VANCOUVER, Canada — Another year of exciting project openings is ahead for WhiteWater’s diverse clients across indoor and outdoor water parks, at hotels and resorts, and on cruise ships. Over 60 new projects are opening across the globe in 2025, featuring record-breakers, world’s firsts, as well as tried-and-true guest favourites, taking WhiteWater’s team from bustling urban centers to remote tropical escapes.

Here are some highlights by region.

United States
Michigan’s biggest indoor water park, Bavarian Blast at Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, opened in spring. Immersing guests in traditional German motifs, it boasts 16 water slides, including the world’s first inner tube Parallel Pursuit. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom will reveal two Open & Enclosed slides reimagined from beloved originals, now even more thrilling and with colourful AquaLucent effects. Soak City Water Park at Kings Island in Mason will open Ohio’s first dual-racing water coaster—a Blaster Battle—and a riverside-themed kids’ area.

Further south, Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, Tennessee, impresses with the world’s first Wall Runner, offering a ride experience like no other that extends the zero-G feeling through artfully crafted arcs. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites in Orlando, Florida, will be inviting guests to three new slides, a FlowRider® Double, and a RainFortress 3. Castaway Cove Waterpark in Wichita Falls, Texas, is getting ready for a new Whizzard 4-Lane Mat Racer. Still in Texas, San Antonio Zoo is implementing Vantage, WhiteWater’s guest engagement and attractions management platform, to enhance guest experience and optimize operations. Moving westward, Surf Shack will bring beach vibes to Colorado Springs, Colorado, with a FlowRider Double to anchor the recreation facility. Over in the Pacific, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii in Kapolei will be sending guests through two High-Speed AquaTubes with flashing lights and rumbling sound effects at up to 26 mph (42 km/h).

Latin America and the Caribbean
In Brazil, Beach Park in Aquiraz celebrated the world’s tallest water coaster—a Master Blaster named “Surreal” that launches from 92 feet (28 meters) high. Down in Olímpia, at Thermas dos Laranjais, an epic tower named Nações will thrill guests with two 6-person raft rides, each starting with a Family Blaster and through imposing water slide features.

Regionally, several hotels and resorts are enhancing their properties with more aquatic amenities, including Hotel Xcaret Mexico in Riviera Maya, who is expanding with new guest suites as well as a tower with five water slides.

EMEA – Europe, Middle East, and Africa
Hotels and resorts in the EMEA region are also seeing the advantages of adding water park amenities. Cheval Blanc Seychelles opened the year with a FlowRider Double—the second of its luxury properties to offer guests this skill-based attraction. Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Antalya province, Turkey, will entice new and returning guests with two towers, covering body slides, inner tube slides, and raft rides—a total of 13—as well as kids’ slides and an AquaPlay 1750 decked with Life Floor.

Over in the UAE, Grand Hyatt Dubai will open a 215,278 square-foot (20,000 square-meter) urban oasis with 15 attractions, including water slides, a splash pad, a wave pool, and a FlowRider Triple. Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi will celebrate one of the most anticipated project openings in the world this year: an expansion of 18 new rides across 181,910 square feet (16,900 square meters), including the country’s highest water slide and the first water-based amusement ride—a Shoot the Chute—to be integrated into a water slide complex.

Later in the year, Funtasia Drogheda, a large leisure complex in Ireland, will open a Master Blaster and a Parallel Pursuit at its Pirates Cove Waterpark for more non-stop indoor fun.

APAC
In China, Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort will grand open its outdoor Water World after having opened the indoor section last fall. Dream Space Water Park will open to become the biggest water park in the mega city of Chongqing, with all the water slides, aquatic play, and wave equipment supplied by WhiteWater. These include 40 water slides, a 118-foot (36-meter) Double Wave Pool, an AquaCourse 180, and a FusionFortress 17—the world’s largest aquatic play structure.

Looking south, Water World at Ocean Park Hong Kong is adding Life Floor to its aquatic play area, serving as an example of the region’s shifted focus on enhancing and refurbishing existing attractions. At Waterbom Bali in Indonesia, three more new kids’ slides will open this year, after having opened a Mini Boomerango to complement its adult-sized version. Heading over to New Zealand, H2O Xtream, a municipal aquatic center in Upper Hutt, opened three exciting AquaTubes.

