PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood’s recent run of awards continued this week with Newsweek adding the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park to its America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 list following the results of a recent survey.

Dollywood is part of the “Entertainment Providers” grouping of companies and is one of only three theme park companies to be featured on the list. With a caring culture, generous benefits, unparalleled company growth and numerous employment opportunities on the horizon, Dollywood employees—also known as hosts—understand firsthand why the company has received so much positive attention as an employer.

“Dollywood’s hosts are what make this park special,” said Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources, Susan Loveday. “We always strive to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve so they can take care of our guests in a world-class way. We’ve been blessed with a number of awards for our guest experience, but each one of those awards starts with hosts who love where they work and are ready to provide the best atmosphere for those visiting the park.” 

The “America’s Greatest Workplaces” award is based on a large-scale independent research study conducted by Newsweek. Respondents provided insights and experiences on corporate culture, working conditions and other aspects of their current employer and other companies they know. The study incorporates more than 400,000 employee interviews in the U.S. and collected more than 4.9 million comprehensive company reviews. The Newsweek list is one of America’s largest independent employee studies.

Echoing Loveday’s comments, Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Cunningham said, “The companies on this list likely reap the rewards of stronger client loyalty and improved employee retention—clear signs that a thriving workplace benefits everyone involved.”

Pointing to Dollywood host job satisfaction, the park has long been voted as the friendliest theme park in the world. The park also is the only park to ever win the Golden Ticket Award for Best Guest Experience, which factors friendliness of employees—along with cleanliness and value—into its selection consideration. The prestigious Golden Ticket Awards are given annually by industry publication Amusement Today. In late October, Dollywood was named the #1 theme park in the country on Newsweek’s 2025 ranking of America’s Best Customer Service organizations. In May, the National Amusement Park Historical Association named Dollywood as the best theme park in America for the third year-in-a-row. Dollywood also is the reigning Tripadvisor #1 U.S. theme park, an honor based on guest reviews of those who have actually visited the park.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to many regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. and ORLANDO — For the first time ever, horror fans will step into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Prime Video’s “Fallout,” in an all-new terrifying haunted house at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. The unimaginable terror becomes a reality starting Friday, August 29 at Universal Orlando Resort and Thursday, September 4 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Based on the award-winning global video game franchise from Bethesda Game Studios, “Fallout” was a critically acclaimed hit with audiences worldwide when it debuted on Prime Video in 2024. The cinematic series is set in the year 2296, two hundred years after a nuclear war destroyed civilization. All that is left is an eradicated and highly violent hellscape known as The Wasteland crawling with mutated animals and creatures, while gentle citizens take refuge underground in luxury fallout shelters known as Vaults.

In this terrifying haunted house, fans will encounter iconic scenes and characters that will put them into the frightening action of the popular series. The journey begins beneath the surface in Vault 33, where guests follow vault-dweller Lucy MacLean as she escapes a bloody massacre, only to discover an evil hidden secret. From there, visitors venture to the surface, where they must dodge attacks from Scavengers and Raiders, desperate survivors who will do anything to remain alive, as well as mutated cockroaches known as RAD Roaches. As guests travel through the hellish Wasteland, they will go through iconic locations like the Super Duper Mart and encounter The Ghoul, an ageless bounty hunter who has endured radiation exposure for centuries. Additionally, they will come face-to-face with a young squire named Maximus and gaze in awe at his T-60 armor. With frightful terrors at every turn of the eerily authentic haunted house, fans will question if they can ever escape the horrors of The Wasteland.

Guests can now purchase tickets and event-inclusive vacation packages for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, which will run 48 select nights from August 29 through November 2 and feature 10 terrifying haunted houses, scare zones, live shows and more. Products on-sale now include single-night tickets and event upgrades such as Halloween Horror Nights Express Passes – which allow guests to skip the regular lines one time at haunted houses and participating attractions; the R.I.P Tour – which provides priority V.I.P. entry to the haunted houses; and the Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour that offers a glimpse into how the scares are brought to life via a daytime, lights-on journey through select haunted houses. Fans can also get an early start by adding the Scream Early ticket to their Halloween Horror Nights admission, which gives them access to Universal Studios Florida starting at 3 p.m.; or stay, scream and save up to $200 on a special vacation package that includes hotel accommodations just minutes away from the haunts, one-night admission to Halloween Horror Nights plus access to a dedicated gate for entry into the event, daytime admission to enjoy Universal’s theme parks – including the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park, exclusive benefits and more (package savings vary based on length of stay).

