HERSHEY, Pa. — Hersheypark, the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, today announced the details of its all-new 2025 Twizzlers Twisted Gravity attraction. This high-thrill pendulum attraction will be the tallest Screamin’ Swing in the world when it opens in summer 2025. 

The one-minute and 10-second experience begins as riders of Hershey’s height category (48-54”) and above ascend 137 adrenaline-pumping feet, defy gravity at speeds reaching 68 miles per hour and experience multiple mind-bending zero G moments as they swing high above Spring Creek in The Hollow region of Hersheypark. 

Manufactured by S&S Worldwide, the all-new Twizzlers-inspired adventure is the newest candy to join the iconic Hersheypark skyline. Guests will sit in one of four branded zones across two gondolas, featuring the Twizzlers Strawberry, Cherry, Hershey’s Chocolate and Black Licorice-flavored designs. 

Hersheypark is the only place where guests can snap a selfie with a Twizzlers Character, measure as a Twizzlers height category and ride in a Twizzlers-themed train on Candymonium hypercoaster.

“We continue to invest in attraction experiences that leverage unique Hershey brands, so we are thrilled to add a Twizzlers-branded Screamin’ Swing to our unmatched ride portfolio next summer,” said Vikki Hultquist, Vice President of Hersheypark & Entertainment Operations. “Twizzlers Twisted Gravity will provide our guests with the best of both worlds – the ultimate thrills and never-before-seen views of our Park’s beautiful 121 acres as they soar to a record-breaking height and leave gravity behind.”

Twizzlers Twisted Gravity will join more than 70 rides, a water park and a zoo included with admission as part of three parks in one. Following its summer 2025 debut, Twizzlers Twisted Gravity will be open for all four seasons, weather permitting. 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay invites guests to take a final ride on the iconic Scorpion roller coaster before it takes its last run on the track. After thrilling guests for over 44 years, the final day of ride operation will be Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024. Scorpion holds a special place in the hearts of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay fans. Debuting in 1980, Scorpion became a favorite for its unique design, offering riders a thrilling experience unlike any other. In fact, Scorpion is the last stationary coaster of its kind in the world, making this the last chance to experience a legend.

While parkgoers will say goodbye to Scorpion, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited that this closure paves the way for exciting new future attractions, with more details about what’s coming to be revealed soon. Stay in the know about new announcements, events and special deals, plus learn more about the Annual Pass program’s benefits and monthly rewards by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter).

Coaster lovers can visit BuschGardensTampa.com to purchase tickets and seize the opportunity to experience Scorpion before it’s gone.

ORLANDO — The Darker side of magic is back at Universal Orlando Resort this fall as the infamous Death Eaters return to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida on select dates August 29 through November 3.

This interactive live entertainment experience brings guests face-to-face with Lord Voldemort’s most loyal supporters, the ominous Death Eaters, as they lurk through London and into the shadowed streets of Knockturn Alley. These fanatic witches and wizards do not shy away from the practice of the Dark Arts and will challenge guests to join the Dark Lord alongside them. 

Fans can also visit Borgin and Burkes in Diagon Alley to shop for Dark Arts-themed merchandise like t-shirts, accessories, and Death Eater masks – or check out the selection of Death Eater wands at Ollivanders.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — As the summer season draws to a close, there is no better way to bid it farewell than by singing and dancing along to the nation’s first LEGO World Parade at Merlin Entertainments’ LEGOLAND California Resort! With only five performance dates remaining,  families can celebrate the final days of summer by rocking along as LEGO themed parade floats starring iconic characters make their way through the family theme park. The Parade will be marching away to make room for Halloween Season and the return of the epic Brick-or-Treat Monster Party, set to kick off on September 14.

Guests of the Resort can catch the final LEGO World Parade August 24 – 25 and August 31 – September 2.The Parade features a dazzling array of LEGO themed floats including a bright red LEGO City Firetruck, a swashbuckling pirate ship, and floats inspired by LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure, and DUPLO. Accompanying these floats is an exclusive ensemble of LEGO characters and more than 50 performers, engaging with the audience  as they march through the west side of the Park.

To experience all the fun of summer at LEGOLAND California including the LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE aquarium, the family theme park is offering $39 Kids Tickets for visits through September 13. This limited time offer ends on August 28.