Cruise Industry
On the high seas, Aroya Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line, set sail on her maiden voyage in mid-December 2024 with the first AquaForms aquatic play structure on a ship—an AquaForms 5—along with AquaSplash Toys and Life Floor. MSC World America was christened in April 2025 with an Adventure Trail on board. Later this year, a FlowRider Double will feature on board the Star of the Seas in WhiteWater’s 24^th collaboration with Royal Caribbean Cruises.

In July, Carnival Cruise Line will welcome the first ship to Celebration Key in The Bahamas, its first exclusive destination built for Carnival guests. WhiteWater is providing two AquaTubes integrated into what will be an iconic “Suncastle” that will welcome guests, as well as a beautiful splash pad decked with Life Floor.

World-Class Attractions for Extraordinary Guest Experience
“The volume of projects WhiteWater delivers each year, with 2025 being no exception, speaks to the quality our team produces. Time and again, we fulfil our client’s ambitions to elevate their guest experience,” said Onno Meeter, President, Water Parks. “Across various venue types, including over a dozen in hotels and resorts, these projects show that creativity comes in different forms. Sometimes that’s about creating the biggest and the fastest; more often it’s about providing the best overall experience with the right ride mix for everyone as well as making operations smarter. And WhiteWater is proud to be an integral part of helping clients do just that.”

QUEENSBURY, NY. — Six Flags Great Escape will open its gates for the 2025 season on Saturday, May 17. This year, the park will debut a renewed focus on cherished park traditions with immersive updates and an exciting event series.

The theme park will operate weekends and select dates beginning May 17, with daily operations beginning June 19.

This season, the park proudly unveils the restored Storytown Houses, the iconic fairy tale structures that first welcomed families more than 70 years ago. Carefully repainted and revitalized, these whimsical favorites return to their original storybook charm, anchoring the park’s deep connection to generations of guests.

In addition to the Storytown renovation, guests will find notable ride and dining enhancements. Flashback, one of the park’s classic roller coasters, returns with a vivid new color scheme inspired by its original look and newly designed trains creating a smoother, faster ride for guests. The 2025 season also marks the one-year anniversary of The Bobcat, a wooden coaster and first of its kind in Six Flags history. Blending classic charm with modern innovation, it delivers thrills and fun for the whole family. Plus, a refreshed food lineup introduces tacos and adult beverages to elevate guest dining throughout the park.

Six Flags Great Escape will offer a lineup of special events for the 2025 season. This year the park will introduce a new Independence Day celebration, Red, White & Rock. The event will take place July 3 to 6 and feature high-energy, live classic rock music, patriotic vibes and festive fun for all ages. Guests will also enjoy delicious food and drinks during Oktoberfest, plus Halloween fun for the whole family at Kids Boo Fest and Fright Fest.

Six Flags Great Escape offers a variety of Season Passes, giving guests exceptional value along with their favorite thrills. Passes include unlimited admission, parking, discounts, exclusive benefits, special events and more. This Memorial Day, Six Flags is honoring active and retired military personnel during Military Appreciation Days. All active military personnel and veterans can receive one complimentary single-day ticket to visit the park May 23 through May 26. They may also receive up to six discounted single-day tickets to use over the same period. For more information on Military Appreciate Days and Season Passes, visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape/store/tickets.

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Six Flags America  announces that Hurricane Harbor Water Park will open on May 24, 2025, in a sure sign that summer fun is finally here. Guests can ride the newest attraction in the water park RipQurl Blaster, the Mid-Atlantic’s tallest Master Blaster water coaster. The attraction opened in 2024 and will operate this year alongside classic favorites like Hurricane Bay wave pool, Paradise Plunge water slide, and Splashwater Falls play area.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — This summer, Universal Studios Hollywood will become movie buff central when iconic movies leap from the silver screen to the theme park as part of Universal Mega Movie Summer, an all-new seasonal event designed to offer guests the best summer day in L.A.  Debuting Friday, June 13 and continuing daily through Sunday, August 10, 2025, Universal Mega Movie Summer will create experiences for guests that redefine how they can “beat the heat,” “hang with friends” and “party in the park.”