Plus, Premium Scream Night returns to Universal Orlando for one night only on Thursday, August 28, giving fans the opportunity to be one of the first to experience this year’s scares during a limited-capacity event that includes access to everything they love about Halloween Horror Nights, plus shorter wait times, a selection of all-you-care-to-enjoy food items and more.

SAN DEBASTIAN, Spain — HTX Surf will become a key destination for surfing and the lifestyle it embodies, featuring a 52-module Wavegarden Cove. The system delivers over 20 different wave types, varying in size, power, and shape to suit surfers of all skill levels.  

Following a detailed review with investors and an in-depth analysis of critical metrics – including capital costs, operational expenses, revenue generation potential, energy efficiency and wave quality and diversity – Beach Street Development has chosen Wavegarden as the surf technology partner for the project.  

“From a business perspective, as well as overall customer experience, we are delighted to continue working with Wavegarden” said John Luff, Senior Partner at Beach Street Developments. “Wavegarden has a proven track record in delivering a world-class surfing experience while maximizing the potential return on investment.”

The Wavegarden lagoon at HTX Surf will serve as a signature feature and amenity for the larger Generation Park development and also the Houston community as a whole.  It will also include a membership club, leisure amenities, and a Surfside Restaurant & Bar, where guests can enjoy delicious food and refreshing cocktails with views of the lagoon.    

Located within the Generation Park development, HTX Surf is just a short drive from downtown Houston and the airport. HTX Surf is expected to welcome well over 200,000 visitors per year and enhance the surrounding 4000 acres of Generation Park and its many attractions.  

“Beach Street is a very experienced surf park developer and operator, and they know what it takes to create a world-class surf lagoon because they’ve done it before,” said Fernando Odriozola, Wavegarden’s Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer. “Their team understands how to navigate and execute every aspect of surf destination development and operations, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner for this project.”   Beach Street is also preparing to open and operate two more Wavegarden surf facilities: Atlantic Park in Virginia Beach this summer while also currently constructing and preparing to operate DSRT Surf in Coachella Valley which opens early in 2026.  HTX Surf will be the third Beach Street surf destination powered by Wavegarden Cove technology.   

LEGOLAND Water Park Gardaland, the first LEGO-themed water park in Europe, officially reopened its gates on the 31st of May, launching the Gardaland Resort’s summer season and is ready to welcome families and young visitors for a new summer season packed with play, creativity and fun.

Just a few kilometres from the shores of the lake, LEGOLAND Water Park offers the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure and creativity, an ideal setting to spend a day with family or friends. With an area of 15,000 square metres entirely dedicated to the world of LEGO, LEGOLAND Water Park Gardaland offers an immersive experience designed to ignite the imagination and create unforgettable family memories.

From the picturesque Miniland, which reproduces some of Italy’s most iconic monuments in Lego brick versions, to the relaxing LEGO River Adventure, a slow-moving river to be crossed on customisable inflatable rafts with floating bricks, every area of the park is designed to offer something special. Daredevils can brave the forceful power of Beach Party – with its 7 slides and the ever-present giant bucket of water – or the pure adrenaline of Jungle Adventures, while little kiddies can have fun in complete safety in areas such as DUPLO Splash and Pirate Bay.

For those who like to be creative, LEGO Creation Island allows you to build boats, characters and structures using the famous bricks in an exciting waterpark environment.

LEGOLAND Water Park Gardaland represents an ideal destination to enrich your holiday on Lake Garda with an original and involving activity, which combines play, freshness and imagination.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. —  In a heartwarming show of community spirit, the Dorney Park Cares Team recently volunteered their time and talents at Camelot for Children, a nonprofit in Allentown, Pennsylvania, that provides social and educational opportunities for children with disabilities and those facing chronic or terminal illnesses.

The team tackled a range of facility improvement projects, including landscaping, painting, minor repairs, and tidying shared spaces. Their efforts helped ensure Camelot’s campus remains safe, welcoming, and ready to host enriching summer programs for children and families.

This collaboration reflects the power of local organizations coming together for a shared mission. Through their hands-on support, the Dorney Park Cares Team made a lasting impact—demonstrating how meaningful change often begins with simple acts of kindness.