Looking for a last minute summer vacation? Save up to 40% off rooms Sunday through Thursday nights at LEGOLAND  Hotel. Voted in the top five Best Family Resort Hotels in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards, the LEGOLAND Hotel is just steps from the Parks’ entrance, offers exclusive entertainment like the brick-boogie kids nightclub and early access to the Resort’s newest land, Dino Valley.

WEBSTER, Texas — ProSlide is delighted to highlight its latest achievement with the opening of the Great Geyser Water Park at Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, Texas. This 92,000-square-foot indoor water park, which opened to the public on August 7, 2024, marks the 20th project in our long-standing partnership with Great Wolf Lodge.

“Working with Great Wolf Lodge on the Great Geyser Water Park has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This project truly embodies our decades-long collaborative spirit and shared vision that define our partnership,” expresses Nik Paas, ProSlide Vice President, Business Development & Strategic Accounts.

Great Geyser Water Park reflects ProSlide’s mission of driving innovation, quality, and customer care among the world’s best water parks. Among the new installations, guests will find 13 industry-leading water rides, including the Texas Twirler, available only at this location. Three distinct ride complexes showcase the depth of our commitment to creating memorable guest experiences.

The largest complex features ProSlide’s renowned Dueling RocketBLAST Water Coaster, MAMMOTH – the originally family raft ride, TORNADO 24 / BehemothBOWL 40 hybrid, FlyingSAUCER 8, TurboTWISTER, and a PIPEline.

Two custom-designed RideHOUSE structures feature bespoke theming. The larger RideHOUSE includes four TWISTERS and a 600-gallon tipping bucket, while the second is designed for younger guests with a KIDZ Twister and KIDZ ProRACER.

“We’re thrilled to see our water rides come to life in such an exciting way, and we look forward to continuing our partnership, delivering innovative and memorable experiences for guests for years to come,” says Paas.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Today, Universal Orlando Resort shares brilliant new details about Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a spectacular 500-room resort located at the much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe theme park opening in 2025. Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a majestic Mediterranean-inspired escape rising above the lush gardens and scenic waters of Celestial Park at Epic Universe. Designed to blend immersion and relaxation to create a hotel stay like no other, this palatial resort features tranquil sleeping accommodations, entertaining amenities for the whole family to enjoy, divine dining options, a stunning rooftop bar and the hotel’s very own dedicated entrance to the new theme park. 

Bringing the destination’s portfolio to a total of 11 hotels and 11,000 guest rooms, Universal Helios Grand Hotel builds upon Universal’s more than three decades of expertise in world-class entertainment and creative theming – combined with Loews Hotels’ hospitality and service excellence – to set a new standard in immersive hotel experiences. Only here can guests unwind in the serenity of a sunlit retreat in one moment and then within minutes find themselves in the heart of exhilarating theme park adventures. Universal Helios Grand Hotel is so much more than just a place to stay; it’s the crown jewel of Epic Universe and the pinnacle of Universal Orlando’s hotel experiences.

WELCOME TO UNIVERSAL HELIOS GRAND HOTEL
As soon as guests step into this radiant sanctuary, they will be transported to a fantastical world within the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, adorned with beautiful details of celestial patterns, dazzling constellations and elegant yet casual Mediterranean design elements. And through the lobby’s magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows is a breathtaking vista of Celestial Park – boasting some of the best views of Epic Universe in the entire hotel and immersing guests in the park’s brilliance by day and night.

From the beautifully appointed sleeping rooms to the polished public spaces to the exceptional amenities, Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers: 

• Serene Guest Rooms and Spacious Suites – Bright, inviting and warm, the guest rooms and suites of Universal Helios Grand Hotel evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden – with many of the rooms offering fantastic views of Epic Universe. And unique to Universal Helios Grand Hotel are the imaginative How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites, where little ones can take to the skies and rest amongst dragons in a colorful room inspired by the Viking village of Berk.
• Dedicated Entrance to Universal Epic Universe – Located off the lobby is the hotel’s dedicated entrance into Epic Universe – an unparalleled amenity for guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel that provides direct, convenient access to and from the theme park (valid theme park admission required).
• Bar Helios –A sparkling and stylish rooftop lounge, Bar Helios at Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers a delectable menu of creative tapas and familiar favorites, thoughtfully-handcrafted specialty cocktails, and unmatched 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond – making this the perfect spot for guests to kick back in the evening after a busy day in the parks.
• Resort-style Pool – The oasis of the zero-entry pool is the ultimate spot for rest and relaxation – complete with underwater speakers, poolside cabanas available for rent, a hot tub, poolside movies, recreational activities and more.
• Guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel can also enjoy:
  • a complimentary state-of-the-art fitness center featuring a variety of strength and cardio equipment;
  • a game room for guests to blast, zap and race their way through a collection of arcade games with the purchase of a game card;
  • a Universal Orlando Resort Store for guests to purchase everything from sundries and necessities to Universal Orlando merchandise; and so much more.