With the addition of ingenious menu items, curated by Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Chef Julia Thrash and complemented by all-new collections of exclusive merchandise, including apparel and toys, Universal Mega Movie Summer will delight guests and fans with an array of exclusive in-world, themed offerings.

Highlights follow:

• Jurassic World—The Ride Featuring Mosasaurus Splash, inspired by Universal Pictures’ highly-anticipated movie Jurassic World Rebirth opening in theaters on July 2, roars to life within the theme park’s popular dinosaur-laden thrill ride. The iconic 84-foot water drop at the ride’s finale will reverberate with the menacing roar of a Mosasaurus. Four new Spitter dinosaurs will join the melee and water geysers will erupt to shower guests. 
  An all-new adorable dinosaur from Jurassic World Rebirth will join Blue the Velociraptor, Juliet the Triceratops and Baby Tango. These highly realistic, lifelike dinosaurs will engage with guests alongside the debut of an all-new adventure character, also inspired by Jurassic World Rebirth. A larger-than-life photo op of a Spinosaurus dinosaur will welcome guests to step into a thrilling scene from the film for a memorable photo for instant social postings, and an inspiring scavenger hunt game featuring Compy will entertain visitors while keeping them on their toes.
  Jurassic Cafe will serve up a sampling of new prehistoric delicacies, plus Isla Nubar will feature new cocktails, The Jurassic Water Rebirth and Spicy Jurassic Pearadise.
• To mark the 50^th Golden Anniversary of Jaws the movie, Universal Studios Hollywood is reintroducing its iconic hanging shark, a larger-than-life dimensional sculpture photo op, and paying homage to this Academy Award-winning blockbuster with the debut of meet and greet characters, Captain Quint and Chief Brody. On the Studio Tour, Jaws will be featured on the iconic Hollywood Sign replica, situated along the backlot hillside, and the infamous Jaws Lake attraction as it celebrates July 4^th all summer long. 
  Hollywood & Dine, located just inside the theme park’s main entry, will transform into Amity Island Cafe, serving up a menu fit for a great white. Menu and beverage highlights will include Lobster Roll, Vegan Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish and Chips, Fish and Chicken Basket, Shark Bait Burger, Shark Fin Funnel Cake, Amity Island Parfait and Amity Beach Lifesaver Donut, as well as The Shark Bite cocktail and Amity Open Water, a non-alcoholic beverage.
• To commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the landmark film Back to the Future, the iconic Time Machine from the film will be staged on the theme park’s Upper Lot, adjacent to Mel’s Diner. Characters Doc Brown, Marty McFly and Einstein the dog will all be on hand and paw to greet guests and pose for timeless photo ops. 
  With its decades-old throwback sensibilities, Mel’s Diner idyllically captures the essence of Back to the Future, serving up such menu options as the Flux Capacitor Patty Melt, Time Machine Pastrami Melt, Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie, Outatime Cookie, Time Traveler’s Milk Shake, Flux Capacitor Mocktail and Wake Up Juice Cocktail.
• Guests and fans of Universal Pictures’ blockbuster Wicked will have a chance to rejoicify with popular characters, Elphaba and Glinda, when they step out in style to greet guests at the theme park’s existing vibrant Wicked themed photo op, located adjacent to the main entrance. 
• A sculpted dimensional photo op of Toothless from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks’ live action movie How to Train Your Dragon opening in theatres on June 13, will take center stage within Universal Plaza. This lifelike, 730-pound, larger-than-life sculpted dimensional dragon will tower at nearly 6’ in height, measuring 24’ in length and 8’ in width. Surprised guests posing next to Toothless will no doubt be able to imagine themselves soaring with their favorite dragon within the Isle of Berk.
  A dedicated food cart within Universal Plaza will serve scrumptious treats that only a dragon could devour, such as Toothless and Light Fury cookies and a Toothless popcorn bucket.
• As construction continues on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster opening in 2026, the theme park will offer guests an exciting sneak peek at one of the ride vehicles for this all-new adventure. The Dodge Charger ride vehicle, designed to look like Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger, will park within Universal Plaza for guests to enjoy as the theme park races towards the roller coaster’s grand opening next year.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood is also toasting Universal Mega Movie Summer with a variety of entertainment and limited-time offerings. These include:

