNational Roller Coaster Museumare unmatched.

Throughout his career, he has been honored as a Hall of Fame recipient of the World Waterpark Association and New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, as well as having served on safety committees. For his commitment to safety, he has received an AIMS Lifetime Contribution Award.

“They got me,” Slade said, following the ceremony. “I had no idea. I have loved this industry my whole life, so receiving this surprise in front of hundreds of industry friends is something I will take to heart for a very long time.”

The Golden Ticket Awards were established by Amusement Today in 1998 to shine a spotlight on the amusement park industry and attractions by recognizing the “Best of the Best.” Today, they are among the most recognized awards among theme parks, amusement parks, family entertainment centers and water parks. In 2024, Amusement Today presented awards in 22 categories, as well as special recognition with Publisher’s Picks awards and Legend designations.

On September 7, more than 300 industry professionals gathered at host park Kennywood to enjoy the awards ceremony, network with social activities and behind-the-scenes tours and discuss current trends. A press release on the awards can be found at www.GoldenTicketAwards.com or the issue can be downloaded at www.amusementtoday.com