ORLANDO — Fun Spot America, the family-owned and operated theme park company that provides safe, clean, fun across its three parks, has launched its annual Black Friday Sale with HUGE savings on 2025 Fun Spot Season Passes and 2025 Fun Spot Ultimate Season Passes.

Fun Spot’s Black Friday sale kicks off today. Now through Sunday, December 1, Fun Spot’s 2025 Season Passes are just $99.95 each, a savings of $30, and the 2025 Ultimate Season Pass is only $239.95 each, a savings of $50. Fun Spot America Annual Passes offer incredible value and include exclusive discounts and deals all year long for pass holders. Fun Spot Annual Passes are valid at all three Fun Spot America parks: Orlando, Fla., Kissimmee, Fla., and Atlanta, Georgia.

“Black Friday is our biggest promotion of the year, and we are excited to bring our guests the best deal ever on 2025 Season Passes,” said John Arie Jr., owner and CEO, Fun Spot America. “This sale is the perfect opportunity for families and thrill-seekers to lock in a year of fun at a fantastic price. Our season passes do not have blackout dates and include exclusive events for pass holders, discounts on in-park food, merchandise, and more. A Fun Spot Season Pass means HUGE fun for everyone in the family.”

Fun Spot America’s 2024 Black Friday Sale at a glance:

• 2025 Season Pass for $99.95 each
• 2025 Ultimate Season Pass for $239.95 each
• Flexible payment plans that begin as low as $14.99 a month

The Fun Spot Black Friday Sale is live now. Season passes can be purchased in person at any of Fun Spot America’s parks or online. For complete information about the exclusive benefits and perks of a Fun Spot Annual Passes, and to purchase online, visit  fun-spot.com/black-friday

VANCOUVER, Canada — With more products to debut than ever before, next week’s IAAPA Expo 2024 should prove to be a busy week for WhiteWater, the world’s largest water park manufacturer. Not only will the company be debuting new products, but they will also be unveiling new attraction categories. It’s time to rethink the modern water park beyond anchor attractions and capacity absorption. Today’s guests and park operators have different expectations for how they want to spend their time and money.

To that end, WhiteWater’s team of designers, architects, and engineers work hard to stay ahead of the trends, or to create them, as the case may be. By leveraging WhiteWater’s complete range of water park attractions, and some less expected ones, they are redefining what a water park looks like for future generations. Stop by booth 2254 to see how they are fusing together slides, rides, and play into never-before-seen attractions that increase capacity, extend seasons, and maximize space.

“It takes the range of talents within WhiteWater working tirelessly to produce the quality and quantity of products we are delivering to the market at IAAPA Expo. They deserve recognition for these exciting and creative new firsts. My thanks go out to the unsung heroes at all of our offices,” commented Onno Meeter, WhiteWater’s President of Water Parks.

To see this strategy in action, ask the team about WhiteWater’s three shortlisted Brass Ring Award products—each one completely unique to the last. To find future award-winning attractions, check out our famous New Products Book in booth and get an exclusive sneak peek. After all, we can’t do it without you, the future is ours to create.

To book a meeting with any member of the WhiteWater team, please visit whitewaterwest.com/en/iaapa-expo-2024/ or feel free to stop by the WhiteWater “intersection” at booths 2254, 2252, 2654, and 2652.

ARLINGTON, Texas — In a recent news release, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), the largest amusement park operator in North America, announced a more than $1 billion investment its theme parks over the next two years. Six Flags Over Texas will receive an array of theme park enhancements in 2025 and Hurricane Harbor Arlington will debut the largest investment in park history with the introduction of a massive interactive kids area, Splash Island. In a groundbreaking announcement, Six Flags also revealed that a record-breaking dive roller coaster will launch at the Arlington theme park in 2026. 

“Six Flags is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and will be implementing a wide array of enhancements throughout the property. Our park’s multi-year expansion plans will bring major investments including cutting-edge thrill rides, revitalized family experiences, elevated dining and expanded events,” said Richard Douaihy, the park’s president. 

“In addition to all of the enhancements at Six Flags Over Texas in 2025, we’re thrilled to debut Splash Island at Hurricane Harbor, the largest investment in our 42-year history. And in 2026, we’ll unleash an all-new, record-breaking dive coaster sure to delight our ultimate thrill seekers,” Douaihy said.  