• Voodoo Doughnut, featuring the cleverly named Doughnut Go In the Water inspired by Jaws, plusLittle Stepper and Big Stepper treats inspired by Jurassic World Rebirth.
• The Universal Studio Store and Cartooniversal will sell a variety of themed merchandise aligned with Universal Mega Movie Summer’s engaging entertainment.
• Five Towers Stage will shake, rattle and roll with DJs and stage performances. Visit Universal CityWalk for more information and a schedule of events.
• Universal Cinema, an AMC® Theatre, is the ideal location to catch the latest blockbusters, including How to Train Your Dragon and Jurassic World Rebirth, with an opportunity to see original movie costumes on display in the theatre lobby. Moviegoers will also have a chance to watch the original Back to the Future movie on the big screen with multiple screenings taking place on July 3. Universal Cinema is the only theatrical venue in the world to feature both a six-story 70MM IMAX® with 4K laser projection and the new PRIME at AMC® theater, featuring 4K laser projection, superior acoustics and heated, plush, recliner seats with built-in subwoofer technology.  Visit Universal Cinema for up-to-date screenings and times.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort has officially welcomed its first finned residents, marking a monumental milestone in the journey to opening day on June 6, 2025. What was once a construction site filled with hard hats and steel beams is now transforming into something truly extraordinary.

From sleek blacktip reef sharks to playful clownfish, mesmerizing cownose stingrays, and even majestic unicorn tangs, SEA LIFE Florida is starting to come alive. The immersive exhibits are now home to vibrant reef fish and curious invertebrates.

“This moment marks the shift from construction site to conservation site,” said Curator at SEA LIFE Florida, Sarah McMahon. “From building walls to building connections between people and the ocean. Every fish, ray, and shark that arrives is a chance to spark curiosity and inspire care for our planet.”

Guests will soon dive into more than 25 interactive exhibits, including a stingray bay, hands-on rockpools, and 10 underwater-themed galleries—all designed with accessibility and inclusivity at heart.

The aquarium will be fully ADA accessible, and SEA LIFE Florida aspires to earn a designation as a Certified Autism Center, a Resort wide initiative.

SEA LIFE Florida is introducing the world’s first “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience in the main ocean exhibit where guests will not only be able to explore as they walk through a 30-foot long underwater tunnel, but they’ll be able to see animals interacting with coral carousels and deep-sea roller coasters—making this an unforgettable adventure for both the guests and the animals.

This living world is still growing, with more species arriving each week until the grand opening this summer. Annual Passholders will be the first to sea it all with exclusive early access on May 23, ahead of the official grand opening.

Plus, guests will have the chance to dive in all summer long with the Summer Resort Play Pass—a limited-time offer that gives guests unlimited admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort and SEA LIFE Florida through September 12. Pay for a day, play all season!

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — It’s kick-off time at Kennywood Park for The Steel Curtain Roller Coaster. The highly anticipated, triple record-setting coaster will reopen to the general public on Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from the park’s General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza, and special guests joining from the Pittsburgh Steelers, including current players and alumni, to mark the official Grand Opening. 

Standing a staggering 220 feet above the park, Pennsylvania’s tallest roller coaster, will return with its famed nine inversions, the most of any coaster in the United States including the highest in North America, this Memorial Day Weekend. To mark the grand return, Gold and Platinum Season Passholders will get exclusive first ride time on the coaster on Friday, May 23. Those interested in tackling record setting thrills early can save $40 on a Gold Season Pass now during the final days of the park’s Spring Pass Sale. 

“Kennywood fans should get ready to reach speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour as they tackle every twist, turn, and touchdown-level drop starting this Memorial Day Weekend,” said General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza. “We can’t wait to reintroduce this iconic coaster to our guests. With a heightened focused on the Steel Curtain’s reliability, this summer, guests can expect to hop on for a ride during every visit to Kennywood.”