Guests looking to have a meal or grab a quick snack in between visits to the parks can choose from a variety of unique dining options, including:

• Flora Taverna – a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner and lobby bar with a light and airy atmosphere – featuring an open-style kitchen with live cooking, Mediterranean comfort foods, pizza ovens, and al fresco seating overlooking the beautiful scenery of Celestial Park; 
• Aurora Market – a contemporary coffee shop and market offering freshly-roasted coffees, delightful grab-and-go food items and enticing snack and dessert options from morning to night;
• Lotus Lagoon – a poolside bar and grill where guests can cool off with refreshing cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy casual fare options like burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.

The SEPTEMBER 2024 issue includes:

• Vekoma, Zamperla, Gosetto and SBF rides fill land at Energylandia
• Playland at the PNE launches its newest coaster: ThunderVolt
• Family fun soars at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with Phoenix Rising
• Single-rail Mahuka from Intamin zips into Walibi Rhône-Alpes
• Kings Dominion announces major B&M wing coaster: Rapterra
• Carowinds to add rides from Mack, ART Engineering, more in 2025
• New, reimagined rides entertain at Six Flags America’s Steamtown
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk adds double fun with two new rides
• Germany’s Tripsdrill opens Wild Swing from ART Engineering
• Ride Engineers Switzerland reveals innovative Oracle attraction
• Andretti’s opens its latest FEC in Texas, complete with largest track
• Despite heat, construction, Ohio State Fair enjoys a good run
• Trio of new rides debuts on the Wisconsin State Fair midway
• Schlitterbahn opens Schatze’s Storybrook Park, new Hillside Terrace
• IAAPA Expo Europe set for biggest trade show ever in Amsterdam
• Family-owned, operated parks report a good 2024, plans for 2025
• Women of Influence: Gatorland’s Savannah Boan
• Allentown’s Dorney Park hosts the annual PAPA Summer Meeting
• NEAAPA holds its 111th annual Summer Meeting
• Secure your registration for 2024’s Golden Ticket Awards networking event
• Vourderis’ family perseverence keeps Deno’s Wonder Wheel turning
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper celebrates milestone
• Safety training seminars ramp up for upcoming 2024-2025 season
• Parts available online saves time, helps profits … and much more!

MACK Magic and Tivola Games present ‘Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions’. The brand-new racing game is based on the upcoming feature film with the Europa-Park characters and will be released in summer 2025.

GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions brings the loveable Europa-Park characters and cinema stars Ed & Edda to video game format for the first time ever in a fast-paced, heart-warming adventure. Joined by the film’s cast of eclectic characters, players will race across a dozen stunning racetracks set in landmark European locations. From car tune-ups and upgrades to cosmetics, players will customize their racecars to their heart’s desire while mastering power-ups and unique driver abilities and playstyles.

GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions is based on the major motion picture GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE, a co-production by MACK Magic and Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany, and both are set to release in the summer of 2025. Warner Bros. Pictures Germany and Timeless Films are distributing the animation full feature worldwide. GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions launches on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam with language support for English, German and French.

Key Features of GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions: 

• Tear through exciting tracks in beautiful recreations of prestigious European landmarks
• Choose from eight familiar characters, including Ed & Edda, Europa-Park’s historic characters
• Unleash unique driver abilities, skillfully wield power-ups, and customize vehicles to ensure no two races feel the same
• Long-term racecar modifications and unlockable progression tune-ups ‘drive’ replayability
• 2-4 player split-screen mode for local multiplayer invites family fun and lifelong memories

Michael Mack is Managing Partner of the Europa-Park Resort and operates the Mack family business in the 8th generation. As producer of the full feature states and founder of the entertainment company MACK Magic, he emphasizes the meaning and the long-term strategy in producing content and building up brands: “With Tivola and Jumpgate, we are excited to have strong partners who believe in our Ed & Edda storyworld by bringing the beloved characters to PCs and consoles worldwide. This will make the first feature film with the beloved Europa-Park mascots Ed & Edda more than just a movie: Together with the new associated family attraction 2025 at Europa-Park, the video game GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions and many other licensed products, it is the start of a unique transmedia project. We are convinced that we can build a long-term sustainable brand with content based around our characters.”