To make way for this historic addition, the park has retired the La Vibora and El Diablo coasters, with construction beginning soon. This exciting new roller coaster underscores Six Flags’ commitment to continually elevating the park experience and making lasting memories for all. 

Welcoming a New Generation of Coasters 
La Vibora, a steel bobsled-style roller coaster, opened in 1986. El Diablo, known as a giga loop coaster, operated since 2019. The rides’ retirement enables the park to make way for a new generation of thrill machines in the Spain section of the park. To usher in this new beginning, a jaw-dropping, record-breaking dive coaster is set to debut in 2026. 

‘We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests’ passion. These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences. We look forward to sharing more details this summer,” Douaihy added. 

ORLANDO — Guests can enjoy a dazzling global celebration like no other during Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, returning to Universal Studios Florida starting February 1 through March 30, 2025. The fan-favorite event offers fun for the entire family and features a nightly spectacular parade with colorful floats, hundreds of street performers and tons of beads; mouth-watering cuisine inspired by New Orleans favorites and international flavors; and – on select nights – live performances by some of the most popular names in music.

All the excitement of Universal Mardi Gras is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida or a valid Universal Orlando Annual or Seasonal Pass (blockout dates apply). Guests can take their Mardi Gras party to the next level with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience – which includes an exclusive opportunity to be a part of the festivities with a reserved coveted spot aboard a Mardi Gras float to toss colorful, sparkling beads during the event’s parade. In addition, guests will enjoy a three-course meal on the day of their visit that includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage. Guests can choose from one of eight participating restaurants within Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Florida – The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, Lombard’s Seafood Grille, and new this year – Confisco Grille (2-Park ticket required), Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (dinner only), Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom (dinner only), or Pat O’Brien’s (dinner only).

ORLANDO — Fun Spot America Theme Parks proudly announces the addition of five new rides to be shared in its three parks in Orlando, Kissimmee, and Atlanta. The new attractions will bring a mix of fresh thrills and family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages.

“We’re always looking for ways to keep our parks fresh and exciting for our guests,” said John Arie, Jr., CEO of Fun Spot America. “Adding these rides is a great way for us to continue to offer new, unique and memorable experiences. This is a HUGE investment for Fun Spot America and we’re excited to add something special to each of our parks. Guests will soon experience two new rides in Orlando, two in Kissimmee and one at our park in Atlanta.”

The rides, manufactured by SBF-Visa Group, have been relocated to Fun Spot from The Funplex in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The new experiences include:

• The silly and colorful Tea Cups at Fun Spot Orlando, replacing the park’s existing version while still offering the classic family ride experience.
• The MACH FUN tower ride which takes guests for a side-by-side flight through the air. They will climb and dive all while controlling the height and roll of their plane as they flip 360 degrees. Reaching an altitude of 50 feet, the MACH FUN is the tallest interactive 360° Flying Jet Ride in North America.
• Adding to the fun at Fun Spot Kissimmee, the Swing Around will be located in the Kids Spot section of the park. Developed especially for Fun Spot’s youngest guests, Swing Around is a classic swing attraction.
• Kissimmee guests will set sail on the massive 60-foot-tall Up and Overboard, an SBF-Visa Group Inverted Pendulum ride. Featuring twin gondolas guests will experience the feeling of complete weightlessness as they swing through the air. Evening rides will be memorable, too, as the Up and Overboard brightens the sky with its vivid colors and dancing lights.  
• At Fun Spot America Atlanta, the thrilling golf-themed Hook & Slice will spin guests clockwise and then surprise with a counterclockwise revolution. The experience will wow guests as they wind, whirl, and catch air on this family-friendly thrill ride.

“The introduction of these new rides is just the latest example of Fun Spot’s ongoing commitment to bring added value and excitement to guests of all ages at all of our parks,” Arie continued. “Each ride has been chosen to complement the character of the park it is headed to, and will bring fresh energy to the overall guest experience. While we are adding to the fun, we are not increasing our season pass prices or our single Day Pass cost. A visit to one of our parks means a day of safe, clean fun along with great value and experiences.”