Featuring 4,000 feet of track, the Steel Curtain originally opened to riders in 2019. In 2024, the coaster began a yearlong modification project to increase the reliability and longevity of the ride. Through the project, the park worked with the ride’s manufacturer, S&S Worldwide, and third-party engineers to add three new columns and additional braces throughout the ride. This modification decreased the structural movement of the ride, ultimately allowing the coaster to make more cycles throughout its lifespan.

In addition to the grand return of The Steel Curtain, Kennywood’s longest season ever continues with the beginning of Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival on Friday, May 23. Offering mouth-watering foods from around the world, this year’s event features two new countries, Cuba and Spain. Visitors’ taste buds will be thrilled as they make their way around the Kennywood Lagoon to eight tasting locations offering unique menu options at each booth.

The festivities continue throughout the weekend as the popular Nerveless Nocks return to Kennywood for the second year in a row. The Original Dare Devil Circus will take place at various times throughout the day at the Garden Stage from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, June 29. Guests will be on the edge of their seats watching one of the most legendary stunt families in circus history perform breathtaking acrobatics and motorcycle stunts.

Kennywood will be open every day beginning Friday, May 23 through Monday, August 18. Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 through June 29, plus Monday, May 26. Then, in July the park celebrates America with July 4 and 5 fireworks shows above the Lagoon and nine nights of Drone Shows July 11 through July 19, during the new All-American Summer. Kennywood will close out the 2025 season with Fall Fantasy Parades, Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights.

Since its inception SBI Americas LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of SBI Sweden, has emerged as a leader in innovative and reliable kiddie rides in America. An Orlando warehouse was recently opened to better serve U.S. customers, and many new notable customers have been secured including Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and Knoebels Amusement Resort just to mention a few.

“I am very proud of the progress we have made the past year, and I see unlimited potential in the U.S. Our miniature vehicles ranging from cars of different kinds to trucks, tractors, boats, and construction-themed machinery equipment for children are poised for strong growth over the next several years. To that end, I am very excited about bringing Peter Barto and PB Amusement onboard to represent us in the Americas. Peter is a highly respected leader in the U.S. Amusement and Attractions industry. His life-long dedication to and passion for the industry are impressive and I am proud to have him on our team.” Says Morgan Cederblom, CEO, SBI Americas.

“I take great pride in the success I have had establishing meaningful relationships and gaining the trust of amusement and attractions operators around the globe. I am excited to be representing SBI in the Americas and sharing their high-quality, battery-powered mini vehicles and kiddie rides with PB Amusement’s customers.” Says Peter Barto, CEO of PB Amusement, LLC. 

IAAPA supports the Alliance for International Exchange in its campaign urging members of Congress to protect funding for international exchange programs.

On Friday, May 2, the Trump Administration released its FY26 “skinny” budget—a preliminary outline of the president’s priorities for the next fiscal year. The proposal includes a drastic 93% cut to the U.S. State Department’s international exchange programs.

If enacted by Congress, this would effectively dismantle the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), placing exchange programs, the U.S. organizations that run them, and more than 8,000 exchange professionals across the country in jeopardy.

International exchange programs are a smart, strategic investment in America’s future—supporting local economies, strengthening communities, and advancing U.S. foreign policy goals. These programs help make America safer, more connected, more globally competitive, and they deserve continued federal funding.

If the BridgeUSA J-1 Program is important to your organization, now is the time to act. Urge Congress to protect funding for international exchange programs.

ORLANDO — The Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk just got more awesome with the debut of two all-new dedicated areas featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. This expansion doubles the size of the current Universal Studios Store and invites guests to shop the latest merchandise themed to these exciting experiences and other beloved NBCUniversal brands within a reimagined retail space offering everything from apparel to souvenirs to treats and more.

See below for an overview of what guests can experience in the new, immersive areas designed to celebrate The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD:

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
The expanded retail location offers merchandise from all three lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando – including Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Place Cachée in the Ministry of Magic, officially opening on May 22 at the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park. For the first time outside of the Universal Orlando theme parks, fans can indulge in a selection of Butterbeer treats served from an all-new Butterbeer counter, including the cold and frozen beverage varieties – along with a selection of other specialty items from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
The newly added SUPER NINTENDO WORLD section in the Universal Studios Store has an all-new dedicated entrance inspired by the colorful landscapes and beloved characters from Nintendo’s video games. Inside the store, guests will shop an assortment of merchandise featuring some of their favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and more. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is one of the five incredible worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025.