BURBANK, Calif. — The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is pleased to announce Entertainment + Culture Advisors, LLC (ECA) and The Park Database (Park DB) as its research partner for the 2024 TEA Global Experience Index™, formerly the Theme Index and Museum Index Report.

The annual report has served as the definitive study of attendance at the world’s top theme parks, water parks, and museums for the past 19 years. Presented by TEA, global experience design and strategy firm, Storyland Studios and editorial partner, InPark Magazine, the 2024 report will be released in September 2025.

“The information and data collected for this report provides critical insight into trends impacting leisure and entertainment markets around the world,” shared Melissa Oviedo, CEO, TEA. “As our new strategic partner, ECA/Park DB will drive this project, and lead the development, data collection and analysis of the 2024 Index. Our committed Index partners, Storyland Studios and InPark Magazine, will collaborate with ECA/Park DB to finalize the layout, design, editorial and publication of the report. We look forward to sharing the findings and distributing this valuable resource to our members, and the global themed entertainment industry.

Along with ECA/Park DB as the new industry research partner, TEA announced the report will also be rebranded as the TEA Global Experience Index™. The report will continue to include a comprehensive review of the global industry’s performance including key financial metrics, visitor and guest experience trends and attendance across global theme parks, museums, and attractions, and more.

“The Index is an essential benchmark for the global attractions industry,” Oviedo continued. “Through this partnership with ECA/Park DB, we look forward to continuing to provide critical insights which supports industry growth around the world. By coupling the rebrand of this important publication at the same time we welcome ECA/Park DB to lead this project, TEA is continuing to serve and support the next era of themed entertainment.”

Based in Los Angeles, California, ECA works globally on projects ranging from theme park destinations to indoor branded attractions, cultural attractions, immersive experiences and live event venues. The firm is headed up by partners Christian Aaen, Principal and Edward P. Shaw, Principal, and is known for providing market analysis, business planning and feasibility studies for attractions and destination development projects, making it the perfect partner to take over this next chapter in the creation of the Index. For this endeavor, ECA also teamed with The Park Database (Park DB), founded by Wonwhee Kim. The Park Database provides clarity and actionable insights to attraction industry investors, designers, planners, and other stakeholders.

“We are honored to partner with TEA and carry on the legacy of the TEA Global Entertainment Index™,” said Christian Aaen, Principal/Co-Founder, Entertainment + Culture Advisors (ECA). “Since 2004, the Index has served as an essential reference for the global themed entertainment industry.  We look forward to collaborating with Storyland Studios and InPark Magazine to deliver this year’s report.”

”ECA is excited to build on the foundation created by the TEA and evolve the Index in parallel with the industry – covering both the leading trends in theme parks, waterparks, and museums, as well as new attraction concepts and markets,” furthered ECA partner, Ed Shaw.

“At The Park Database, we’ve always believed that rigorous data is the key to unlocking insights in the attractions industry,” said Wonwhee Kim, Chief Intelligence Officer, The Park DB. “We’re proud to help drive the research and development of this year’s Index, and bring visibility into how attendance, guest behavior, and market trends are shifting globally.”

TEA will distribute the TEA Global Experience Index™ this September. To learn more about TEA, view previous editions of the Index and more, visit TEAConnect.org.

ALTENDORF, Switzerland — RES RIDES AG, the Swiss ride manufacturer known for its unique rider thrilling attractions, has set another record with the opening of the world’s tallest Roller Ball at Conny-Land, Switzerland’s largest theme park. The Roller Ball, named Antares rises to 34 meters and is perched on top of the new building that houses the bumper cars, creating a unique combination of rides with efficiency of space.

Antares, delivers pure altitude rush for adrenaline fans and brave families alike. Antares tells the story of ancient visitors from the massive Antares star who crashed down to earth. ‘’We wanted to tie the Space and Voodoo area together with the Roller Ball, and we achieved this with the Antares story,’’ says CEO Roby Gasser. ‘’Also, our park has limited ground space, so we came up with the idea of putting the Roller Ball on top of the Bumper Cars, so we didn’t use any extra space. Plus, now we have the highest roller ball in the world!’’ says Roby.