GOSHEN, N.Y. — LEGOLAND New York Resort is excited to announce the launch of LEGO DUPLO PEPPA PIG Playground, coming in 2025 to the theme park in Goshen just 65 miles from New York City. As North America’s first ever collaboration between LEGO DUPLO and PEPPA PIG in a real-world play experience, this immersive space will bring the world of the beloved preschool series to life. Building on the recent work between LEGO DUPLO and leading toy and game company Hasbro, this unique play space unites two iconic brands in an engaging, interactive environment.

“Our goal is to inspire imaginative play and foster a love for learning in a setting that is both fun and enriching,” says Divisional Director of LEGOLAND New York Resort Stephanie Johnson. “Bringing this Playground to the Resort is a significant milestone for us, greatly enhancing our offerings for our youngest visitors. This thoughtfully designed space will provide an engaging environment where children can experience the joy of LEGO building while playing and exploring alongside their favorite characters from the PEPPA PIG universe.”

“For 20 years, PEPPA PIG has told stories that reflect the real lives and firsts of preschoolers worldwide,” said Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro, “We’ve enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Merlin, bringing top-tier experiences to PEPPA PIG’s fans. Merlin shares our vision of creating play spaces designed just for little ones, empowering children to embrace every new adventure and leap confidently into all of life’s muddy puddles.”

Spanning just over 13,000 square feet, the Playground will feel like stepping into a giant LEGO DUPLO toy box, featuring several of the most well-known and iconic elements from the PEPPA PIG universe. Fans of the PEPPA PIG

animated series can explore Peppa’s house, hop into Daddy Pig’s red car, set sail on Grandpa Pig’s boat, and have loads of fun in Peppa’s Treehouse, just to name a few of the exciting activities.

Key Attractions Include:

• Peppa & George’s Puppet Show — As the main attraction, this interactive theater will feature live puppet shows starring Peppa and other beloved characters. The show is set against a dynamic digital backdrop that changes throughout the performance. After the show, families can take a photo alongside Peppa and George.
• Daddy Pig’s Red Car — Beep Beep! Join Daddy Pig and hop into the driver’s seat of Peppa’s family car, honk the horn and snap a photo with the family home in the background.
• Peppa’s Tree House — Visit the tree house in the middle of the play area and swing to the sky, crawl through tunnels, or enjoy the exciting slide. The Tree House will feature wheelchair accessible ramps to ensure everyone can join in on the fun.
• Peppa’s House — Strike a pose in front of Peppa’s iconic house and capture the perfect family photo to remember the adventure!
• Grandpa Pig’s Boat — Join Grandpa Pig on his boat and get a photo as you sail through the imaginary world of PEPPA PIG. Don’t worry, you won’t get wet or fall in the water!
• Picnic Cake Brick Build — Take a break for a picnic at the DUPLO brick build table, where guests can unleash their creativity and design a colorful cake to add to the growing display.

Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in revenue management solutions, is proud to announce its participation at the IAAPA Expo 2024, taking place from November 19 to 22 in Orlando, Florida.

Designed to power growth, increase profits, and streamline operations for entertainment businesses, Sacoa will officially launch five new and innovative technologies, a single-show record for the company, at booth #606.

Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International, shared his enthusiasm for the reveal, stating, “We’re thrilled to finally present these new products and solutions to the industry. We’ve invested a lot of time and effort into their development, and we’re confident they’ll bring tremendous value to operators and rookies alike.

If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, customer, or simply seeking ways to increase your revenue, be sure to stop by our company’s booth.

Sacoa’s team of experts will be on hand to demonstrate these groundbreaking solutions and provide personalized advice tailored to your needs.”

Don’t miss the chance to witness Sacoa’s latest innovations up close and stay ahead of the curve at the IAAPA Expo 2024!

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Jingle all the way to LEGOLAND California Resort as the Carlsbad theme park prepares for the holidays with the return of its iconic, three-story tall LEGO Christmas Tree. Built from more than 360,000 LEGO and DUPLO bricks, this 35-foot-tall tree is now standing tall at the front of the Park, ready to welcome guests ahead of the official countdown to the Resort’s 22^nd annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6.