WAVRE, Belgium — Now open at The Land of Legends in Antalya, Türkiye, SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride, marks another successful collaboration between Alterface, a global leader in interactive experiences and immersive entertainment, and Sally Dark Rides, renowned creators of engaging dark ride attractions.

• The ride, having proven a hit at its initial launch in Las Vegas’ Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, made its international premiere at The Land of Legends’ newly opened Nickelodeon Land on March 1, 2025.
• The opening marks a significant milestone as the first SpongeBob SquarePants dark ride outside of the United States, allowing fans from Türkiye and beyond to immerse themselves in the vibrant, fun and chaotic world of Bikini Bottom.

A gem for all ages
Built around a beloved IP, SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride is a joyful adventure that promises an unforgettable family experience. The ride’s humor and character-driven storytelling, paired with intuitive and entertaining gameplay, make it a true gem for guests of all ages, immersing them in the whimsical world of Bikini Bottom and allowing them to become active participants in the SpongeBob story.

The attraction, designed and manufactured by Sally Dark Rides, invites guests to step into Mr. Krabs’ zany carnival, where SpongeBob, Patrick, and the rest of the gang are using a shipment of Krabby Patty ingredients for midway games while attempting to keep Plankton at bay. Leveraging its proven expertise in interactive systems, Alterface provided the cutting-edge shooting system and responsive show control, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for riders.

This integration of storytelling and interactive gameplay was a core objective for the ride, with Alterface’s technology playing a crucial role in achieving this balance. Instead of a traditional shooting gun, riders are equipped with a wand-like Zapper. This deliberate choice offers an intuitive interface, allowing riders to fully engage in the fun and contribute directly to the unfolding story powered by Alterface’s technology.

Building on experience
Alterface has a strong track record of blending popular intellectual property with sophisticated interactive tech to create truly immersive rides, as seen in its work with Sally Dark Rides on the successful Justice League series of attractions. SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride builds on this tradition, offering a deep and captivating experience that goes beyond traditional dark rides by actively involving guests in the narrative through responsive gameplay.

“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Sally Dark Rides,” said Stéphane Battaille, CEO of Alterface. “Our collaboration on SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride exemplifies our shared commitment to creating immersive and memorable attractions.”

Ride mechanics and features
The ride utilizes ETF’s IDR trackless Mystic Mover system, guiding guests through six interactive scenes filled with 2D media and physical targets. Alterface’s technology places riders in the center of the story by triggering and modifying sound, animatronics, media, and special effects in real time – based on each vehicle’s precise position in a scene.

“The interactive elements are perfectly aligned, creating an energetic and dynamic experience. Our system allows players to become the central protagonists, as the story is directly driven by their actions,” said Battaille. “Additionally, Sally Dark Rides did an incredible job bringing the unmistakable humor of the SpongeBob series to life through a storyline and gameplay that are easy to understand, fast-paced, and packed with fun.”

Throughout the ride, at each of the brightly themed game stations, high-resolution laser projectors bring the midway action to life. Alterface’s technology allows players to activate targets on a variety of surfaces, including a giant LED screen in the final scene that stretches nearly from floor to ceiling. Physical Easter eggs are also scattered throughout the ride, offering bonus points to guests who spot and activate them. This combination of interactive challenges and diverse media formats (including five animatronic figures) along with Alterface’s versatile technology, creates a fully immersive environment. At the very end of the ride, a “Hall of Fame” feature showcases player scores, adding a competitive edge and encouraging repeat visits.

A successful partnership
SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride has been captivating guests at The Land of Legends with its immersive storytelling, advanced technology and interactive gaming since its opening.
“As a huge SpongeBob fan, I absolutely love this attraction!” said Battaille. “It feels like stepping into Bikini Bottom and being part of an episode from the series. We are excited to continue this successful partnership with Sally Dark Rides and we hope that it will lead to many more SpongeBob rides worldwide.”