The RES RIDES’ Roller Ball packs in action in a small footprint. Riders climb to 34 meters taking in the views while the anticipation increases as they wonder what comes next! Suddenly riders swing, zigzag, and freefall down the vertical coaster track. It’s giggles, thrills, and fun for everyone! ‘’The Antares feedback has been very good, as we expected. RES has a very good product, so we are happy to present it,’’ says Jeremy Gasser, part of the family management team.

Thanks to its size and shape, the Roller Ball gives so many installation options: on top of another ride, on a façade of a building, or anywhere with its ultra-low footprint. The Roller Ball works like a vertical billboard and can be seen for miles away.’’ Says Roman Rothe, RES RIDES CEO.’’

RES RIDES has successfully collaborated with Conny-Land before, after installing their Vertical Dark Ride called the Crazy Professor, winning 3 industry awards. ‘’We enjoy working with Conny-Land because they know what they want, and they are open to trying new things, like putting our ride on top of another ride.’’ Says Rothe. Roby Gasser adds, ‘’We have worked with RES for quite a while now and our experience with them has been very professional, and we are pleased to be working with a Swiss company.’’

The Swiss Coaster Club enjoyed a soft opening and chance to ride Antares on 29 May before the official opening. RES RIDES engineers Oscar Elgarrista and Andre Hilfiker delivered a behind the scenes opportunity for attendees to get an up-close look at the engineering of the Roller Ball and to enjoy the first rides on Antares.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new family launch coaster is now open at Carowinds’ Camp Snoopy. Snoopy’s Racing Railway takes riders through giggle-inducing twists and turns while launching them from zero to 31 mph in a matter of seconds. Riders complete two laps on its 804 feet of steel track. With a heigh requirement of just 36 inches, it is the perfect attraction for even the youngest of thrill seekers.

“From the rider experience to the imaginative theming, Snoopy’s Racing Railway showcases our commitment to bringing world-class family entertainment to the Carolinas,” said Brian Oerding, park manager. “Guest feedback has been extremely positive, and as one of our new flagship attractions in Camp Snoopy, we’re sure it will provide fun-filled adventures for generations of park guests.”

Manufactured by ART Engineering, Snoopy’s Racing Railway is the third roller coaster in Camp Snoopy and the park’s 14^th overall.

Ride Specifications

Additional Enhancements Include New AR Experience
Snoopy’s Racing Railway is one of two major attractions expected to open in Camp Snoopy this season. As part of Carowinds’ latest expansion of their kids’ area, Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast, an interactive water ride featuring onboard and onshore water cannons, is scheduled to debut later this summer. Enhancements to the park’s Camp Store retail location and Family and Baby Care Center are currently in place.

Carowinds has also introduced Camp Snoopy Bird Watcher’s Club, an innovative augmented reality (AR) experience available exclusively in the Carowinds mobile app. While waiting to board select attractions, guests use their smartphone camera to complete challenges, test their skills and climb atop the leaderboard. Each game ties seamlessly into select Camp Snoopy attractions, adding depth and excitement to the story. The experience digitally brings the beloved PEANUTS® world to life within the landscape of Camp Snoopy.

Carowinds is now open daily for summer operation, and Carolina Harbor Waterpark will be open daily starting Friday, June 6.

BEAVERTON, Oregon and CARLSBAD, Calif. and BILLUND, Denmark — Get ready to play! From June 7 to 11, 2025, the Nike and LEGO Play Arena will open its doors at LEGOLAND California Resort, the family theme park operated by Merlin Entertainments.

This limited-time experience is part of Nike and the LEGO Group’s exciting global multi-year partnership, dedicated to inspiring active and creative play among children and families. The partnership brings together the imaginative power of LEGO bricks with the “Just Do It” spirit of Nike to welcome all kids into sport and play.  

The Nike and LEGO Play Arena provides a basketball-themed experience for children and families. Guests can participate in a wide range of fun activities, all included with general admission at LEGOLAND California Resort, including:

• LEGO Minifigure Athlete Trading Cards: Kids can create their own personalized LEGO Minifigure character trading card featuring stylish Nike outfits, perfect for trading and sharing with friends.
• LEGO Mini Basketball Jerseys: They can use LEGO bricks to build and display their own mini basketball jersey, showcasing their creativity and team spirit.
• LEGO 3-Point Shot: Kids and families may test their skills by shooting the ultimate 3-pointer on a specially designed court that brings the fun of basketball to life in LEGO form.
• Wall of Fame Photo Opportunity: All guests can capture the moment by taking a photo against the vibrant Wall of Fame as a keepsake.