ORLANDO, Fla. — GoPhoto, a leader in innovative photo retail solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of its new U.S. office in partnership with Ripley Entertainment, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing chains of amusement attractions. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies, demonstrating their shared commitment to transforming the leisure and themed entertainment industry.

The new U.S. entity, jointly owned by GoPhoto and Ripley Entertainment, will be headquartered in Orlando, Florida—a renowned center for tourism and entertainment. This partnership unites GoPhoto’s state-of-the-art photo retail technology with Ripley Entertainment’s global reputation for delivering unforgettable experiences to audiences of all ages.

Daniel Duivestein, Founder and CEO of GoPhoto, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the launch of the U.S. office: “We are thrilled to join forces with Ripley’s to bring the next evolution in photo retail to the leisure and themed entertainment industry. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of enhancing guest experiences through cutting-edge technology.”

Ripley Entertainment, renowned for its diverse array of attractions—including Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, Ripley’s Aquariums, and interactive traveling shows—is eager to incorporate GoPhoto’s advanced technology across its venues. The collaboration aims to set a new industry standard by offering guests unparalleled photo experiences and cherished keepsakes.

“We are excited to support GoPhoto’s expansion into North America,” said Jim Pattison Jr., President of Ripley Entertainment Inc. “Having successfully implemented GoPhoto’s systems in our attractions worldwide, we are confident that their innovative approach will not only enhance our offerings but also elevate the overall standard of photo retail in the entertainment industry.”

As part of this strategic initiative, Daniel Duivestein will relocate to Orlando to oversee U.S. operations and drive the success of this venture. His leadership and deep industry expertise will be instrumental in unlocking the full potential of this partnership.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is racing into Fort Worth this September to open its fifth Texas and ninth nationwide location. On September 25, just two months after opening its Grand Prairie location, the renowned go-karting and gaming venue will bring adrenaline-pumping entertainment and family fun to Fort Worth.  

“The decision to bring Andretti to Fort Worth was approved swiftly across the board. Filled with culture, history and community, Fort Worth embodies the values Andretti holds dear,” said Austen Schoensee, general manager of the new location. “Following the incredible success we’ve seen within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, we look forward to building our presence and bringing even more entertainment to DFW.”

Located at 2701 Andretti Karting Drive, the venue offers nearly 100,000 square feet of unparalleled experiences for racers and gamers alike. At the heart of the facility are state-of-the-art professional racing simulators featuring panoramic screens with full-motion actuators, designed to replicate the sensation of professional racing. 

To rev up the excitement, thrill-seekers can enter to win exclusive invites to sneak preview events by visiting andrettikarting.com/fortworth by Sunday, September 15. On opening day September 25, the first 50 guests ages 18 years and up will receive a free, limited-edition Andretti-logo YETI tumbler, and the first 50 children will receive a special surprise Andretti swag item. The first 100 guests on Saturday, September 28 will receive one free hour of arcade play for a future visit and will be entered into a raffle where ten guests will win free arcade play for a year. One lucky guest will also win a free birthday party, valued at up to $550! 

In addition to the racing simulators, Andretti Fort Worth will feature a dynamic assortment of attractions including: 

• Multi-level track and high-speed electric Superkarts 
• 100+ state-of-the-art arcade games 
• Two-story laser tag arena  
• Hologate and Hypergate VR 
• Spark Bowling 
• 7D Xperience Motion Theatre 

For those needing to refuel, guests can enjoy chef-curated American favorites along with local craft beer and specialty cocktails from the location’s full-service restaurant and bar.  

“The best part about Andretti is that you can do so many things, under one roof, as a family,” professional race car driver Jarett Andretti said. “Every visit is an experience where you can explore and create fun together in multiple ways. Whether it be driving our iconic indoor karts or immersing yourself in 7D experiences, there’s something for every member of the family.”