LEGOLAND California Resort’s Holidays presented by Hallmark Channel is turning Carlsbad, CA, into an “elf extravaganza” with festive décor, twinkling lights and falling snow starting on Nov. 23 and running select days through Jan. 5. Guests can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by training to become an elf at the new Elf Training Academy, taking “elfies” with the all-new LEGO^® elf characters, Ivy and Frode, or mastering their jolly good dance moves at the new Holly Hype Dance Party. And don’t miss the North Pole Postal Service where guests can mail letters to Santa by dropping them in a special mailbox, where eager elves will ensure they make their way to the North Pole.

Plus, don’t miss the Park’s exciting tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6! This special evening will feature the lighting of the Park’s enormous LEGO Christmas tree, decked out with more than 500 LED lights and 40 LEGO candles, followed by an impressive fireworks display. This will be the first of the season’s firework shows happening every Saturday in Dec. and nightly between Dec. 21 and 30. All holiday festivities, including the tree lighting ceremony, are included with general Park admission and select annual passes.

LN Urbanismo, a Brazilian urban development firm, and Wavegarden have unveiled plans for Fazenda Vista Verde, a 4 million square meter private residential complex built around a 52-module Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon. Located in picturesque Araçoiaba da Serra, just 1 hour and 20 minutes west of São Paulo, this development – planned for completion by the end of 2027 – will be the fourth Wavegarden in Brazil, joining Praia da Grama (Itupeva), Surfland Brasil (Garopaba), and Beyond The Club (São Paulo). Wavegarden’s surfing lagoon will once again be a major drawcard, enhancing the development’s appeal and value.

“Wavegarden surfing lagoons have become a cornerstone of successful real estate projects globally, especially in Brazil,” said Fernando Odriozola, Wavegarden’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Our perfect waves, surrounded by a palm-fringed white sandy beach, will bring a slice of the ocean to this innovative project, located three hours from the nearest natural beach.”

Set in breathtaking landscapes with a mild climate and surrounded by rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and century-old trees, Fazenda Vista Verde aims to become one of Brazil’s premier residential communities. Phase 1 will include 160 residential lots, each measuring between 2,000 to 2,600 square meters, with an additional 400 lots planned for future phases. Beyond private residences, the development will offer amenities such as swimming pools, a spa, a high-end hotel (open to the general public), and restaurants. Outdoor features include biking and trekking trails, a historic equestrian property, diverse sports facilities like tennis and volleyball courts, an organic garden, a farmers’ market, and a helipad for convenient access.

The 52-module Wavegarden Cove lagoon can produce up to 1,000 waves per hour, with over 20 wave types to suit all skill levels, from challenging 2m waves for intermediate and expert surfers to gentler waves ideal for beginners. The patented water treatment system ensures crystal-clear, hygienically safe water at all times.

The system operates at just 1 kWh per wave by maximizing energy efficiency and water conservation, with water loss only through evaporation. LN Urbanismo envisions the project as an oasis where the noise-free Wavegarden Cove lagoon harmonizes with nature, providing the highest quality, quantity, and variety of waves with minimal use of resources.

With nine Wavegarden lagoons operating worldwide and many more underway, these developments have shown benefits beyond the excitement of surfing. Each Wavegarden facility has delivered economic and social benefits and has increased property values.

ST. LOUIS — At IAAPA Expo 2024 Intercard will feature its latest innovations including its enhanced iQ system that represents the future of cashless payment. The company will also offer a first look at its Mobile iReader app designed to support cashless POS at outdoor attractions. Show visitors can see all of Intercard’s cashless technology at its new booth location #1327 at the amusement industry’s biggest show of the year.

“In the past year operators around the world have shown great interest in our iQ system of readers and kiosks,” says Scott Sherrod, CEO of Intercard, “and we are looking forward to showing the latest version to our global family of customers at IAAPA in Orlando. We will also offer a first look at our new Mobile iReader, an affordable app that operators can install on an employee’s handheld device. The app turns that device into a mobile reader that scans QR codes and wristbands and securely processes payments to the Intercard back office system. It’s ideal for serving customers in line at such outdoor attractions as go karts, mini-golf, playgrounds and water parks.”

 Sherrod will be at the show with the entire domestic and international sales teams plus technical experts. Attendees can book meetings in advance by contacting Rob Geiger at rgeiger@intercardinc.com or Alberto Borrero at aborrero@intercardinc.com.