Following the Nike and LEGO Play Arena and over the coming months, kids can enjoy the opportunity to engage in immersive experiences across different cities around the world, as well as a full collection of products, including LEGO sets and Nike footwear and apparel.

The first LEGO product goes on sale on July 1, with the LEGO Nike Dunk set. This 1180-piece set, for LEGO fans aged 10 and up, features a Nike Dunk, rotatable brick basketball toy and iconic “Dunk” slogan that sports fans can build, rebuild and display. Inspired by the iconic sneaker, first born and worn more than 40 years ago, this set is a celebration of sneaker culture and LEGO creativity that blends the worlds of building and basketball.

The first Nike products will go on sale starting on August 1 beginning with the Nike Air Max Dn x LEGO^® Collection as well as a line of apparel and accessories, followed by the Nike Dunk Low x LEGO^® Collection and more, all celebrating the lifestyle of sport and play. The design of these products was inspired by the unique LEGO design aesthetic, from the iconic stud to the stylized LEGO Minifigure, combined with the power of sport culture and DNA that Nike brings.

The Play Arena at LEGOLAND will be open to guests with tickets to LEGOLAND California from June 7-11. For more information about LEGOLAND California Resort, including hours of operation, visit LEGOLAND.com/California.

FRISCO, Texas — Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, revealed the themed lands kids and families will experience at Universal Kids Resort – a first-of-a-kind resort specifically designed and developed for families with young children. Opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas, Universal Kids Resort will feature lands themed around beloved characters including DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls and Gabby’s Dollhouse; Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants; Illumination’s Minions, as well as Jurassic World.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together,” said Sarah Gibbon, VP & Executive Producer, Universal Creative. “At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends. They’ll be able to do all this while being fully immersed in some of their favorite stories – ones full of curiosity, laughter and joy.”

Ogre-sized fun awaits in DreamWorks’ Shrek’s swamp themed playground built personally by Shrek. Kids can stomp, ride, laugh and play as they celebrate the magic of friendship, warmth of family and power of love.

For the best day ever, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Sandy Cheeks and Squidward will show guests around their neighborhood under the sea. From earning a boating license to relaxing on the beach as bubbles float by, kids and their families and friends can enjoy the nautical, nonsensical delights.

Next, let the games begin as Illumination’s Minions overrun a peaceful vacation retreat. When Yellow Minions attempt to rein in their Purple counterparts, it leads to a wave of unpredictable, water-soaked fun. Take part in this action-packed competition, or just relax, and watch the chaos unfold. Whatever you choose, every splash, laugh and surprise might just bring everyone closer together.

Discoveries abound as kids learn about and come face to face with beloved dinosaurs of Jurassic World in uniquely exciting and interactive ways. The new adventure exclusively created for young explorers will be both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.

Then it’s time for the most melodic, most awesome music festival with DreamWorks’ Trolls. At this colorful, joy-filled, and, of course, glittery fest, guests of all sizes get to join Poppy, Branch and the rest of the gang to bring their voices together in harmony while shining brightly.

That merriment continues with DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws and Perrito. A kitty adoption drive is in full swing with fabulous decorations, sideshow games, fun rides and festive food. For those needing a cat nap, guests can recharge in a sensory garden.

The central hub of Universal Kids Resort will feature shady lawns and interactive play areas that give kids and their families plenty of space to rest and play. Plus, guests can meet characters like Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse in a unique immersive retail experience.

“At Universal Kids Resort, children will have the opportunity to play, sing, dance and discover with some of their favorite characters,” said Dan Cuffe, Vice President and General Manager of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. “Beyond the highly-engaging attractions and shows, families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs. Each of these areas elicit wonder with a lush, colorful environment.”

To top it off, a colorfully themed on-site 300-room hotel designed with families in mind will offer a place to stay, play and relax after all the fun of the park. The vibrant site will also serve as the entrance to Universal Kids Resort.

Announced in January 2023, Universal Kids Resort in Frisco is the first theme park designed specifically for families with young children and is part of the company’s approach of bringing the Universal brand to life to new audiences, in new markets through new, original concepts.